| Date | Subject | Title | Overview of Curriculum Guide | Grade Level | Setting | Author | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1994
|
History |
First Century Judaism |
To expose students to the diverse Jewish sects during the first century CE and explain how that diversity connects to today. |
9-12 |
High School |
Abrams, Richard Scott |
|
|
1994
|
World Jewish Communities |
Israel: Yemenite & Moroccan Jews
|
To introduce students to the Jews of Yemen and Morocco, in their native lands and in Israel. |
5-7 |
Religious School |
Bergenfeld, Elisa
|
|
|
1994 |
Prayer |
The Shabbat Morning Service as Preparation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah |
To explore the content and themes of prayers in the Shabbat morning service. |
6 |
Religious School |
Blonder, Renee Levine
|
|
|
1994
|
Bible |
The Book of Exodus and Its Influence on Jews Today |
To demonstrate how Jewish identity formed around the story of the exodus. Students will complete text study and apply their knowledge of the Bible to modern Judaism. |
8 |
Religious School |
Brot, Ilene Amend
|
|
|
1994
|
Prayer |
The Shabbat Morning Service: Making it Relevant for 7th Graders |
To explore concepts of prayer, including their meaning, theology, and relevance to students' lives. |
7 |
Religious School |
Carr, Kenneth Ira
|
|
|
1994
|
Rabbinic Text |
Exploring The Midrash: A Response to the Human Dilemma |
To examine midrashic collections seeing how biblical texts have been interpreted over time. Students will have the opportunity to create personal Midrash. |
Adult |
Adult |
Chapman, Lesley
|
|
|
1994 |
Bible |
Five Scrolls: A Guide to Living
|
To study the five megillot/scrolls with a focus on values, relationships, and interaction with God. |
Adult |
Adult |
Cosden, Susan Ellen Halpern |
|
|
1994
|
Life Cycle |
Jewish Life Cycle in a Reform Context
|
To examine life cycle rituals focused on values, rituals, and a relationship with God and decide on personal observance. |
5-7 |
Religious School |
Davids-Levin, Aviva
|
|
|
1994 |
Comparative Judaism
|
The Origins of Hasidut
|
To expose students to the Hasidic history, culture, and belief system. To understand the process of change within a culture. |
11-12 |
High School |
Gropper, Tamara Lustgarten |
|
|
1994
|
History
|
This Land is Your Land, This Land Is My Land |
To grapple with the Jewish struggle to maintain identity and find acceptance in the United States of America. |
9-12
|
High School |
Jacobs, Jill Suzanne |
|
|
1994 |
Rabbinic Text |
Introduction to the Talmud and Rabbinic Texts |
To introduce/study Talmud and rabbinic texts providing text skills and personal applications. |
Adult |
Adult |
Langer, Lisa Beth
|
|
|
1994
|
Reform Judaism |
Jewish Identity Through Reflection: A Look at the Platforms of Reform Judaism |
To analyze the history (3 platforms) and present of Reform Judaism, providing opportunities to establish goals for living a Reform Jewish life. |
9-12 |
High School
|
Litwak, Deborah A. Berkowits
|
|
|
1994
|
Bible |
The Book of Genesis
|
To study the stories of our ancestors and formulate a personal theology and system of morals based on the text. |
6-8 |
Religious School
|
Maayan, Cheryl Stiffman
|
|
|
1994
|
Rabbinic Text |
A Study Guide for Adult Learners on Leviticus Rabbah |
To study portions of Leviticus Rabbah in order to develop personal ethics, relationship with God, and a life of holiness. |
Adult |
Adult
|
Missaghieh, Michelle
|
|
|
1994 |
History |
The Rabbinic Period
|
To introduce students to the history, sages, values, and texts of the rabbinic period. |
6 |
Religious School |
Palmer, Andrea
|
|
|
1994
|
Women/ History |
A Journey Through History: The American Jewish Woman 1820 - present |
To examine the Jewish female struggle to maintain identity and find acceptance in the United States of America.
|
9-12 Female |
High School |
Pessah, Amy Grossblatt
|
|
|
1994
|
Israel |
Zionism: The Collision of Modernity and Judaism
|
To show how modernity changed the reality of Jewish life and led to the birth of modern Zionism. To examine the changing identity of Jews at the time and then reflect on personal identity. |
6 |
Religious School |
Schwartz, Katherine
|
|
|
1994 |
Bible |
Leaders in the Bible: A Curriculum for Madrichim |
To identify leadership qualities of biblical figures and establish personal leadership goals. |
Madrichim in Training |
Madrichim in Training |
Segal, Maxine Handelman
|
|
|
1995 |
Comparative Judaism |
Hasidic History, Hasidic Story and Creating the Spiritual Community |
To understand and identify with the history, leaders, spirit, and values of the Hasidic community.
