Nasso . Middah/ Jewish Value Activity Early Years & Foundation Stage 0 - 5 The parashah continues to list the jobs that were done by the Levi'im (Levites) such as dismantling and carrying parts of the Mishkan. All these were holy jobs, all equally important and done for the whole of Bnei Yisrael - Realising that any job we are asked to do is important Young children are often asked by their parents and teachers to do 'jobs'. Ask the children what jobs they do at home or at school and how these help others. Key Stage 1 5 - 8 We read that Hashem asked Moshe to tell his brother Aharon and his sons to bless the Bnei Yisrael - 'Yevarechecha Hashem...' - Birkat Kohanim , the blessing of the congregation by the Kohanim In England the Birkat Kohanim is given at the end of Musaf on the Festivals (not Shabbat) and Yom Kippur. (The custom in Israel is different) The Blessing 'Yevarechecha Hashem… (Bemidbar, 6:24 -26) may also be given on other occasions. Discuss what these occasions might be. The blessing (brachah) may be given: The Rabbi to a barmitzvah boy or couple at their wedding By parents to their children on Friday night or festivals By a person performing a Brit Milah, to the baby By some Rabbis to children in the Synagogue on Friday night (Children may ask why we say 'bless you' when someone sneezes. This is said to have its origins in the Great Plague of London in 1665, when sneezing was thought to be an early symptom of the plague. There is absolutely no connection with Judaism.) Key Stage 2 8 - 11 The Tribe of Levi were given special tasks. Each of these were mentioned individually to show how important each task was - Every task and action is important Tell the story behind the book title 'Eats Shoots and Leaves', to show how supposedly insignificant 'marks' (punctuation) can make a vital difference. Some other examples of where this idea applies are missing jigsaw pieces and flat pack furniture with one screw missing. Get the children to think of more examples. This activity is called 'What's Missing?' Print sentences which don't make sense due to missing punctuation. Cut these up and give one to each child. Give them a few minutes preparation time. They take it in turns to read out the sentence as printed, then they read it again so that it makes sense. Example King Charles walked and talked half an hour after his head was cut off. King Charles walked and talked. Half an hour after, his head was cut off.