What We Offer
Positively Torah Curriculum
Aspirational Models
Torah & Positive Psychology
Nurturing our Superpowers
In each lesson, learners explore how Bible heroes call upon their character strengths to navigate challenging situations. They gain inspiration from these Bible heroes and identify ways to use our superpowers wisely and effectively to become their best selves. They then consider what it is like to draw upon these strengths, to recognize and appreciate these strengths in others, and dream how to leverage these strengths to make a positive difference in the world.
Jewish values are inextricably woven throughout the Torah. Torah study is a powerful vehicle that can provide a moral compass which guides our beliefs and our actions. Positively Torah combines Positive Psychology and Torah study to provide deep pathways to foster and nurture our positive character strengths. Together they help us to become our best selves, appreciate the best in others, and make a positive difference in the world.
We all have the same 24 positive character strengths. We call our strongest character strengths our superpowers. These are the strengths that are easiest for us to draw upon, and using these superpowers empowers us to become our best selves and to thrive. Positive Psychology focuses on our strengths rather than our deficits and allows us to celebrate what is best about each of us. We hope by using Positively Torah, you will become comfortable applying this methodology to other areas. o
Big Idea of Positively Torah
Torah study, in which Jewish values are interwoven, is a vehicle to gain a deeper understanding of our own and others’ character strengths. When these strengths are leveraged, they help us thrive and compel us to apply Jewish values to make a positive difference in the world.
Goals:
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To know and understand the nuances of the positive character strengths
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To spot character strengths in biblical heroes, ourselves and others
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To identify our unique character strengths that help us become the best that we can be and leverage those strengths to actively make a difference in the world
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To reflect on the challenge of when exercising a strength is difficult and consider ways to meet that challenge
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To use character strengths to cultivate meaningful relationships that are deepened through hevruta and strength spotting.
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To view Jewish traditional texts as a source of inspiration for our daily lives
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To nurture and support empathy and kindness through both a Jewish and universal lens
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To build knowledge of Hebrew vocabulary and Torah texts related to character strengths
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: U R Unique
Learners are introduced to the 24 character strengths and the why behind understanding our own character strengths through the lens of Torah study. They learn about their own unique signature strengths. Each student takes the VIA test and receives a personal assessment of their individual character strength hierarchy.
Chapters 2 through 7 present excerpts from Torah texts that depict Torah characters using - or not using - their character strengths. Students will reflect on the text and practice strength spotting as they identify how the Torah characters and how they themselves and others use character strengths. Each chapter focuses on one of the main categories or “virtues” of strengths as presented by the VIA Institute: Justice, Humanity, Temperance, Courage, Transcendence, and Wisdom.
Chapter 2 - The Justice Superpowers of Leadership and Fairness; Abraham in Action
Chapter 3- The Humanity Superpowers of Kindness and Social Intelligence; Rebecca in Action
Chapter 4 – The Temperance Superpowers of Self-Control and Forgiveness; Joseph in Action
Chapter 5- The Courage Superpowers of Bravery and Perseverance; Moses, Aaron, and the Women Who Stood up to Pharaoh in Action
Chapter 6- The Transcendence Superpowers of Hope and Gratitude; Moses, Aaron, Miriam, and the Israelites in Action
Chapter 7- The Wisdom Superpowers of Judgment and Perspective; Moses, Joshua, Caleb and the Scouts in Action
Chapter 8- A Symphony of Superpowers
Students reflect on the process of Torah study, strength spotting, and how they can use their own character strengths to be their best selves and to make a positive impact on the world. Students will consider the narrative of the Israelites at Mt. Sinai and how the words of the Israelites - “We will do, and we will hear” - mirror how they build their character strengths by doing and gaining understanding through practice. Learners will choose a new Torah text in which they will note character strengths in action, and share how they use these strengths in their own lives.