Stories We Live by: Kamtza and Bar Kamtza

Grades: 4-7      The Stories We Live By lessons use Jewish folktales and Rabbinic stories to teach important Jewish values. Each lesson tells a story and offers probing questions and text study for students to consider. Twelve Stories We Live By lessons are available. The teacher's guide is sold separately.

Stories We Live by: Kamtza and Bar Kamtza  is set in Jerusalem, in a time when Jewish zealots, Pharisees and Essenes are fighting each other for control in the city, and the Roman army is outside the city waiting to invade. A man sends his servant to invite his friend Kamtza to come to a party. The servant brings Bar Kamtza, the man's enemy. Bar Kamtza begs his host to let him stay, even offering to pay the cost of the party, but the man is so enraged by his enemy's presence, he refuses. This lesson teaches the value of sinat hinam, groundless hatred, which caused the destruction of Jerusalem.

*When you purchase this lesson you will be provided with a link to download the lesson. Make as many copies of this lesson as you need for your school and only your school. Materials that are downloaded are not returnable. Teacher guide is not included.