Gossip can be good for you?
Ideas for classroom use (See MIFGASHIM October 23,
2005)
Betty Ann Ross: Coordinator of Educational Resources
BJE Nassau/Queens Center
rossb@bjeny.org
THEME:
AGES:
VALUES, LASHON HARA
MIDDLE SCHOOL AND UP
BIG IDEA: Judaism contains guidelines about behaviors among people as
well as between people and God
An article in the NY Times describes the value and usefulness of
gossip. It suggests that gossip keeps people 'in line', that it serves
to reinforce cultural norms of behavior. It quotes researchers who
explain how gossip is used to correct unacceptable behaviors.
htp://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/16/science/16goss.html?pagewanted=print
Judaism has an interesting perspective on gossip.
Divide your class into two groups. Divide each group into smaller
groups of no more than 3 students. Each group should read one of the
following two articles:
http://www.jewfaq.org/speech.htm
http://www.torah.net/sites/halachayomit/lashon.html
QUESTIONS TO ASK:
1.Is there a difference between gossip and lashon hara?
2. Does Judaism permit gossip? Explain your answer.
3. Does what you read suggest that Judaism views gossip in the way
the NY Times article describes? Explain.
4. How does what you read about the Jewish attitude toward gossip
agree or disagree with what you read in the NY Times article?
5. What do you think about gossip/lashon hara in your life?
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Go to this site for a cartoon (look at it before using it with your
students) about lashon hara. What is the meaning of this cartoon to
you?
http://shabot6000.com/archive.php?id=30
The following website suggests a simple project you may want to do
with students:
http://www.usy.org/yourusy/sato/projects.asp
The following article is not for direct use in the classroom, but you
may find it interesting reading.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/16/opinion/16shriver.html?pagewanted=pri
nt