Teaching Israel
Guidelines for Successful Israel Education
This page highlights some creative approaches to Israel education. The title of each guideline ends in "-ate." This is an English approximation of the Hebrew word "et," that means "time", a concept emphasized in the piece's opening quote from Kohelet. The assumption behind these guidelines is that "taking the time to make it real" can pay off in more compelling Israel educational programming.
A Guide to Talking About Israel in Your Congregation
Recognizing that communal dialogue about Israel is often challenging, this guide aims to help congregations facilitate open and honest conversations about Israel. The guide addresses the kinds of issues and concerns that make these conversations challenging and provides suggestions for how to overcome some of these issues.
Topics: Congregational Development, Education, Israel-Politics, Jewish Life, Teaching Israel Type: Community Discussion Guide
Israeli Independence Day Ceremony
This Yom Ha'atzma'ut ceremony was designed by Rabbi Rebecca Lillian. It includes poetry, readings and song.
Topics: Education, Holiday Resources, Israel: Culture, Reconstructionist Judaism, Synagogue Programs, Teaching Israel Type: Ritual
Israeli Women's Social Change Organizations
This is a list of diverse Israeli organizations that protect women's rights. The study questions encourage students to learn more about women's organizations in their own area.
Bibliography on Israel and Zionism
This bibliography on Israel and Zionism was included in a 2004 report by the JRF Israel Policies Task Force.
The Te'udat Zehut—Identification Card
This lesson discusses Israeli identity through the example of the personal identification card. Students are asked to think about nationality, discrimination and other issues related to national identity cards.
Hebrew Slaves and Israeli Foreign Workers
This study guide identifies connections between contemporary Israeli foreign workers and ancient Hebrew slaves. This piece draws on Torah text and newspaper articles; it also includes discussion questions and links to Israeli human rights organizations' websites.
Topics: Education, Holiday Resources, Israel-Politics, Pesach, Teaching Israel, Text Study, Tikkun Olam Type: Class Activity
Israel in Our Lives: Life-Long Learning About the Land of Israel
This is a curriculum for Israel education. The author encourages people of all ages to connect to the land of Israel through language, liturgy, song, trips and relationships.
Topics: Curricula, Education, Family Education Programming, Israel: Culture, Jewish Life, Teaching Israel Type: Program Description
Israel's Proclamation Of Independence
This piece encourages communities to study Israel's Proclamation of Independence in the weeks leading up to Yom Ha'atzma'ut. The inspiration for this practice comes from the tradition of studying Pirke Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) from Pesah until Shavuot.
Flag and Graffiti: a Photo Lesson About Israel
This lesson asks students to study a photo taken in Jerusalem and to pose and discuss questions about living in a Jewish state.
