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Resources to Celebrate Yom Ha'atzma'ut
Written by Behrman House Staff, 04 of May, 2016
Israelis and Jews around the world are preparing to celebrate Yom Ha'atzma'ut, Israel Independence Day, on May 11-12.
The festivities in Israel usually include ceremonies, barbecues, fireworks, and singing and dancing in the street. These events often focus on Israeli history and culture, everything from classic Israeli foods to Israeli music. As Israel prepares for its 68th birthday, we've rounded up some resources to help you mark the occasion.
For all ages
Israel 21c has created a beautiful film that takes you on a tour of the country.
Israel resources for the classroom
Experience Modern Israel- Immerse students in all aspects of Israel today, meet the diverse people who live there, debate Israel's responses to its challenges, and begin to develop a personal relationship with the Jewish homeland. Comes with digital companion.
Welcome to Israel! - Introduce students to Israel's history and geography, as well as its political, commercial, and cultural life. Israel's struggle to coexist peacefully with its neighbors is presented in a thoughtful and age-appropriate way. Meet Israelis kids: what they do for fun, their favorite sports and foods, and what their schools are like.
For young children
Meet Avi the Ambulance, who dreams of being a life-saving ambulance just like his parents and big sister. Set in Israel, this sweet story give children a taste of the country and the Jewish value of helping others. Co-written with Magen David Adom, Israel’s ambulance, blood services and disaster–relief organization.
Feeling crafty? Young children can make a giant paper-torn map of Israel to introduce the shape, location, major cities, topography and neighbors of the state of Israel. Click for instructions.
For teens
Help teens consider how they can identify with and support Israel and still disagree with some of its actions. This lesson explores whether and how to criticize policies of the State of Israel. Each chapter of Today's Hot Topics, by Aviva Werner, Rabbi Nathan Weiner and Julie Botnick of Hazon, explores the a complex issue from multiple perspectives, and includes source sheets of relevant Jewish texts, step-by-step lesson plans, and accompanying activities.
In this newly revised edition, Bard adds up-to date, current information that fleshes out the latest events of the region and places them in context of the historical issues at play.
Today's Hot Topics
Encourage students, teachers and families to explore the issues of the day and develop their own opinions informed by Jewish values.
