Al Gore, former U.S. vice president and former presidential hopeful, once said that running for president is like a job interview. The American people and the media ask tough questions of the candidates and determine which applicant has the political skills and professional experience best suited for the job.

But, much of modern presidential campaigning relies on public relations and fame. It is the voter’s responsibility to see past the hype to determine which candidate is best able to handle the global and domestic issues that face our country.

Article, lesson plan and source sheet included.

GRADES: 7-10, 50 minutes

ESSENTIAL QUESTION: What qualities do you think voters should look for in a presidential candidate?

LESSON AT A GLANCE In this lesson, students discuss important Jewish values that we should look for in our leaders and conduct job interviews of current U.S. presidential hopefuls to look for examples of these values in the lives of our presidential candidates.

OBJECTIVES

·         Students will explore ways in which Jewish values help make good leaders.

·         Students will find examples of how they demonstrated these values in their own lives.

·         Students will evaluate the current presidential candidates based on these values.