Educator’s Guide to “Siren”: Exploring Israel’s Memorial Days through Film

As we approach Yom HaZikaron, here's an educator's guide prepared by Ittay Flescher on the short film, "Siren". You can watch the film on IZZY, a new streaming service that's…

Continue ReadingEducator’s Guide to “Siren”: Exploring Israel’s Memorial Days through Film

Yom Hazikaron: Degrees of Separation

This lesson focuses on the challenge of marking Yom HaZikaron (Israel Remembrance Day) for North American Jewry. We explore the notion of commemorating in the wider American context, and expand on this to discuss Israel’s Remembrance Day, and what it means to commemorate from a distance. (more…)

Continue ReadingYom Hazikaron: Degrees of Separation

Yom Ha-atzma’ut – 31

Yom HaAtzmaut – Israel’s Independence Day -has become an accepted almost universally in the Jewish world as a day of celebration and identification with the State of Israel. Jewish communities the world over mark the day with gala dinners, Israel parades, picnics, youth activities etc. This date, more than any of the traditional holidays, expresses Jews’ connection to the State and the land. In this lesson we will examine some of the issues and different perceptions of Yom HaZikaron and HaAtzmaut in various segments of Israeli society. This study will help illustrate issues and ideologies discussed in Israel today and question how these might be relevant to Diaspora Jewry’s perception of the state as well as the day.

(more…)

Continue ReadingYom Ha-atzma’ut – 31

The Price – Yom HaZikaron and the Helicopter Disaster

Exactly 17 years ago two Israeli air force helicopters crashed into each other above Kibbutz Dafna in Israel's North. Seventy three young men were killed. This is a full activity for teens and adults, built around a poem written by one of the fallen, Erez Stark, transformed into a moving rock song by Knisyat HaSechel.

Continue ReadingThe Price – Yom HaZikaron and the Helicopter Disaster

Hatikvah – educational activity about Israel’s National Anthem

Exploring the Hatikvah National Anthem for Yom Ha'atzmaut! This activity - for ages 15 to adult - explores what a national anthem is, how sacred it might be, and how it is created. This activity is full of examples from the United States. You might wish to rework it in other countries.

Continue ReadingHatikvah – educational activity about Israel’s National Anthem

Rich and Poor

In this session we explore where our appreciation of Am, of Peoplehood, intersects with our desire for economic freedom – freedom to make a living, and freedom from poverty. We also explore whether our allegiances alter according to where someone may live (B’Artzenu). At the same time we deepen the connection between these issues and our Jewish identity and values, and finally point to inspirational work being done in Judaism’s name in Israel.

(more…)

Continue ReadingRich and Poor