Guiding Text for the Class

The children of Israel are leaving Egypt for eternal freedom. On their journey, God promises Israel that if they listen to His voice and live according to the Torah and the Mitzvahs, they will be granted: “All the diseases I placed upon the Egyptians, I will not place upon you.” We have learned that Hashem brought many diseases upon the Egyptians through the ten plagues. And we are fortunate, for Hashem promises us: “I will not place them upon you, for I am Hashem who heals you.”

Target Audience

4th-6th Grade

Lesson Duration

30-45 minutes

Lesson Objectives

Students will understand the significance of the Exodus from Egypt as a transition from slavery to freedom.
Students will learn about the connection between observing the Torah and and Hashem’s promise for the health of the Israelites.
Students will identify the concept of Hashem as a healer who protects His people and recognize the privilege of following Mitzvos and assisting the sick and their families.

Materials

Source text: “The children of Israel are leaving Egypt for eternal freedom… for I am Hashem who heals you.”
Map of the Exodus route.
Worksheets with questions and activities.
Drawings or a short video depicting the Exodus.

Lesson Procedure

Opening (10 minutes)

1. Opening Discussion

The teacher will ask the students: What do you know about the Exodus from Egypt?
The teacher will introduce the central theme of the lesson: The Exodus from Egypt as a transition from slavery to freedom, and Hashem promise to the Israelites to protect their health if they listen to His voice.
Guiding Question: Is there a connection between freedom and health?

2. Presentation of the Text

The teacher will read the text aloud in Hebrew and ask the students to listen carefully to answer questions later.

Part One: The Exodus and Eternal Freedom (15 minutes)

1. Class Discussion

What is the meaning of “eternal freedom”?
How did the Israelites feel when they left Egypt?
The teacher will explain the idea of freedom not only as physical but also spiritual – the ability to live according to values and commandments, including maintaining a proper and healthy lifestyle.

2. Group Activity

Students will divide into groups and discuss: What does freedom mean to you? And what does health mean to you? Each group will present their ideas to the class.

Part Two: Promise for Health (20 minutes)

1. Text Study

The teacher will explain the verse: “All the diseases I placed upon the Egyptians, I will not place upon you.”
What is the connection between observing the Torah and commandments and health?
The teacher will emphasize the idea that Hashem is the healer of Israel and protects them from diseases also bt command them to make efforts to keep healthy lifestyle by learning and educating medical studies.

2. Discussion

How can we apply the idea of “Hashem is your healer” in our daily lives?
Is there a connection between a healthy lifestyle and observing the commandments?
Do the children know of any cases where doctors gave up hope for the sicks, but faith strengthened the patient and helped them? What do we learn from this about the importance of faith?
Which famous Jewish doctors do the children know? Do they know Rambam?

3. Creative Activity

Students will write or draw ways in which they can maintain their physical and spiritual health.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Lesson Summary

The teacher will summarize the main ideas: The Exodus from Egypt as a symbol of freedom, and Hashem promise to protect the health of the Israelites.
The teacher will emphasize the importance of living according to values and commandments as part of true freedom.

2. Closing Question

The teacher will ask the students: What did you learn today about the connection between freedom, faith, and health?

Homework Assignment

Students will be asked to write a short essay on the meaning of “freedom” in their personal lives and how they can maintain their physical and spiritual health. They can also ask the family what can we do better for healthier lifestyle.

Teacher’s Notes

It is important to create an open atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas.
Stories from sources or examples from modern life can be used to illustrate the ideas.
If time permits, the ten plagues can be expanded upon, explaining how they relate to the idea of Hashem as a healer and protector and we should be like too as best we can.