|
Adult |
Adult |
Joseph, Linda
|
|
|
1995 |
Israel |
Biblical Historiography/ Geography of Israel |
To study the geography of Israel in order to show the deep historic connection between the land of Israel and Judaism |
5-6 |
Religious School |
Simon, Laura Weiss
|
|
|
1996 |
Ethics/ |
And Makes Us Holy... An exploration of Mitzvot |
To see Jewish life as the pursuit of holiness and mitzvot as steps in that pursuit. To internalize the Reform process of informed choice and choose meaningful mitzvot. |
7 |
Religious School |
Abraham, Michelle Shapiro
|
|
|
1996 |
Women |
Emerging Jewish Women's Rituals
|
To study the development and content of Jewish women's rituals (traditional and modern) demonstrating their significance. |
Adult Female |
Adult |
Asch, Jennifer Rebecca Marx |
|
|
1996 |
Bible |
Teaching Genesis Through Story: A Curriculum for Second and Third Grades |
To empower students by studying the stories and families in Genesis and comparing them to their own families. To explore the concepts of God and morals in Genesis. |
2-3 |
Religious School |
Flash, Allison B.
|
|
|
1996 |
Life Cycle |
Jewish Lifecycle Rituals: Paths To Holiness |
To study Jewish lifecycle rituals emphasizing connections to God, text, values. Students will compose lifecycle rituals. |
Adult |
Adult |
Gropper, Daniel
|
|
|
1996 |
History |
How Did We Get Here: A Look At American Jewish History During the 1880s-1920s |
To expose students to a variety of the major American Jewish experiences of the 1880s-1920s in order to instill a sense of pride and identity. |
8-12 |
High School |
Kaufman, Jodi
|
|
|
1996 |
Bible
|
What do These People in the Bible Have to do with Me? |
To explore the Biblical characters sense of humanity and morality in order to develop personal ethics. |
7-10 |
High School |
Lippe, Susan Elizabeth |
|
|
1996 |
Ethics/ |
Fostering Klal Yisrael Through Mitzvot Beyn Adam Lchavero |
To connect mitzvot to our actions. To study and socialize with Jews from other synagogues. |
12 |
High School |
Lynn, Michelle Joy |
|
|
1996 |
Holiday |
Living Holidays for Jewish Adolescents |
To explore, question, and understand the importance of Jewish holidays for both traditional and cultural Jews. |
5-7 |
Religious School |
Ross, Felicia Goodman |
|
|
1996 |
Life Cycle |
Exploring the Covenant in Jewish Tradition: A Guide for Parents of B'nai Mitzvah Students |
To explore the concept of covenant in Jewish tradition and create personal connections to it. To develop a community among bnai mitzvah parents. |
Adult Parents of Bnai Mitzvah |
Adult |
Sol, Felicia
|
|
|
1996 |
Life Cycle |
The Jewish Lifecycle: How it Reflects Values of Community and Kedushah |
To form connections to Judaism by understanding and experiencing traditional and modern lifecycle ritual. Emphasis placed on the concepts of kedushah, mitzvot, and connection to God. |
4 |
Religious School |
Somers, Stefanie Lichtman
|
|
|
1996 |
Bible |
King David: Some Kind of Hero
|
To engage in text study of Samuel I & II in order to learn about the complexity of King David. |
9-12 |
High School |
Zweiback, Josh
|
|
|
1997 |
Teacher Resource |
Re-Jew-vinate!! Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Judaism |
To provide an opportunity for teachers to study history, text, life cycle, calendar, and rituals.
