The Trial of Kayin:
A Classroom Court Case

In an engaging and thought-provoking classroom activity, Mrs. Taubes’s 12th grade Tanach class took on the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys and witnesses to argue the case of Kayin, who stands accused of murdering his brother Hevel. The trial, based on the beginning of Bereishit, challenged students to dive deep into the text, drawing on interpretations from Midrash and commentaries.

Groups of students worked together, preparing arguments from both the prosecution and defense sides. The prosecution argued that Kayin’s actions were premeditated, pointing to his jealous nature and the nature of his korban as evidence of his guilt. The defense, however, contended that Kayin was provoked and acted in desperation, possibly under the influence of his yetzer hara.

The activity not only provided an in-depth exploration of the story of Kayin and Hevel but also encouraged critical thinking, collaboration and a deeper understanding of the complexities of human emotions and actions. Reflecting on the trial, students were prompted to consider the role of jealousy, free will, teshuva and how different commentaries shaped their perspectives on the story.