1914 - Present

Helping Victims of the Tsunami: What You Can Do

Be inspired by the Jewish response in America and Israel to help victims of the tsunami in Southeast Asia. $0.00$0.00  Lesson Summary:  Students will learn about the Jewish responsibility to help others in need and make a pledge to lend a helping hand. Printable Lesson:  6501lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet List of Jewish organizations collecting for tsunami relief

A Safer Playground

Read about how these day-school students in Connecticut developed what they believe to be the safest and cleanest playground surface.  $0.00$0.00Each year, more than 200,000 kids are treated in emergency rooms for playground-related injuries. But four eighth-graders might change all that. Last June, students from Hillel Academy in Fairfield, Connecticut, won a gold medal in a national competition for developing what they believe to be the safest and cleanest playground surface: recycled rubber. Yori Thau, Jay Estes, Jason Friedman, Michael Epstein, and their science teacher Karen Howell dropped eggs, grew mold, and conducted tests to arrive at their conclusion.

Art with a Heart

Read about the Hiddur Mitzvah Project, which aids Jewish communities in need around the world. In the lesson, students will practice active listening and will plan an inclusive Shabbat activity.  $0.00$0.00  In a synagogue in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 30 tables are set for Shabbat dinner. Although the meal is simple--a few ounces of chicken, a spoonful of rice, and a leafy vegetable--the promise of free food attracts hundreds of hungry people, including some who are not Jewish. Jerry Tanenbaum, a Jewish communal leader visiting from the United States, has just sat down to eat when he notices something odd: instead of eating, the congregants who prepared and served the meal are milling around, near the back wall. "God is my strength and my song; God has become my deliverance. This is my God, and I will glorify God." Shemot 15:2 Lesson Summary:  In this lesson, students will practice active listening and will plan an inclusive Shabbat activity that shows respect for different types of Shabbat celebration. Printable Lesson:  4509lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Hiddur Mitzvah Project Proposal Form Additional Resources:  Source Sheet (printable) Hiddur Mitzvah Project Proposal form (printable) Additional Resources Hiddur Mitzvah Project: http://www.hiddurmitzvah.org Poetry and Jewish Prayer: A Handbook for Teachers by Cathleen Cohen

Haym Solomon

Read about Haym Solomon, a Jewish soldier in the Revolutionary War, gave his all to America. $0.00$0.00  "Thank you, Haym Salomon," gasped the wounded Revolutionary soldier. "You saved my life." While spying for the Sons of Liberty, Salomon had stumbled upon the injured soldier lying in a dark alley. Without hesitating, the Jewish revolutionary patriot carried the wounded man under the cover of darkness and shadows to the Salomon home to treat the gaping musket hole in the soldier's chest.

Bush and Kerry Face Off

Learn about the debate on outsourcing labor. In the lesson, students will learn about the issues involved, explore relevant Jewish values, and judge the different sides of the debate. $0.00$0.00The man with whom you're speaking on the telephone sits in an office in New Delhi, India. He politely explains, for the third time, why your new computer crashes every time you save your history assignment. Unaccustomed to his thick Indian accent, you tightly press the receiver to your ear, but his explanation remains indistinct. Frustrated, you thank him, hang up, and ask yourself, "Why can't my computer company hire Americans, whom I can understand?" Lesson Summary:  Students will learn about the issues involved, explore relevant Jewish values, and judge the different sides of the debate. Printable Lesson:  2501lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Case Study Worksheet Additional Resources:  Follow-up story on Dell opening new plant in U.S.: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/techinvestor/corporatenews/2004-11-09-dell_x.htm Transcript of John Kerry's February 10, 2004 speech in Fairfax , VA: http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/02/10/elec04.prez.transcript.kerry Economic Report of the President--2004: Economic Report: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/eop George W. Bush: http://www.georgewbush.com John Kerry: http://www.johnkerry.com Business Ethics Center of Jerusalem : http://www.besr.org

To Bee or Not to Bee

Prepare your students for Rosh Hashanah  with this article about the apiary at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai. Students will enjoy taste-testing many different types of honey to motivate their study of the symbolism of honey on Rosh Hashanah as an expression of hope for a sweet year and a metaphor for the process of teshuvah.   $0.00$0.00"Bee stings hurt and they can kill," warns Ilan Meiri, an experienced beekeeper at the apiary (bee farm) on Kibbutz Yad Mordechai. "But they're only dangerous if you're allergic to bee venom," he adds quickly. As Ilan collects honey from a dripping honeycomb with his bare hand, a swarm of bees buzzes noisily around the bulky white suit and wire-mesh mask that he wears for protection. Without flinching, Ilan continues working. "I know I'm not allergic," he laughs, "because they sting me now and then." "May it be Your will, God of our ancestors, that You renew for us a good and sweet new year." Prayer recited before eating apple dipped in honey on Rosh Hashannah Lesson Summary:  Conduct a taste test with different kinds of honey and explore the symbolism of honey on Rosh Hashanah. Students will discover how honey serves as both an expression of hope for a sweet year and a metaphor for the teshuvah process. Printable Lesson:  1508lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Class Honeycomb Stencil Additional Resources:  Kibbutz Yad Mordechai's web site (in Hebrew): http://www.yadmor.org.il Yad Mordechai honey is available at Jewish and Israeli vendors or through certain online stores.