|
Teachers |
Staff Dev. |
Ben-Naim, Elissa |
|
|
1997 |
Prayer |
The Weekday Morning Service: A Prayer Curriculum for Camps |
To examine the meanings of prayers in the weekday morning reform liturgy. |
5-7 |
Camp |
Chizner, Lauren
|
|
|
1997 |
Identity |
The Young Jewish Adult |
To challenge and entice learners to further explore what Jewish learning and living have to offer. |
Young Adult |
Shabbat Dinner |
Conyer , Allison Henteloff |
|
|
1997 |
History |
A Human Perspective on Judaism |
To provide a closure to formal Jewish education by studying Jewish history and personalities. |
10 |
High School |
Conyer, Bryan |
|
|
1997 |
History |
The Golden Moments of Jewish History |
To study five golden periods in Jewish history and empower students to create their own golden period. |
10 |
High School |
Hausman-Weiss, Scott |
|
|
1997 |
Life Cycle |
The Jewish Life Cycle Events |
To study, experience, and feel connected to life cycle events. |
8-10 |
High School |
Komerofsky, Rachel Stern |
|
|
1997 |
Israel |
Zionist Thought, Jewish Values, & Jewish Identity |
To engage students in the various ideas/writings of Zionist thinkers. To develop a personal relationship with Israel and think about the relationship between the USA and Israel. |
9-12 |
High School |
Kupetz, Jonathan F. |
|
|
1997 |
Theology |
God, Creator, Redeemer, Revealer, & Partner: A Curriculum for 3-4 Week Summer Camp |
To study the concepts of God as creator, revealer, and redeemer and to begin to struggle with personal theology. |
4-6 |
Camp |
Lambert, Julie Beth Lebenson
|
|
|
1997 |
Identity |
Exploring Masculinity and Jewish Meaning: A Curriculum and Resource Guide for Male Identity Development |
To help young men develop a male Jewish identity based on Torah, God and Israel.
|
Adult Male |
Adult |
Marantz, Craig
|
|
|
1997 |
Prayer |
Finding Prayer: A Curriculum for Meaning in the Prayer Experience |
To examine and engage in prayer, while establishing a community of adult learners whose kids are bnai mitzvah. |
Adult Parents of Bnai Mitzvah |
Adult |
Sacher, Birgit Mechanick |
|
|
1998 |
Life Cycle |
A Practical Guide to Living and Understanding Jewish Life Cycle |
To examine seven life cycle events addressing personal, psychological, and modern needs. |
9-12 |
High School |
Brockman, Lori |
|
|
1998 |
Prayer |
Tefillah Time: A Prayer Curriculum for Kindergarten and First Grade |
To introduce students to a prayer service focusing on the concepts of God, community, history, and spirituality. |
K-1 |
Religious School |
Cohn, Lauren Silverstein |
|
|
1998 |
Prayer |
Teaching Tefillah Through the Arts |
To engage students in prayer and liturgy through the medium of drama, music, dance, and art. |
9-12 |
High School |
Harris, Vered |
|
|
1998 |
Literature |
Self-Stories: An Adult Study Guide on American Jewish Fiction |
To read/discuss selections of American Jewish fiction and to struggle with personal identity development through the texts. |
Adult |
Adult |
Hyman, Laura Bramson |
|
|
1998 |
Bible |
Remember the Going Forth From Egypt: A Curriculum Guide on the Exodus Narrative as our Master Story |
To explore the "master story" of the Exodus to shed light on subjects like: Mitzvot, Prayer, Shabbat, Pesach, Shavout and Sukkot.
|
Family Ed. |
Family Ed. |
Lefkowitz, Ellen
|
|
|
1998 |
Israel |
Israel: The Heart of a People |
To develop a personal relationship with Israel by exploring Jewish historical and religious connections to the land. |
10 |
High School |
Marantz, Betsy Barth |
|
|
1998 |
Israel |
Exploring Contemporary Issues Facing Teens in Israel |
To foster an interest and connection to Israel by studying the issues teens in Israel face. |
10 |
Pre-Trip |
Massey, Debra Sagan |
|
|
1998 |
Ethics/ |
An Adult Study Course in Jewish Civil Law |
To study Jewish civil law (from Torah-Today) and apply the values to modern life. Topics include: business, property, family, public, and criminal law. |
Adult |
Adult |
Moskovitz, Daniel |
|
|
1998 |
Prayer |
A Jewish Prayer Curriculum for Seventh Graders |
To examine and experience prayer utilizing different tools.
