Identity

The World's Most Unusual Seder Customs

Share these Pesach traditions from around the world with your students. In the accompanying lesson, students will have an opportunity to develop some of their own unusual customs for the Seder based on traditional Jewish texts. The customs they learn about and those they create are sure to enhance your students' Seder experience. $0.00$0.00Your matzah crumbs are dry, and let's face it, sometimes your Seder is too. Planning your Exodus from your dining room table? Tired of dipping, sipping, biting, and reciting? BABAGANEWZ presents its top picks for Pesach practices, the ones that never made it into your Haggadah. "Whoever elaborates on the story of the Exodus deserves praise." Pesach Haggadah Lesson Summary:  In this lesson, students will have an opportunity to develop some of their own unusual customs for the Seder based on traditional Jewish texts. Printable Lesson:  7809lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet (with discussion questions)

Buoyancy

This article teaches the science of buoyancy and uses the concept as a metaphor for staying afloat in the waters of life. Through text study, discussion, and graphic representations, students will think about what keeps them afloat in the world. After, they will create a list to teach the next generation about keeping afloat.  $0.00$0.00 FLOTATION DEVICES Scuba divers wear BC (buoyancy compensator) equipment to adjust and control their buoyancy while underwater. Freedom Ship, an ocean vessel in development, will be the world's biggest ship floating on water. At one mile long and 25 stories high, engineers envision it as the first ever floating city, with 50,000 permanent residents, a hospital, parks, schools, and shopping malls. "They sank like lead in the majestic waters." Shemot 15:10 Lesson Summary:  Through text study, discussion, and graphic representations, students will think about where their help comes from to keep them afloat in the world. They will then create a list of ideas and values that they feel are necessary to teach to the next generation to keep them afloat as well. Printable Lesson:  7806lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Life Preserver Template

Hi-Tech Time Capsules

This article tells you how to  put together your very own time capsule. Encourage your students to think about the way they fit into the chain of Jewish history by building paper chains with them, while each student creates a unique link style to express the diversity of their Jewish community.   $0.00$0.00In an episode of "Zoey 101" on Nickelodeon, Zoey and her friends at Pacific Coast Academy buried a time capsule to be opened 20 years in the future. In it, Zoey included a DVD monologue about her thoughts, her friends, and what she likes to do for fun. You can bury a time capsule, too, but without the dirt or the shoveling. And no need to worry about what others will think when they open your treasure, because this time capsule is intended solely for you, or at least you in the future. "Remember the days of yore, understand the years of generation after generation." Devarim 32:7 Lesson Summary:  The class will build a paper chain with students creating a unique link style and putting some of their ideas on each link. Then the students will link their chains together to express the diversity of their Jewish community at this time. Printable Lesson:  7807lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet

High Court Hears Ten Commandments Cases

Do religious symbols like the Ten Commandments have a place in the American justice system?Students will work in pairs to study sources that will help them articulate their own positions on this debate about separation of church and state. $0.00$0.00Thomas Van Orden is a homeless man with tobacco-stained teeth and unkempt hair. He lives in a tent in a patch of woods near the state capitol building in Austin, Texas. Van Order refuses to discuss the sad circumstances that have turned his life upside down, but he proudly describes his legal battle against the state of Texas to remove a six-foot tall monument of the Ten Commandments (also known as the Decalogue) that stands on the capitol grounds. Lesson Summary:  Students will work in pairs to study sources that will help them articulate their own positions on this debate about separation of church and state. Printable Lesson:  8501lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Ten Commandments Sheet Additional Resources:  A picture of the Texas Capitol Ten Commandments monument: http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/spb/gallery/MonuList/10lg.htm The Anti-Defamation League’s amicus curiae brief filed in the Texas Ten Commandments case, opposing the public display of the Ten Commandments: http://www.adl.org/Civil_Rights/ab/10commandments.pdf The amicus curiae brief submitted to the Supreme Court by the National Jewish Commission on Law and Public Affairs, in support of maintaining the monument: http://www.ou.org/pdf/5765/draft10comm012705.pdf

Hope in the Holy Land

Dr. Daniel Gordis speaks with four Israeli teens about hope for peace between Israel and Palestine. In the accompanying  lesson, students will explore their own hopes for Israel and compare them to the hopes expressed by the teens and those in Jewish texts. $0.00$0.00Though Israel's national anthem is called "Hatikvah," the hope, the mood in Israel is not always hopeful. With terrorist rockets landing regularly in Sderot (a small town in southern Israel that borders the Gaza Strip), key government officials under criminal investigation, and no peace deal with Palestinians in sight, many Israelis are concerned about their country's future. To find out what some kids in Israel think, BABAGANEWZ asked Dr. Daniel Gordis, a respected author and educator, to talk with four Israeli teens. Here are excerpts from their conversation: Lesson Summary:  In this lesson, students will explore their own hopes for Israel and compare them to the hopes expressed by the teens and in Jewish texts. Printable Lesson:  6807lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Additional Resources:  Daniel Gordis on the dialogue with students Live Hatikvah May 8, 2008

