As you plan your curriculum, we have created a Big Ideas Guide that identifies three areas that encompass the key values and purpose of part-time Jewish education programs. The Big Ideas in this small downloadable guide help you think through the enduring understandings you want your learners to grapple with as they form connections with Judaism, as well as point to specific Behrman House texts and materials that support the learning and help you guide students.
This second in a series highlights a sample from Big Idea #2 - Belonging to a Spiritual Community of Practice
Jewish life is often lived in community. Communities enable us to connect at times of joy and sadness and to benefit from the compassion, support, and gladness that is part of communal life. Through communal prayer and ritual celebrations, Jews build community.
Essential questions for each age group help you consider the inquiry you want students to undertake, while examples of learning evidence help you craft meaningful experiences and projects that speak directly to that inquiry and help you assess understanding.
Young Learners:
Essential Question
How and why do we celebrate as Jews together?
Evidence of Learning
Learners are able to describe and perform rituals associated with Shabbat and state how Shabbat can help people feel connected to one another.
Supporting Materials
Let's Discover Shabbat (gr K-1): Eight 4-page folders introduce young children to the traditions and rituals of Shabbat. Includes stories to bring personal meaning to readers and non-readers.
Elementary Learners:
Essential Question
What makes a community Jewish?
Evidence of Learning
Learners can describe one other Jewish community in the world, identifying what makes them both Jewish communities.
Supporting Materials
Welcome to Israel (gr 4-5): A comprehensive tour of Israel including its geography, political, commercial and cultural life. Learners will also hear about Israelis their own age, what their community is like, and what they do for fun.
Middle School Learners:
Essential Question
What is Israel's role in Jewish life and in my life?
Evidence of Learning
Learners can describe three ethnic groups in Israel, including their music, customs, foods, and how they came to be in Israel. Learners reflect on which of these customs and riturals they would most like to experience.
Supporting Materials
Experience Modern Israel (gr 5-7): An easy-to-use resource book and online enrichment companion. From food to the arts, the environment, technological innovation, politcs, and security, learners are immersed in all aspects of Israel and develop a personal relationship with the Jewish homeland.
Israel Matters (gr 8-adult): An in-depth look at Israel's history and its security situation. Frankly deals with facts young people need to understand the complexity of Israel today, and to discover how Israel matters to everyone.
Download the Big Ideas for Jewish Learning guide here.