Aboard the Exodus: Setting Sail for Freedom's Shore

Share the powerful story of the Exodus with your students. In the accompanying lesson, students will compare the Exodus from Egypt to the 1947 Exodus in order to understand the connection between freedom and Israel. Students will also explore how groups of people working together have the power to affect the course of history. This lesson can be taught around Pesach-time, as part of a unit or course on Israel, or as a way to connect the Book of Exodus to modern times. $0.00$0.00  "It is this promise that has stood by our ancestors and us:...in all ages they rise up against us...; and God, the Blessed One, rescues us from their hands." Ve'hi She'amdah, Pesach Haggadah Lesson Summary:  Through a comparison of the Exodus from Egypt and the Exodus 1947, students will understand the connection between freedom and the Land of Israel. Students will also understand that groups of everyday people working together for a common goal have the power to affect the course of history. Printable Lesson:  7407lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Aliyah Bet Worksheet Exodus Timeline Glossary of Terms Additional Resources:  Newsreel of the Exodus 1947 arriving in Haifa http://www.babaganewz.com Exodus 1947: The Ship That Launched a Nation, by Ruth Gruber. New York: Times Book, 1999. A history and many photographs from different states of the Exodus 1947 voyage: http://www.haruth.com/VirginiaExodus1947.html A brief history of the S.S. St. Louis: http://www.us-israel.org/jsource/Holocaust/stlouis.html

Russia Today and the Jews

Despite the difficult political situation in Russia and the increase of anti-Semitism there, it is possible to address the situation with hope. Learn about the Jewish community in Russia and the challenges it faces, study some texts about hope, and then take action to inform your community of the issues, give the Russion Jews hope, and advocate with your political leaders.  $0.00$0.00Vladimir Zhirinovsky (pronounced Jheer-in-ov-ski) has been the leader of a political party in Russia that spreads hatred toward Jews and other minorities. He regularly blames Jews for Russia's economic hardships, repeating the anti-Semitic lie that the world's largest banks and corporations "are ruled by Jews." Lesson Summary:  In this lesson, students will study a variety of Jewish texts and consider how this article fits into an issue dedicated to the theme of tikvah, hope. Printable Lesson:  5401lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Russian Jews Action Plan Additional Resources:  NCSJ http://www.ncsj.org Jewish Telegraphic Agency http://www.jta.org Union of Councils for Soviet Jewry http://www.ucsj.org

A Wealth of Data Reveals Jewish Poverty

This article exposes students to the unfortunate decline and poverty of the Jewish community of the United States. The accompanying lesson offers age-appropriate ways for students to discuss the statistics and develop plans to help Jews in need. This lesson could be used with a bar and bat mitzvah class to inspire students' mitzvah projects.  $0.00$0.00  Even though the blessing of prosperity enriches the majority of the American Jewish community, an alarming number of Jews live in poverty. This finding, announced last September by Jewish community leaders, shattered the myth that Jewish poverty exists only in New York City. Anita Friedman, director of a Jewish social service agency in San Francisco, warns that despite the community's preoccupation with its spiritual survival, Judaism can't survive "at the expense of the poor and vulnerable among us." A SHIFT IN DEMOGRAPHICS Lesson Summary:  This lesson is an opportunity for students to learn some important statistics about Jewish poverty; to discuss which segments of the Jewish community suffer most from poverty; and to develop an action plan to help change the situation. Printable Lesson:  4401lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Excerpts from chapters 1 and 2, the Book of Ruth

Inside the Pentagon with Dov Zakheim

In the interview with Dov Zakheim,  the former Under Secretary of Defense for the United Statesexplains about his position and how despite the numerous responsibilities and demands of hisjob, he is a committed and observant Jew who always makes time for Judaism in his life. Inthis lesson, students will conduct holiness interviews as a means of exploring the concept of sacred time. $0.00$0.00  It covers 29 acres, has 17.5 miles of corridors, and is the workplace of more than 23,000 employees- each working to defend the United States. The Pentagon- a massive five-sided building located near Washington, D.C.- houses the U.S. Department of Defense, including the office of Under Secretary of Defense Dov Zakheim, the man responsible for operating the military's $380 billion annual budget. "Now then if you will obey Me faithfully and keep My covenant, you shall be My own treasure from among all peoples, for all the earth is Mine. You shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." Shemot 19:5-6 Lesson Summary:  In this lesson, students will conduct holiness interviews as a means of exploring the concept of kedushat zman, sacred time. Printable Lesson:  3404lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Holiness Questionnaire for Peer Interviews

Is America's Democracy for Sale?