Lior Liebling Lifts Our Spirits

This article is about Lior Liebling, a young man with Down syndrome who posseses the remarkable ability to find strength and hope in tefillah (prayer) and inspires others to do teh same. In the accompanying lesson, students will write meditations/kavanot and enrich their own prayer experiences. $0.00$0.00  "Hope in God; be strong and God will give you courage, and hope in God." Psalms 27:14 Lesson Summary:  In this lesson, students will write meditations/kavanot in order to enrich their own experience of prayer. Printable Lesson:  6802lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Additional Resources:  Making mizrach signs

Max Moline: Shattering Stereotypes

Read how one day's experience inspires a boy to fight against prejudice and stereotypes. The lesson which accompanies this article  examines thedifferences that seem to separate people, and how to respect and even celebrate differences. $0.00$0.00  "You're late. Get off the bus n----rs," barked the tour guide at the Slavery and Civil War Museum in Selma, Alabama. "Put your hands on the wall and spread your legs," she screamed. The surprise reenactment of a slave auction shocked Max Moline and the other high school students in his group. "I will never know the pain of being an African-American slave," says Max, a 17-year-old from Alexandria, Virginia, "but this experience was so wrenching that I felt nauseous and cried." "Give, then, Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people." I Kings 3:9 Lesson Summary:  Students will consider the ways in which people are different and similar. Students will explore how human differences fit into the concept of tzelem Elokim. Printable Lesson:  5802lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet

Reflections

Images in mirrors have no impact on each other, People, created in God's image, reflect God in their best interactions with other people.  Consider the refelction of your outer and inner self, and how well that reflects God. $0.00$0.00 SEEING IS BELIEVING Only large brained social animals-such as Asian elephants, dolphins, and orangutans-can recognize their own reflections in a mirror. In 1651, Peter Stuyvesant, gover nor of New Amsterdam, founded the first house of mirrors amusement park attraction based on the House of Mirrors in Versailles, France. The town of Viganella, Italy, which is located in a narrow valley and gets no direct sunlight for seven weeks in the winter, installed a computer-controlled mirror in 2006 to reflect sunlight into the town square. "As water reflects a face back to a face, so one's heart is reflected back by another." Proverbs 27:19 Lesson Summary:  Students will describe themselves externally (their appearance) and internally (their characteristics or nature), and they will attempt to describe God in similar terms. Students will examine the differences between comparing themselves to God externally and internally. Students will study texts that examine the implications of the statement that people are created in God’s image. Printable Lesson:  5806lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Template for 4x Reflections

Lessons in Life

Students will learn about the Landy family and the Jewish concepts of hesed (acts of kindness), ahavat Yisrael (love of fellow Jews), and tzelem Elokim (in God’s image). Students will prepare documentary-style interviews while role-playing people connected to the Landy family, and study Jewish texts to explore these concepts. $0.00$0.00  The physician's diagnosis was devastating. Six-year-old Becky Landy of Rochester, New York, born with spina bifada-a serious condition that results when the spinal column doesn't form properly-had developed scar tissue on her back, which was pulling on her spinal cord. The only way to save her life, concluded her surgeon, was to sever her spinal cord, which would mean she would never walk again. Becky's parents, Anita and Doug Landy, gave their consent to proceed with the surgery. "God gave three gifts to Israel: people who are merciful, people who are modest, and people who perform acts of kindness." Bemidbar Rabbah 8:4 Lesson Summary:  Students will identify ways in which we can do acts of hesed and can treat people with the awareness that they are reflections of tzelem Elokim. Students will consider how they can grow, or have grown from adversity. Students will examine the nature of their connection to other Jews as members of the Jewish people. Printable Lesson:  5808lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Additional Resources:  Empowering Jews with Disabilities Human Rights Learning Centre: A great resource on human rights and people with disabilities Bizchut: The Israel Human Rights Center for People with Disabilities Americans With Disabilities Act homepage

Natalie Portman: Connected to Israel's Magic

Share this uplifting article about Natalie Portman and her connection to Israel with your students. $0.00$0.00In her role as Padme Amidala in the Star Wars prequels, Natalie Portman vigorously defends the people of Naboo. But not even someone as strong as Darth Maul (Dark Lord of the Sith) can stand up to Natalie when she's defending Israel's honor. In fact, as a student at Harvard University in 2002, Natalie challenged anti-Israel statements in the student newspaper that accused Israel of racism. Lesson Summary:  Students will explore the concept of ahavat Eretz Yisrael as it relates to the diversity of Israel's people. Students will study Jewish texts on diversity in Israel and celebrate Israel's diversity through food. Printable Lesson:  4804lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet

Bahar Soomekh: Mission Possible

In an interview with actress Bahar Soomekh we learn how she shows her appreciation for all she has. Through aTwizzlers exercise, students will learn that sometimes we need each other, and we should thank each other for helping. . $0.00$0.00In Hollywood, you never walk alone. It takes not only talent, training, drive, and a camera-ready smile, but also a boost from friends and family to achieve your dreams. "It is good to thank God and to sing praise to God's exalted name." Psalms 92:2 Lesson Summary:  Students will identify things and people for which they are grateful and to whom they are appreciative. Students will learn that we cannot accomplish everything in life completely independently. Students will study Jewish texts to learn about hakarat hatov. Printable Lesson:  3804lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet

A Geek's Guide to Internet Glory

Make your mark on the Web--but consider the message you are sending.  What does Judaism have to say about internet posting?  Is connectivity positive or negative? After discussing the messages behind selected YouTube videos, students will plan, script, and produce their own videos.  $0.00$0.00During his 6 minute mega-hit,Evolution of Dance, posted on YouTube last summer, comedian Judson Laipply dances his way through 50 years of rock 'n' roll history. He shakes like Elvis, shimmies like Travolta, and swipes like Timberlake. The hilarious routine-watched by more than 57 million people-catapulted Laipply from relative obscurity to Internet stardom. Lesson Summary:  Students will think about how technology can be used to make a difference in the world and will create a class video and think about what type of message they want to send. Then, they will examine the role Judaism plays in posting to the Internet. Printable Lesson:  2808lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet

The Choice of a Lifetime

Read these stories with your students. They will learn that people seek the comfort of a Jewish community for any variety of reasons, from help with recovery to spiritual guidance. They will then discuss ways in which Judaism allows for individuals to change and offers the means to do so, and will help each other reflect on different ways to approach challenges. $0.00$0.00 Choosing Sobriety After her boss fired her and her parents kicked her out of their house, Rachel Cohen (not her real name) fled to a friend's apartment. But it wasn't long before that situation soured, and she was forced to leave. Rachel's last stop in her steep, personal decline was sharing a house with people smoking heroin. "That's when I realized that if I stayed there," Rachel, now 17, recalls, "this is where my life would be going." "What is the proper path that a person should choose? Whatever is a credit to him and earns him his honor." Pirkei Avot 2:1 Lesson Summary:  Students will grapple with the concept of behirah hofshit by role-playing difficult scenarios. Students will discuss the ways in which Judaism allows for individuals to change and offers the means to do so, and will help each other reflect on different ways to approach challenges. Printable Lesson:  1808lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Scenarios Source Sheet Additional Resources:  Students Against Destructive Decisions Crowell, Nancy A. et al. Adolescent Decision-Making: Implications for Prevention Programs, 1999.

Miri Ben-Ari: Playing Her Own Tune

Read about Miri Ben-Ari, the hip-hop violinist, who chose an unconventional career for a classically trained musician. In the accompanying lesson, students will reflect on times they've made difficult choices and create storyboards that depict choice-making moments. $0.00$0.00Miri Ben-Ari stood onstage at the Apollo Theater in New York City. She cradled her violin in her arm and stared at the audience. Although her eyes sparkled, they concealed a defiant determination, as if she knew something the hip-hop heads waiting impatiently in the darkness didn't: Her violin was about to rocket hip-hop music to the next level of expression, which she would call "urban strings." Casually, she raised her fiddle and positioned it under her chin. Then, without a trace of the fury that would soon explode from her right hand, she elegantly lifted the bow. Lesson Summary:  Students will consciously identify the choices they make and how those choices affect their own lives, others around them, and the general environment. They will set goals for themselves to work toward making better choices. Printable Lesson:  1804lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Journal Prompt

BRACHA Academy Course Catalog

Read this fun Jewish parody of Hogwarts. $0.00$0.00In an exhaustive survey of training programs published to coincide with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Useless News and Worthless Retorts magazine awarded its highest rating to BABAGANEWZ Reflect and Consider How Academy (BRACHA). BRACHA offers talmidim (students) comprehensive courses that not only explore the human heart, but also awaken students to an ancient wisdom that cultivates happiness and fulfillment. Lesson Summary:  Students will examine and reflect upon their actions during the past year through the use of multiple modalities. Students will study and discuss various Jewish texts related to teshuvah. Printable Lesson:  1809lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Log Sheets Source Sheet Mehilah-o-grams

Youtai Means "Jews"

