Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah is dedicated to providing merit for the neshamos of those who have passed on, particularly through our Mishnah and Gemara study programs. In conjunction with this mission, they offer educational opportunities and materials to teach children and adults about the neshamah, Olam Haba and our ability to impact those in the next world, all fundamental elements of our faith. Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah has published valuable educational resources to teach children about death and l’iluy neshamah.
- May the Neshamah Have an Aliyah: A Teacher’s Manual for Students in Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade
Rebbeim and teachers routinely explain Shabbos, Kashrus, Gemara, Mishnah, Chumash and Rashi to their students. The importance of doing mitzvos for departed loved ones can and should be explained as well, along with the idea that as Jews, we believe in the next world. We are not just a body but a neshamah that lives forever.
The Aliyas Neshamah Curriculum was developed with the goal of instilling basic emunah concepts and educating children about how they can stay connected to those who have passed on. The curriculum can be used in tandem with other important lessons, such as when teaching about the passing of the Avos and Imahos; when reviewing current events; anytime a gadol or leader is niftar; when discussing the Holocaust; and when teaching about fast days or other tragic events in Jewish history. It can also be used to appropriately address personal tragedies in the classroom or school, such as when a family member or someone close to a student passes away.
The Aliyas Neshamah Curriculum was developed with the input and expertise of experienced mechanchim and professionals. It has been met with great enthusiasm in the schools where it was piloted this year and can be customized for children in grades K-12. The Aliyas Neshamah Teacher’s Manual can be downloaded for free here.
- I Lost Someone Special
To most children, the loss of a loved one means the end of a relationship, a permanent and painful new reality. Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah’s new children’s book, I Lost Someone Special by Mrs. Bracha Goetz, is a powerful tool that helps children view this life circumstance in a different light.
The book presents the reassuring idea that even if we can longer see or interact with those who have passed away, we are still connected to them and can actually benefit them in Olam Haba. The book also encourages children to be proactive in performing mitzvos in the merit of a loved one. It includes ideas for mitzvos that can be done for this purpose, as well as a page for writing down one’s personal projects. Also helpful is the inclusion of the text and translation of what to say before learning l’iluy neshamah, as well as a Mishnah that children can learn.
I Lost Someone Special has been warmly welcomed by parents and educators, who are using the book as an educational tool and a springboard for further discussion.
- Mishnah Messages Program and The Mysterious Benefactor
In conjunction with the publication of I Lost Someone Special, Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah has launched its Mishnah Messages Program, with the goals of offering continuing education about concepts relating to aliyas neshamah and encouraging children to engage in learning and mitzvos as a zechus for the departed.
Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah partnered with master storyteller Rabbi Mayer Erps, who narrates the fascinating tale of The Mysterious Benefactor, about the power of Kaddish recital. This story CD is available to children as the first installment of Mishnah Messages.
- Mishnayos Chazzarah Charts
As part of our mission, we are committed to educating the public, and children in particular, about the importance of Mishnah and facilitating its study. The Gemara tells us that one who learns and does not review is likened to one who plants and does not reap. In the interest of inculcating this concept in children from a young age, Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah has created attractive Mishnayos Chazzarah Charts, which can be used to plot students’ progress and maximize long-term retention. The large-print format allows the charts to be used for multiple reviews and can easily be used in conjunction with incentive programs. Charts can be custom-tailored for whatever masechta is being studied.
- Shishah Sidrei Mishnah Poster
Our beautifully designed, full-color, laminated Shishah Sidrei Mishnah Poster introduces children to the beauty and excitement of Mishnah study. It includes a breakdown of each masechta of the Mishnah according to the appropriate seder. A vivid photo collage illustrates such key concepts as chalitzah, eilu metzios (finding lost objects), bikkurim, korbanos and many others. It can be placed in a classroom or sukkah.
Wherever it is displayed, the poster can serve as a catalyst for discussion. It has already received enthusiastic reviews from parents and educators, as it is utilized to engage viewers’ curiosity and review important material.
To order copies of May the Neshamah Have an Aliyah Teacher’s Manual, I Lost Someone Special, The Mysterious Benefactor, Mishnayos Chazzarah Charts and the Shishah Sidrei Mishnah Poster, visit: www.ChevrahLomdeiMishnah.org, contact us at 732-364-7029 or at info@ChevrahLomdeiMishnah.org.
