Lesson

Torah Page 550

Study a verse of medieval Hebrew poetry with your students whichaddresses the idea of Israel as a homeland for Jews, and what the conceptof “homeland” implies.  Through this lesson, your students will explore why their awareness of affairsin Israel is (or should be) greater than it is with regard to other countries. $0.00$0.00Just plain loving Israel is not enough. I give to Israeli charities. I had a pen pal in Israel. I write letters to Israeli soldiers. I pray for Israel every morning. Herzl's dream was to have an Israel. He said, "If you pursue your dream, it's not just a dream." We are pursuing his dream. Martine Kaplan I believe as Jews we are all connected to Israel, for that is where our pride and our faith is. Every day I think about Israel and feel like part of me is there. I can feel the pain and pride of those fighting to defend Israel, our true home. Lesson Summary:  Students will study the verse by Yehudah Halevi and explore the idea that Israel is the Jewish homeland. Printable Lesson:  9302lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet World Map (color) World Map (black and white) Background on Hatikvah

How Do You Express Your Love for Israel?

How do you express your love for Israel? Find out in this fun quiz! $0.00$0.001. Your school is planning a special program for Yom Ha'atzmaut. You were asked to be on the planning committee. The committee members consider several ideas for the Israel Fair. The one you like best is: a. Each booth would show Israel at a different stage in history. Students would dress up in costumes to indicate the different periods, for example, King David's reign, the time of the Maccabees, and the days of early Zionist pioneers. Lesson Summary:  Use this quiz with your students  as a springboard for discussing different ways to show one's  love for Israel. Then think with your class about a variety of other ways to support Israel. Printable Lesson:  9301lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Additional Resources:  A Package from Home http://www.apackagefromhome.org/index.htm Kids for Kids http://www.kidsforkids.net/ NAVAH http://www.navah.org.il/kids.html

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

Let Freedom Ring, Rock, and Roll!

In this lesson about Pesach music, students will listen to songs from the Seder and songs about the values of Pesach, explore the themes and meaning behind these songs, and reflect on how the songs enhance their understanding of the holiday.   $0.00$0.00  Lesson Summary:  Students can listen to the tunes and study the lyrics of a wide variety of Pesach music.  Printable Lesson:  8307lesson.pdf Additional Resources:  "Avadim Hayinu," by Peri Smilow and The Freedom Music Project (printable) "Baruch Hamakom," by Sam Glaser (printable) "In Every Generation," by Jeff Klepper and Dan Freelander (printable) "Piece of the Puzzle," by Craig Taubman (printable) "Surfing Passover," by Doug Cotler (printable) "The Ten Plagues," by Jeff Klepper and Dan Freelander (printable) "Into the Sea," by Schlock Rock (printable) "Miriam's Song," by Debbie Friedman (printable) "Leaving Mother Russia," by SAFAM (printable) "Close Every Door," by Michael Ian Elias (printable) "The Seder Plate," by Julie Silver (printable)

Ants

Students will consider how animals and insects can serve as role models for us and will complete an art activity to help them learn from the ant. $0.00$0.00Amazing Ant-ics "Lazy one, go to the ant; study its ways and learn." Proverbs 6:6 Lesson Summary:  Students will consider how animals and insects can serve as role models for us and will complete an art activity to help them “learn from the ant.” Printable Lesson:  8306lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Ant Template

The Festival of Freedom for Butterflies Too!

The Abramowitz-Silverman family has a unique tradition of raising caterpillars into butterflies and setting them free on the first night of Pesach, as a symbolic remembrance of the Jews' freedom. The metaphor of butterflies will lead students to reflect on the meaning of freedom and inspire them to write poetry about the transformative process of freedom. $0.00$0.00What does Pesach bring to mind? If you're like most kids, the holiday reminds you of matzah, bitter herbs, finding the afikomen, and reading the Haggadah. But mention Pesach to the Abramowitz-Silverman family in Boston, and they think of butterflies. "What does the simple child ask? 'What is this all about?' You should tell the child: 'It was with a mighty hand that God took us out of Egypt.'" Pesah Haggadah Lesson Summary:  Students will explore the metaphor of butterflies and freedom and write their own poetry describing the transformation process. Printable Lesson:  8308lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Diamante Poem Instructions Transformation Poem Instructions

Debating the Death Penalty

The article explores the Jewish perspective on the death penalty. In this lesson, students will further consider these perspectives through text study and discussion. $0.00$0.00  Three days before he left office earlier this year, Governor George Ryan of Illinois pardoned four death-row inmates and reduced the sentences of all 167 prisoners on death row to life in prison. Ryan stated that 13 death-row inmates had already been proven innocent. "How many more cases of wrongful conviction have to occur," he asked, "before we can all agree that the system is broken?" DEFENDING THE DEATH PENALTY Lesson Summary:  Students will understand the complexities of the death penalty within a Jewish framework. Printable Lesson:  8301lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Death Penalty Worldwide List Map of the United States Additional Resources:  The October 2002 issue of the journal Sh'ma focuses on the different Jewish attitudes toward the death penalty http://www.shma.com/oct02/index.htm Information and statistics on the death penalty in the United States http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.msu.edu

Shawn Green Steps Up to the Plate

In this article about Jewish basketball star Shawn Green, students will have the opportunity to read about an athlete who has taken initiative both in baseball and in volunteer organizational work. The accompanying lesson focuses on the importance of taking initiative. Through participation in a game and discussion of the game’s results, students will explore the value of taking initative . $0.00$0.00  "Roasted chicken doesn't just fly into your mouth." Yiddish Proverb Lesson Summary:  Students will participate in a game and discuss its results in order to deepen their understanding of the relationship between hard work and z’rizut. Printable Lesson:  8304lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet

Pioneers in Petah Tikvah

Hannah Burnett writes about the  experiences of her family in the early days of the first yishuv and the risks they faced to realize their dreams. Students will put themselves in the shoes of the pioneers in order to understand their values and motivations, learning how the z'rizut, initiative, of these leaders helped change their circumstances and society. $0.00$0.00  "I will give her vineyards from there and the Valley of Akhor as a gate of hope. There she shall respond as in the days of her youth, when she came up from the land of Egypt. Hosea 2:17 Lesson Summary:  Students will explore the role of z'rizut, taking initiative, in the establishment of the State of Israel. Students will understand the role that risk plays in z'rizut, and examine the function of z'rizut in leadership and in creating positive change in society. Printable Lesson:  8309lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Additional Sources Additional Resources:  History about early settlement in Israel and an additional excerpt from Hannah's memoir http://www.adl.org/Israel/Record/petach_tikvah.asp

Melissa Paris: Sisterly Love

In this article students will learn about a girl who took initiative and raised funds for medical research. Through this lesson, they will explore the relationship between faith in God and taking initiative. $0.00$0.00It was September 2000 and 12-year-old Ali Paris was fighting for her life. Diagnosed at age 5 with Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS), a rare form of epilepsy that makes it difficult to speak, Ali grew more ill each year until her condition took a fateful turn that September day. "What does God require of you? Only to do justice and love kindness." Micah 6:8 Lesson Summary:  Students will deepen their understanding of the definition of z'rizut by considering the role that faith and initiative play in this value. Students will examine the case of the crossing of the Red Sea, compare it to the actions that Melissa takes, and think about the actions that they can take to improve the world. Printable Lesson:  8302lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Sample Self Contract

Michael Glouberman: Laughing Out Loud

In the article about Michael Glouberman, the comedy writer describes how his use of humor can spread laughter and help others achievesimhah. In this lesson, students will explore how their use of humor can affect the spirits of others in either a beneficial or detrimental way. Through discussion, text study, and role-play, the students will discover positive uses of humor/ $0.00$0.00  "God's spirit fills only hearts that are joyous." Talmud Yerushalmi, Sukkah 5:1 Lesson Summary:  Students will explore how their use of humor can affect the spirits of others in either a beneficial or detrimental way. Through discussion, text study and role-play, students will discover the most positive uses of humor for their interactions with others. Printable Lesson:  7304lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet

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

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

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

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

Polygraphs

Polygraph tests monitor bodily responses to detect whether the subject is lying or telling the truth.  Justice can't be measured and it is rarely black and white. With the help of a tsedek values barometer, students will learn to balance justice and mercy $0.00$0.00The Truth About Lies In the 1800s, scientists believed they could identify liars by examining the shapes of their skulls and the bumps on their heads. Police interrogators in the early 1900s gave criminal suspects a "truth serum" in an attempt to make them relaxed enough that they would drop their guard and tell the truth. Airports may one day be equipped with thermal imaging cameras, measuring the heat around our eyes, to determine whether someone is lying to a security official.   "Execute justice, and show mercy and compassion." Zecharia 7:9 Lesson Summary:  Students will discuss the ways in which the pursuit of truth both defines and limits justice and will determine Judaism's "justice quotient”--how Judaism tries to strike a balance between strict adherence to the law and mercy. Printable Lesson:  6307lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Tzedek Values Barometer Worksheet Additional Resources:  Halachic Discussion of the Use of Polygraphs http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/polygraph.html

Making the Right Call

Take  a look at the role instant replay technology plays in professional sports and play a game with your students to help them recognize the need for fair rules of play. This article and activity will help you to teach that the Jewish concept of tzedek embraces more than “justice,” or even “correctness,” but also includes a sense of balance and equity. $0.00$0.00  Lesson Summary:  Students will play a game to help them determine the need for fair, clear rules of play. They will explore how the concept of tzedek relates to this issue. Printable Lesson:  6305lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet

Talia Kravitz: Working for a Just Cause

Read how a Justice committee decides the fates of students involved in a playground argument and help your students to explore the benefits and application of such a committee in their daily lives. . $0.00$0.00It happened during recess at the Talmud Torah Day School in St. Paul, Minnesota. A fresh snow blanketed the playground. Oddly enough, that peaceful winter wonderland triggered a series of actions that turned student against student, and ultimately ended up in "court." "What does God require of you? Only to do justice and love kindness." Micah 6:8 Lesson Summary:  Students will explore the benefits and applications of a va'ad din. Printable Lesson:  6302lesson.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

Is Affirmative Action Fair?

The current events article addresses the question of how affirmative action is viewed from a Jewish perspective. Using a graphic organizer, students will further explore that question in this lesson. They will study Jewish texts, articulate their positions, and evaluate affirmative action in terms of tzedek, justice.   $0.00$0.00  Do you think it's fair that minority students receive special advantages when they apply to college? The University of Michigan thinks it's all right, but opponents of the university's affirmative action program disagree. In fact, three white students sued the school because they were rejected and less-qualified minority applicants admitted instead. The U.S. Supreme Court will decide the controversial case this year. WHAT IS AFFIRMATIVE ACTION? Lesson Summary:  Using a graphic organizer, students will explore and evaluate affirmative action in terms of tzedek, justice. Printable Lesson:  6301lesson.pdf Additional PDFs:  Source Sheet Visual Organizer Biblical Sources Additional Resources:  Timeline of Affirmative Action milestones http://www.infoplease.com/spot/affirmativetimeline1.html The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding http://www.ffeu.org

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