Works of Art

Tikkun Olam Envelope Books

Aim: To create a personal envelope book inspired by Harriete Estel Berman's work Tzedakah.

Materials: Envelopes, markers, glue sticks

Procedure:

1. Have students view and discuss the work of art below. Discuss with students:

• What does the title of Berman's work suggest to you?
  
  
• Do you think this was meant to be used as a tzedakah container or only to be viewed as a work of art?
  
  
• If you were going to use this object as a tzedakah container, what kinds of causes would you collect money for?
  
  
• What are some ways to make the world a better place besides giving money?

2. Have each student create a simple accordion-style envelope book to help in the practice of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

3. Choose an attractive style of envelope (any size or shape will do) and give each student an odd number of them (about seven).

4. Have students use glue sticks to adhere the flap of one envelope to the front of another envelope. Students should repeat this for all of their envelopes. Each student will end up with a string of envelopes that are glued together and can be folded up like an accordion. The flap of the first envelope will serve as the cover of the envelope book. When unfurled, all the envelopes will open on the same side. Students may use a piece of ribbon to fasten the book shut.

5. Ask students to decorate each envelope in the book to illustrate a different form of charity or good deed (for example, recycling, helping a family member, saying something nice to a friend, volunteering). These envelopes will serve as reminders of each student's tikkun olam goals.

6. Every time a student accomplishes one of these goals, he or she can write a note about the experience and slip it into the appropriate envelope within the book.