The article looks at two important ideas—free speech and unfairinfluences—through the lens of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act.  This lesson highlightsthat Jewish law supports both the value of speaking out and the value offair, unbiased judgment. $0.00$0.00  In 1999, a 90-year-old activist known as Granny D, walked from California to Washington. D.C., to dramatize the need for campaign finance reform. She wore out four pairs of shoes, but her enthusiasm for reform never faded. For 14 months, Granny D walked 10 miles a day, warning Americans that democracy "is drowning in a flood of money." ONE PERSON- ONE VOTE Lesson Summary:  The lesson demonstrates the potential values conflict between the value of speaking out to defend the downtrodden and the importance of unbiased judgments. Printable Lesson:  2401lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Word Definitions

The Secret Shofar

Even in the danger and despair of the Holocaust, these Jews found a way to perform the Mitzvah of blowing the Shofar. Inspire your students before Rosh Hashanah or Yom Hashoah with their story. $0.00$0.00  This is a true story about Jewish prisoners in a labor camp in Poland celebrating Rosh Hashanah during World War II. Because some details of their story are unknown, we have imagined how several events might have unfolded. "Blow the shofar at the moon's renewal, at the time appointed for our festive day." Psalms 81:4

From the Four Corners of the Earth

In the article about four olim, immigrants to Israel, students will read about young people from different backgrounds who have all made Israel their permanent home. In this lesson, students will consider how Israel functions as a home for Jews all over the world and how it serves as a haven for those from the Diaspora. $0.00$0.00  They journeyed from the four corners of the earth- from Germany, the United States, Argentina, and Ethiopia- but their destination was the same, Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). In celebration of Israel's 55th birthday, BABAGANEWZ spoke with four Israeli olim immigrants). Although they traveled different roads to Israel, they share one thing in common: They're all convinced they've come home. Joyous Laughter at the Birth of a Nation "May God redeem us soon and gather in our dispersed from the four corners of the earth." Siddur, Blessing of the New Month Lesson Summary:  Students will consider how Israel functions as a home for Jews all over the world and how it serves as a haven for those from the Diaspora. Printable Lesson:  9307lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Additional Resources:  Text of Israel’s Declaration of Independence: http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH00hb0 Text of United States’ Declaration of Independence: http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration/declaration_transcription.html The Declaration of Independence read in Hebrew by David Ben Gurion: http://www.knesset.gov.il/docs/eng/megilat_eng.htm

Speak Out for Israel

This article discusses how Israel is portrayed in the media and its effect on the opinion of the American Jewish community.To address the media’s bias against Israel and to bolster Israel’s image, select high school journalists have been participating in an Israel advocacy program. In the program, these young writers are learning about the history and politics of Israel to enable them to speak out on Israel’s behalf. In this lesson, students will join the effort and create positive advertisements about Israel to help strengthen Israel’s public image. $0.00$0.00On September 30, 2000, newspapers around the world printed a horrifying picture- an injured college student kneeling in front of an Israeli policeman who was waving a riot baton. The caption identified the bleeding victim as a Palestinian demonstrator and created the impression that the scowling Israeli had beaten the young man. But in reality, the student was an American Jew who had been attacked by a crowd of Palestinians. The Israeli policeman was the rescuer, not the oppressor. "For the sake of Zion I will not be silent." Isaiah 6:21 Lesson Summary:  Students will create positive advertisements about Israel to help strengthen Israel’s public image. Printable Lesson:  9306lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Hatikvah lyrics in English and Hebrew Media Bias Lesson Plan from Tishrei 5762 Background on Hatikvah