Read this story about the short existence of Judaism and the Hebrew language in 17th century China. In the accompanying lesson students will consider what it means to rebuild a Jewish community.Students will think about how they would build up a Jewish community and decide what aspects of their own Jewish community they would send to another Jewish community that over time had been destroyed. $0.00$0.00For six months in 1642, the emperor's enemies tightened their siege around Kaifeng, China, and choked the life out of the historic provincial capital. As the situation deteriorated, a desperate plan to save the city emerged. In a last-ditch effort to repel the invaders, defense forces demolished the dikes that held back the deadly Yellow River. The tactic succeeded, but tragically, 100,000 inhabitants drowned in the flood waters, including an unknown number of Jews who lived in Kaifeng's 800-year-old Jewish community. Lesson Summary:  Students will learn about the history of the Jewish Community of Kaifeng, and how it was destroyed. Students will establish which aspects of their own Jewish community they value and believe to be central to a vibrant community. Printable Lesson:  7702lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Additional Resources:  href="http://www.galigirls.com/product_info.php?cPath=50&products_id=205"> Reyna and the Jade Star Los Angeles Chinese Learning Center

Don't Laugh!

Surprise your students with a class full of  games from which they will learn something. This article outlines severalgames that share the same goal: To win, players cannot laugh. This lesson utilizes thegames to bring students together in a fun and positive way. . Thelesson also aims to create a tangible experience from which students can explorethe reason(s) for the Jews’ celebration at the end of Megillat Esther. $0.00$0.00 GAME1:HA How many: You'll need a minimum of three people to play this game, but it's best suited for large groups. Setup: Each player rests his or her head on the tummy of another person, forming one giant circle. How to play: The first player begins by saying "ha." The second player says, "ha ha"; the third player says, "ha ha ha," and so on, with each player adding another "ha." Each "ha" must be pronounced solemnly. Lesson Summary:  Students will play games to explore how simhah created through humor–particularly when created intentionally for the benefit of another–fosters camaraderie and a heightened sense of community. Printable Lesson:  6707lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet

Kangaroos

In this article, students will read about how kangaroo mothers are known for taking extremely good care of their newborn babies. Through discussion and text study, students will explore the human parent-child relationship through a Jewish lens. $0.00$0.00 ROOS DOWN UNDER The western grey kangaroo is nicknamed the "stinker" because of the males' awful odor. Red kangaroos can run 40 miles per hour and leap 42 feet with each jump. Kangaroos can only jump if their tails are touching the ground. POUCH POTATOES Marsupials (animals with pouches), especially kangaroos, are some of Australia's famed attractions. There are at least 60 known species of kangaroo in Australia. "Everything that happens to the parent is a sign to the children. Ramban on Bereishit 12:6 Lesson Summary:  Through discussion and text study, students will explore the human parent-child relationship through a Jewish lens. They will then create a contract befitting the relationship. Printable Lesson:  4707lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet

Jeff Swartz: In Step With Torah

In this interview, Jeff Swartz, former CEO of Timberland, explains the importance of daily Torah study. The accompanying lesson aims to have students explore their own identities as learners and the importance of committing to a life of Jewish learning. $0.00$0.00  If every person who bought a new pair of Timberland shoes or boots during 2005 were to walk only 3,000 steps a day in them, then Timberland footwear would carry their owners about 45 million miles-the equivalent of walking to Mars. Moreover, in one year, satisfied Timberland customers would comfortably walk 16 billion miles, the distance from Earth to the edge of our solar system-and back. "Some of Israel's wisest people were woodchoppers, others drainers of water, and others blind. Despite this, they studied Torah day and night." Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Torah Study 1:9 Lesson Summary:  The lesson aims to have students explore their own identities as learners and the importance of committing to a life of Jewish learning by analyzing texts about the rewards for learning Torah and creating ads to “sell” lifelong Torah study. Printable Lesson:  3704lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Additional Resources:  The Timberland web site has a whole section on community service: http://www.timberland.com/timberlandserve/timberlandserve_index.jsp?clickid=bottom_timserve_img

Senator Allen Discovers Jewish Roots

This article explores Senator George Allen’s discovery of his Jewishheritage. In the accompanying  lesson,students will research other notable figures who areJewish and who draw upon their Judaism to achieve success. They will then stage a forum in which one student,acting as Senator Allen, will interview the other personalities about how they incorporate Judaism into their lives. $0.00$0.00Senator Allen Discovers Jewish Rootsfrom BabagaNewz Magazine, Kislev 5767 / December 2006 Lesson Summary:  In this lesson, students will research other notable figures who are Jewish and who draw upon their Judaism to achieve success. They will then stage a forum in which one student, acting as Senator Allen, will interview the other personalities about how they incorporate Judaism into their lives. Printable Lesson:  3701lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet

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