Not Just a Workbook

This post started out to be a description of Torah study techniques inspired by a textbook and workbook used in the Israeli public school system. But all that changed when I examined the workbook closely and discovered that it began with a letter. Iona Zielberman and Dalia Korach-Segev, authors of the workbook, had written students a letter describing how they had created materials to stimulate students' interest and to introduce them to the experience of Torah study. Iona and Dalia urged the students to study the textbook (containing the Torah Text, illustrations, explanations, and stories) in class and at home, independently and with parents.
Next, the authors described the workbook and its activities - the workbook which would "accompany" the students all year in their study of Torah, specifically Sefer Bereishit.
All good, positive, motivating information.

The high point, however, and the point I wish to share, came when the authors revealed their intention that at the end of the year, each workbook would be an attractive "album" of the student's Torah study "work". The workbook would be "l'mazkeret" - it would be a remembrance, a keepsake. For this reason, Iona and Dalia urged students to use their best handwriting, to cut and paste carefully, to keep their workbooks "n'kiah um'suderet," clean and orderly, and to avoid wrinkling the pages.

Think about it - A workbook designed to be a remembrance of the students' first efforts at Torah study, of their early steps on the path to life long Jewish learning. What a wonderful concept! We, too, can convey this concept to our own students: Respect and value your Religious School learning materials. Do your best work, as these materials represent your foundation for future Jewish learning.
Not just a workbook - a mazkeret. That makes all the difference!