|
7 |
Religious School |
Rubin, Renee |
|
|
1999 |
History |
Divided We Fall: Life in Judea During the First/Second Centuries CE |
To introduce students to the second Temple period, Rabbinic Judaism, and early Christianity by studying historical figures, sects, and institutions. To see Rabbinic Judaism as the foundation for today's diversity. Copies of this guide are no longer available. |
9-12 |
High School |
Churgel, Michael S. |
|
|
1999 |
Holocaust |
Searching Out the Answers of Life: Teaching the Shoah from a Theological Perspective |
To study the Holocaust through the lens of challenging theological questions. |
9-12 |
High School |
Hessel, Joui |
|
|
2000 |
Comparative Judaism |
A Comparative Survey of Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, & Reconstructionist Judaism |
To compare and contrast the four major denominations in America. To see how denominations fit into a larger historical canvas. |
9-12 |
High School |
Appelman, Amy Nicole Allee |
|
|
2000 |
Life Cycle |
We're Having a Jewish Baby: An Adult Education Curriculum for Those Expecting a Child or Currently in the Adoption Process |
To provide couples or single women who are either pregnant or in the process of adopting a child with information (ritual, prayer, texts) on Jewish views and traditions on conception, pregnancy, adoption and birth. To establish a safe Jewish community for celebrating births and mourning any losses that might occur. |
Adult New Parents |
Adult |
Brown, Sharon Amster |
|
|
2000 |
Life Cycle |
Death and Dying in the Jewish Tradition: A Curriculum Guide for Parent Education
|
To familiarize learners with traditional Jewish mourning practices and prepare them to carry out the mitzvot related to death and dying. To explore theology as it relates to death and dying and give parents the ability and confidence to speak about death with their children. |
Adult Parents |
Adult |
Burg, Miriam Lisa Cotzin
|
|
|
2000 |
History |
First Century Judaism |
To expose students to Jewish history of the first century CE. Students will connect the Jewish diversity of that era with diversity today. |
12 |
High School |
Buyer, Melissa Fogel |
|
|
2000 |
Holocaust |
Ethical Dilemmas: An Analysis As Seen Through the Eyes of the Holocaust |
To struggle with some of the ethical dilemmas faced during the Holocaust and apply these to personal experiences.
|
Adult |
Adult |
Delcau, Stacey Frishman |
|
|
2000 |
Bible |
Family Relationships of the First Jews: A Literary Approach to the Bible |
To explore Genesis using the literary techniques of Robert Alter.
|
Adult |
Adult |
Freidman, Shayna Fisher
|
|
|
2000 |
Bible |
Shir HaShirim- Ancient Love Poetry or the Holy of Holies
|
To unlock the enigma that surrounds Shir HaShirim by concentrating on Shir HaShirim as a universal love poem, as a religious text about Israel's love relationship with God, and as a universal text about relationships. |
9-12 |
Camp |
Hankin, Philip
|
|
|
2000 |
World Jewish Communities |
Creating a Jewish Community in Canada |
To examine the forces behind the Canadian Jewish community, enabling students in Canada to better appreciate and understand the past. The curriculum examines how Jews responded to their environment and to the obstacles placed in their path, and how despite these, they built a community. |
5-6 |
Day School in Canada |
Hronsky, Yuri |
|
|
2000 |
History |
Jewish and American: A Glimpse at the Past, A Glimpse at Ourselves |
To examine the lives of various American Jews in order to better understand and identify with American Jewish history. |
Adult |
Adult |
Lewald-Fass, Regina
|
|
|
2000 |
Ethics/ |
Living Jewish Virtues: An Exploration of Midot |
To explore Jewish virtues (between people/between people and God) with the understanding that observing virtues leads to a life of holiness. |
5-6 |
Camp |
Lewis, David J.
|
|
|
2000 |
History |
American Jews in the Far West |
To explore the choices American Jews in the far West made from the gold rush through the early twentieth century. |
5 |
Religious School |
Phillips, Julia C. |
|
|
2000 |
Holocaust |
The Role of Altruism in the Holocaust |
To illustrate the value of altruism during the Holocaust and to explore ways to exemplify this value today. |
9-10 |
High School |
Reiser, Karen |
|
|
2000 |
Bible |
Turn it Again: Biblical Narrative through the Lens of Twelve-Step Recovery |
To examine biblical narratives about struggle through the lens of recovery from substance abuse or other addictions.
|
Adult |
Adult |
Rosenberg, Lisa
|
|
|
2000 |
Comparative Judaism |
Understanding Diversity Among Jewish Religious Practices and Customs as a Reflection of Cultural Differences |
To better understand the multicultural dimension of Jewish religious law, practice, and custom among Sephardic and Ashkenazic Jewry.
|
10 |
High School |
Schechter, Sarah
|
|
|
2000 |
Prayer |
Do You See What I See? A Curriculum Guide on Prayer for Parents of B'nai Mitzvah |
To provide the language and structure for discussion about prayer with the intent of preparing parents for their child's special day.
