The Tanach department recently initiated a brand new project-based learning workshop. Through this “PBL” project, created and spearheaded by Rabbi David Schlusselberg and Mrs. Ronit Goldberg, the students will be conducting a trial where Yosef ’s brothers are tried for their actions against him.

The students divided into teams and delegated the roles of attorneys, witnesses and media reporters. Each student prepared for the trial within his or her roles by interacting with the Bereishit text and mefarshim (sources), getting into the mindsets of the characters, conducting interviews with the “witnesses” and building the team’s case. Students have met with an English department faculty member, who is also a lawyer by training, to obtain insight into the legal process.

This project allows the students to engage with the material in a creative way, using various skills of debate, video-making and role playing to bring the text and the mefarshim to life.