Natan Sharansky: Lover of Zion

Natan Sharansky describes his feelings towards the Jewish homeland, and how kids can strengthen their connections with Israel. In the lesson, students will discuss how his love of Zion provided him strength and morale during his incarceration and shaped his future life in Israel. $0.00$0.00  Even in his dark prison cell in the Soviet Union, Anatole Sharansky kept a flicker of hope alive. Stooped over in the cold, cramped cell, he pictured himself living freely in the Jewish state- visiting the waterfall of Ein Gedi, lying on the sand in Eilat, and swimming in the blue waters of the Red Sea. "The entire world is a very narrow bridge, but the main thing is not to fear at all." Rabbi Nahman of Bratzlav Lesson Summary:  Students will explore background information about Soviet Jewry and the Six Day War. They will discuss how Sharansky's love of Zion provided him strength and morale during his incarceration and shaped his future life in Israel. Printable Lesson:  9303lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Leaving Mother Russia lyrics Im Ein Ani Li lyrics Additional Resources:  Article from The Jerusalem Post about Sharansky's politics and morality: http://www.jewishmediaresources.com/article/82 Yisrael Aliya web site with information on and articles by Sharansky: http://aliya.org.il/English/knesset.html

Celebrating in the Shadow of Despair

Read about how two teens and their families found a way to celebrate in the midst of tragedy. The lesson will held students focus on the ways that their families can mark happy milestones even during times of national sadness. $0.00$0.00  "Let there be rejoicing at the time of rejoicing and mourning at the time of mourning." Bereishit Rabbah 27:4 Lesson Summary:  Students will focus on the actions that can be taken at times of tragedy that can also bring comfort to an entire nation. Printable Lesson:  7305lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Additional Resources:  Michal’s family’s organization that helps the families of victims of terror http://www.onefamily.org.il

The Race for President: Lieberman Leads the Democratic Pack

Jews played an important role in the 2004 race for President. Learn the history of Jewish political involvement in America, and explore the making of a Jewish political leader through text study and discussion. $0.00$0.00  On January 13, 2003, Senator Joseph Lieberman announced that he is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for president. His historic decision signals the end of a long struggle by American Jews for full participation in the political system. "I'm not running on my faith," Lieberman said. "But my faith is at the center of who I am, and I'm not going to conceal that." BREAKING DOWN POLITICAL BARRIERS Lesson Summary:  In this lesson, students will engage in text study and discussion to explore the making of a Jewish political leader. Printable Lesson:  7301lesson.pdf

A Walk Through History

This creative article takes students on a walking tour of Jerusalem, following in the footsteps of Judaism's great tzaddikim (righteous people). In the accompanying lesson, students will become more familiar with Jerusalem, deepen their connections with the city, and learn about Jewish personalities considered to be tzaddikim. Teach this lesson around Yom Yerushalayim to heighten students' awareness of the city's history, or as a part of a whole unit or course about Israel.  $0.00$0.00  As I grabbed my CD player and stormed out the door, I heard my mom hollering at me: "Think about it, Molly, and do the right thing." She has been giving me that advice since I was in second grade; you see, my mother believes in the power of tzaddikim (righteous people). According to the Talmud, there are 36 hidden tzaddikim in the world at all times. They spend their lives helping people, and without them the world would perish. Because these tzaddikim are unknown, my mom says that we should always act as if we were one of them. "And they that lead the many to righteousness will be like the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12:3 Lesson Summary:  Students will learn about Jewish personalities known as tzaddikim and will explore the idea of what makes a person a tzaddik (a righteous person). Printable Lesson:  6309lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet

Justice Stephen Breyer: In Pursuit of Justice

Read this interview with Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. Your students will explore the role of the Supreme Court in seeking and determining justice, reflecting upon Jewish values, principles, and practices. $0.00$0.00  "You shall administer truth, justice, and peace within your gates." Zechariah 8:16 Lesson Summary:  Students will explore the role of the Supreme Court in seeking and determining justice, and how that exercise reflects Jewish values, principles and practices. Printable Lesson:  6304lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Additional Resources:  Lyrics to Debbie Friedman's Im Ein Ani Li Jewish Justices of the Supreme Court, Slater, Elinor and Robert. Great Jewish Men, Middle Village, N.Y: Jonathan David Publishers, 1996. Great Jewish Women, Middle Village, N.Y: Jonathan David Publishers, 1994. U.S. Supreme Court http://www.supremecourtus.gov General Introduction to the Talmud http://www.faqs.org/faqs/judaism/FAQ/03-Torah-Halacha/section-16.html Hillel’s Sayings http://mentsh.com/avot1-14.html

The Road to Freedom

Read this article about a Jewish Freedom Rider and explore the value of social justice in Jewish tradition. The accompanying lesson will help you teach your students how their individual contributions on behalf of a cause can help effect change and bring about social justice. $0.00$0.00  "You who know righteousness...do not be discouraged when others insult you and say hurtful things." Isaiah 51:7 Lesson Summary:  Students will explore modern parallels to the Freedom Rides and consider how their individual contributions can help effect change and bring about social justice. Printable Lesson:  6308lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Additional Resources:  Social Action Ideas and Opportunities http://www.giraffe.org http://www.idealist.org http://www.networkforgood.com

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