our stories: learning about social justice

Tamhui and the Lesson of Giving

"So, too, collectors are appointed who fetch bread and foodstuffs from every courtyard...They distribute the collections among the poor. This is what is called the Tamhui." Yad, Gifts to the Poor, 9:2

Each Chanukah, children at RJA are reminded that Tikkun Olam requires responsible decision making, deep thought...and even a bit of math!

After learning about five organizations that are working to better the world, students willingly forfeit a night of Chanukah gifts in order to contribute money to the schools tamhui — Hebrew for collection pot. They then must think deeply about how they want to allocate those dollars.

The choice is never easy. All of the organizations work to make the world a better place. They feed the hungry in Israel, provide comfort to children receiving medical care or address poverty in third-world countries. They send sick children to summer camp or provide therapy that helps children walk and talk. So many meaningful options, and RJA students must learn to think deeply about what most inspires them.

During each day of Chanukah, students are given two tokens to allocate to one of five chosen beneficiary organizations. The week ends with Tamhui Math Day. Kindergarteners and first graders count the number of tokens in each tzedakah jar. Second and third graders calculate the total number of checks, coins and bills in our tamhui. Fourth and fifth graders divide the total number of tokens by the amount of money collected, and figure how much tzedakah we will send to each organization.

In addition to the obvious mathematical lessons, students learn the responsibilities of being philanthropists. They feel significant in their ability to improve the world. And they learn to count their blessings.

“Tamhui gives Chanukah a new dimension,” explains Cheryl Maayan, head of school. “The perception that Chanukah is a time of gift getting is balanced by the empowerment they feel giving to help children throughout the world.”