Kitah Dalet: Samuel
Posted on March 8, 2016
This week and last, Kitah Dalet focused on the Prophet and Judge Samuel, beginning with his family (especially his mother, Hannah), and leading up through his time as a Judge of Ancient Israel, through the war with the Philistines and the loss and return of the Ark of the Covenant.
Samuel’s story gave us much cause for discussion: we talked about the role of animal sacrifice in Ancient Israel and the place sacrifice takes in modern-day Judaism, the importance and ramifications of silent prayer, the symbolism of names in the Tanakh, and the contents and importance of the Ark of the Covenant, among other things. After reading through the story out loud, students were asked to think and write independently about these questions before coming together and discussing as a group. I am more and more impressed by Kitah Dalet’s ability to comprehend and elaborate on the complex and abstract concepts brought up by the stories we study; I’m always excited to hear what they have to say.
Next week, we will continue with the story of Samuel, moving towards the appointment of Saul and the beginning of the reign of the Kings of Israel.