‘Modeh Ani’ – A Prayer of a Small Light and Finding Hope

Lesson Plan: “Modeh Ani”

Length: 45-60 minutes

Target Audience: Upper elementary school classes

Stage 1: Awakening and Gratitude (10 min)

• (0-5 minutes) Opening:
  • Begin in a calm atmosphere with uplifting music.
  • Ask students to close their eyes and think about positive things that happened during their morning, what stood out, and why it made them feel positive.
• (5-10 minutes) The “Modeh Ani” Prayer:
  • Remind students of the tradition of reciting “Modeh Ani” upon waking to thank God for a new day. Explain the root of the word “Modeh” (to thank).
  • Either play a video of the prayer or have students recite it from their siddurim (prayer books).
  • Text: “Modeh Ani Lefanecha Melech Chai Vekayam, Shehechezarta Bi Nishmati Bechemala, Raba Emunatecha.”
  • Ask students what they are grateful for. Have them think of something small, share it with a partner, and then think of something bigger and more impactful.
  • Facilitate a class discussion to share ideas.

Stage 2: Simple Discussion (15-25 min)

• Pose a simple question: “I think that when the world is dark and feels scary, bringing light to one another, reduces the fear. What do you think? Can it help you?”
• Discuss the interpretation: “Some say they think this prayer means ‘Thank you for believing in me.’ What do you think about that? Who can believe in us?”
• Explain that a woman named Rachel Goldberg Polin believes that because God and others believe in her, she can do good things, and that everyone has a special power to help and make a change.
  • (Note for teachers: It is recommended to watch an interview with Rachel Goldberg Polin that inspired the lesson).

Stage 3: “Modeh Ani” of Action (20 min)

• Creative Activity (Drawing/Writing):
  • Hand out paper and colors.
  • Ask students to draw or write about two things (they can trace their own two hands for this):
    1. Hand 1: Something they say “Modeh Ani” for—a good thing that happened to them (e.g., a good friend, a game, a good meal).
    2. Hand 2: A good deed they will choose to do to say “thank you for the belief in me” (e.g., helping a parent, smiling at a sad friend, cleaning their room).
• Alternative Option:
  • Hand 1: A hand of thanks for a friend, teacher, or family member, which they will give to that person.
  • Hand 2: A pledge to themselves of something they will “actually” do for someone. They keep this hand in their pocket until the deed is completed.

Conclusion (5 min)

• (45-50 minutes) A Message for Life:
  • Conclude by focusing on the main message: Each person has an inner light and the power to do good. Even when the world seems sad, we can choose to be that light and to be better, help more, and give more hope each morning.
  • You can end the session by singing “Modeh Ani” again, asking the children to consider what different meaning it has for them now.