CU3-13

**Goal**: Students will use the myth of the binding of Isaac (the Akeidah) and the destruction of the World Trade Center as a way to discuss how following the supposed commands of a deity can lead to ignoring our notions of justice, morality, love, etc. ** 1. **** Gain attention of the learner**: What would you do, if someone asked you to destroy the one thing you treasure most? ** 2. **** Review relevant past learning**. Review location of Isaac in the mythical history. Recall Abraham’s actions when God wanted to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah and Noah’s reaction when God wanted to destroy most of humankind. ** 3. **** Present new material**: Genesis 22.The Bible tells that Isaac is born and Abraham is commanded to sacrifice his heir. As he is about to slay his child a ram appears. Abraham is stopped, told that he is a loyal servant and told to sacrifice the ram. How important is it, to have the type of obedience that you don’t think whether your action is correct or not? ** 4. **** Provide guided practice**: Review the events in this story. What events are imaginable and which are not? Sacrifice at an altar was a practice from the days of idols. What reasons can your students give for maintaining people of this time choosing to still practice it? ** 5. **** Provide independent practice**: Slaying of Isaac is just one of the tests mentioned in the Bible. What tests of braveness have your students had to conquer? Students should work independently at their desks and record a list of at least three difficult decisions they had to make. How did they make their final choice, did this choice have an impact on their lives?
 * 3-13 Faith and Fanaticism - Binding of Isaac **
 *  6. Close the lesson **: Have students compare their decisions