|
Adult Parents of Bnai Mitzvah |
Adult |
Strok, Karen
|
|
|
2000 |
Holocaust |
History of the Holocaust
|
To revisit the facts and functions of the Holocaust through actual documents and personal accounts in order to acquire a more comprehensive and complex understanding of this historical event. |
12 |
High School |
Vinnecour, Sheri
|
|
|
2000 |
History |
Out of Many, We Became One or Not? A Curriculum Guide on the Waves of Immigration to America |
To study different Jewish immigrant experiences and contributions in the United States to better understand the community around them. |
5-6 |
Religious School |
Weiss, Leonie |
|
|
2000 |
Holiday |
Recipe for Shabbat Shalom |
To guide families through study about key Shabbat concepts so families can develop their own Shabbat rituals and observance. |
Family Ed. for Parents with Young Children |
Family Ed. |
Zelkowicz, Tali Hyman |
|
|
2000 |
World Religion |
Christianity: Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox
|
To provides high school students with a working vocabulary for use in discussion regarding other religions as well as helping them identify similarities and differences between Judaism and Christianity. |
9-12 |
High School |
Zimmerman, Rebecca |
|
|
2001 |
Literature |
American Jewish Literature: A Window to the Inner Lives of American Jews |
To expose students to a variety of American Jewish literature in order to understand issues faced over time. |
Adult |
Adult |
Baron, Beth |
|
|
2001 |
Spirituality |
Kedusha: A Discovery of the Holy |
To explore textual and modern meanings of kadosh (holy). |
Adult |
Adult |
Citrin, Karen Schram |
|
|
2001 |
Rabbinic Text |
Turning New Pages: Talmud for Adult Learners |
To begin the study of Talmudic passages providing opportunities for personal exploration of Jewish identity and practice. |
Adult |
Adult |
Clayman, Jennifer |
|
|
2001 |
Life Cycle |
Reaffirming our Covenants: A Course on Jewish Life Cycle for Mothers and Daughters
|
To reinforce our covenantal relationship with God as well as the relationship between mother and daughter. To learn how life cycle ritual lends structure to times of transition and confusion. To provide mothers and daughters the chance to ask questions and get to know each other as women. |
Family Ed. Mothers/ Daughters |
Family Ed. |
Flores, Jordanna G. Cooper
|
|
|
2001 |
Ethics/ |
Jewish Bioethics
|
To explore the ethical decisions posed by modern medicine. It addresses different Jewish positions on concerns about the way in which one cares for one's body and the decisions that one is forced to make about the treatment of a loved one. |
9 |
High School |
Mandell, Avram
|
|
|
2001 |
Bible |
Psalms: Pathways to the Eternal |
To study Psalms in order to expose students to biblical poetry and to provide them with tools for religious expression. |
Adult |
Adult |
Rigler, Stacy Eskovitz |
|
|
2002 |
Ethics/ |
Camp Values Curriculum: Talmud Torah |
To teach the Jewish value of Talmud Torah through text study |
4-6 |
Camp |
Jacques, Amy Idit |
|
|
2002 |
Prayer |
Brachot: The Jewish Way of Finding God in Our Lives and the World Around Us |
To understand and become comfortable with Brachot as a tool for connecting with God and our world. |
Adult |
Adult |
Werbow, Melissa Fand |
|
|
2002 |
Identity/
|
Fully Jewish, Fully American |
To expose students to American Jewish personalities in order to help them deal with the tension of being both Jewish and American. To develop a positive identity as American Jews. |
5-6 |
Religious School |
Young, Beth Ellen |
|
|
2003 |
Hebrew |
More Than Israel Has Kept Hebrew, Hebrew Has Kept Israel |
To view Hebrew as a means of deepening religious expression, strengthening a bond to Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael, and identifying as an American Jew. To instill a passion for Hebrew. |
9-12 |
Camp |
Citrin, Micah |
|
|
2003 |
Ethics/ |
Our Connection and Guide to Jewish Living |
This curriculum examines the concept of developing a partnership with God through the life-long performance of mitzvot which is sparked by the particpation in and preparation for becoming b'nai mitzvah. |
7 |
Religious School |
Eshel, David |
|
|
2003 |
Reform Judaism |
Reform Judaism in America: Modern, American, and Jewish |
To gain foundational knowledge about Reform Jewish ideology and its effect on belief and practice. To gain a sense of pride in being a Reform Jew. |
7-8 |
Religious School |
Fleekop, Andrea |
