Temple Israel Confirmation Class 5766
Homework Assignment for March 8, 2006
When Push Comes to Shove
1.
Read the texts below and answer the following questions:
Talmud, Shabbat 31a
It happened that a certain non-believer came before Shammai (and Hillel) and said to him,
“Make me a believer, on the condition that you teach me the whole Torah while I stand on one foot…” Hillel said to him, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary. Go and learn it.”
Talmud, Chulin 84b
A man should always eat and drink less than his means allow, clothe himself in accordance with his means, and honor his wife and children more than his means allow, for they are dependent upon him.
Talmud, Shevuot 39a
“They will stumble over one another” (Leviticus 26:37): One because of the transgression of the other. This teaches us that all Israel are responsible for one another. a.
What does the text from Shabbat 31a teach us about the way we interact with others? b.
What does the text from Chulin 84b teach us about the relationships we have with our families? c.
How could you use the text from Shevuot 39a to understand what Judaism has to say about stopping abuse in the Jewish community?
2.
The following are 30 characteristics of a healthy relationship. Which do you think is the most important and why?
AFFECTION
PASSION
GOOD CONVERESATION
UNDERSTANDING
SIMILAR INTELLIGENCE/EDUCATION
HELPING ONE ANOTHER
SHARED JEWISH VALUES
COMMITMENT
FUN
SECURITY
ATTRACTION
FRIENDSHIP
COMPASSION
CHEMISTRY
LOYALTY
HUMOR
FREEDOM FROM ABUSE
TRUST
OPENESS
HONESTY
SUPPORT
COMMON INTERESTS
COMMUNICATION
FORGIVENESS
CARING
LOVE
HONOR
RESPECT
EQUALITY
SHARED GOALS

I have the right:

To ask for date.

To refuse a date.
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To suggest activities.

To refuse activities.

To have my own feelings.

To be treated with respect always.

To have my limits respected.
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To choose and keep my friends.
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To tell my partner when I need affection.

To refuse affection.
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To spend my money the way I want to.

To refuse to lend money.
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To change my mind - at any time.

To leave a relationship.

To be treated as an equal.

To refuse sex at any time for any reason.
I have the responsibility:

To determine my limits and values.

To communicate clearly and honestly.

To ask for help when I need it.

To not humiliate or demean my boyfriend or girlfriend.

To refuse to abuse - physically, emotionally or sexually.

To take care of myself.

To respect myself and my boyfriend or girlfriend.

To allow my boyfriend or girlfriend to maintain their individuality.

To be honest with each other.

To set high goals.

Name: March 8, 2006 / 9 Adar 5766