Torah Text to Symbol

Grade/Class: Grade 5 Chumash

Context: Student learn Sefer Breishit in grade 5.

Learning: In an innovative "Text to Symbol" project, students engaged with a close reading of Torah text and interpreted it through symbolic images, a technique developed by artist David Moss. Collaborating with their Jewish studies and art teachers, students identified key elements in the text. They chose colors and shapes to represent each element, creating a joint color and symbol legend to interpret and internalize the tefillah text. Guiding questions such as "Why did you choose this color for that subject?" and "What emotions are you trying to convey?" helped students understand how colors convey emotions and how shapes tell a story. This creative approach enabled students to develop a new "language" of color and symbol, deepening their connection to the text.