Learn the words in Hebrew to figure out the joke below:

failed  לֹא עָבַר

test  מִבְחַן

every  time כָּל פַּעַם

heard  שָׁמַע

forgot  שָׁכַח

everything  הַכֹּל

Solution

Teacher: Why didn’t Haman pass his Hebrew test?

Student: Every time he heard “Mordechai,” he forgot everything!

Teacher insight:

This humorous exchange highlights an important aspect of emotional and cognitive responses to stress or conflict. Haman’s inability to pass his “Hebrew test” because he keeps forgetting everything when he hears “Mordechai” can be seen as a metaphor for how personal biases or overwhelming emotions can cloud our judgment and focus. When we hold onto negative feelings, they can interfere with our ability to perform effectively, think clearly and make rational decisions—just as Haman’s obsession with Mordechai blocked his ability to function properly.

As educators, we can draw a parallel to how students might struggle when they’re emotionally distracted or holding onto negative feelings. It’s essential to foster an environment where students feel emotionally safe and are encouraged to release negative distractions so they can focus on their growth and learning. Teaching emotional intelligence, coping strategies and the importance of letting go could help students perform better and achieve greater success.

Students who are constantly worried about their performance, exams or social dynamics may struggle to focus on their studies. Emotional stress can cause them to forget key information, much like Haman forgetting when faced with his emotional trigger.

When students feel frustrated—whether it’s because of a disagreement, an unfair situation or personal challenges—it can be difficult for them to stay calm and engaged in class.

Students who are afraid of making mistakes or not meeting expectations might shut down or avoid participating. This fear can create mental blocks that make it hard to absorb new information.

In the classroom, these types of emotions can prevent students from reaching their full potential, much like how Haman’s obsession with Mordechai distracted him from his goals. Helping students navigate and manage these feelings can make a huge difference in their learning experience and overall success. By providing emotional support and tools for managing distractions, we can guide students towards clearer thinking, stronger focus and improved academic performance.

Maya Yehezkel is a Hebrew teacher at Yeshivat Noam middle school. For private tutoring, all levels, email yayhebrew@gmail.com.