|
|
2003 |
Comparative Judaism |
Denominational Judaism in America: A Pluralistic Approach |
To understand the basic history, ideology and practice of the major denominations. To foster a belief in klal Yisrael. |
9-12 |
High School |
Kahn, Dena |
|
|
2003 |
Life Cycle |
Jewish Values in Death and Mourning |
To provide a Jewish lens with which to view death and mourning. To be knowledgeable of Jewish rituals and practices associated with death and mourning. |
Adult |
Adult |
Schaffer, Adam |
|
|
2003 |
Israel |
Portraits of Jerusalem |
To explore a variety of Jewish depictions of Jerusalem over time (biblical-modern) in anticipation of a trip to Israel. |
9-12 |
Day School Pre-Trip |
Schuldenfrei, Deborah Bock |
|
|
2004 |
Bible |
Dynamic Relationships in the Torah |
To examine relationships among biblical characters in order to educate Jewish teens about having successful relationships. |
9-12 |
High School |
DePorte, Stephanie |
|
|
2004 |
Ethics/ |
Mitzvot in Our Lives |
To learn about, internalize, and practice mitzvot in order to strengthen Jewish identity and community. |
7 |
Religious School |
Ettlinger, Kim |
|
|
2004 |
Israel |
The Essence of Israel |
To maximize an Israel trip by highlighting the uniqueness of Israel and its importance to Jewish self-understanding. To portray the diversity within Israel. |
9 |
Day School Pre-Trip |
Keller, Rony |
|
|
2004 |
Prayer |
T'fillah: A Sixth Grade Journey |
To help students find personal meaning in liturgy. To understand why prayer is important to Jews. To reflect on relationship with God. |
6 |
Religious School |
Kellner, Debra Cotzin |
|
|
2004 |
Holiday |
Jewish Home Festivals that Create Jewish Time |
To discover the religious/symbolic meanings of the holidays through text study. To develop rituals/ observances that incorporate/reflect Jewish values. |
Adult |
Adult |
Parker, Teresa |
|
|
2004 |
Ethics/ |
Tikkun Olam: Heritage in Action |
To study the development of tikkun olam from the bible to the present. To construct a personal belief about tikkun olam. To engage in a tikkun olam project. |
10 |
Day School |
Rosauer, Karen |
|
|
2004 |
Ethics/ |
The Virtues of Being a Jewish Teenager |
To study relevant Jewish virtues and encourage students to emulate them. To see the concept of b'tzelem elohim as the basis for Jewish virtues. |
8 |
Religious School |
Rosenzweig, Emily |
|
|
2004 |
Theology |
Reel Theology: Learning About & Developing Your Own Jewish Theology Using Contemporary Film |
To introduce a variety of theological questions and perspectives in Judaism. To develop a personal theology.
Copies of this guide are no longer available. |
Adult |
Adult |
Schneider, Jeremy |
|
|
2004 |
Theology |
Why is There Evil if God is Supposed to be Good? Theodicy in Jewish Tradition |
To understand a variety of Jewish positions on theodicy in their historical context. To deepen a personal understanding of theology and the meaning of evil and suffering. |
Adult |
Adult |
Tornberg, Shoshanah |
|
|
2004 |
Ethics/ |
Turning Secular Choices into Jewish Choices |
To help college-bound students have a Jewish system for making tough choices. To expose students to Jewish texts. |
11-12 |
High School |
Werbow, Michael |
|
|
2005 |
Identity |
Slavery, Freedom, Commitment & Identity: Jewish Emerging Adult's Journey |
To study selected sacred texts and holidays as a tool to navigate the identity transformation from adolescence to adulthood. |
High School |
High School |
Allenberg, Adam M. |
|
|
2005 |
Ethics/ |
Reform Jewish Practice-Seeking the Sacred |
To foster the development of a community of learners who will support one another in the search for meaning & Kedusha in Jewish practice. To encourage exploration & performance of mitzvot at home at synagogue. |
Adult |
Adult |
Flanzbaum, Lynn D. |
|
|
2005 |
Bible |
Finding Emotion in Biblical Poetry |
To analyze and understand Biblical poetry through the lens of emotion. To help students engage in text as a means of connecting to the divine. |
Adult |
Adult |
Hudson, Jocee |
|
|
2005 |
Theology |
Jewish Views on God: Building My Personal Relationship |
To explore different views on God, engage in conversation, and develop a personal relationship with God. |
9 |
High School |
Kellner, Rick |
|
|
2005 |
Prayer |
Developing an Understanding of Prayer |
To understand Judaic concepts of some of the prayers in the Shabbat liturgy |
6 |
Religious School |
Marshall, Stephanie |
|
|
2005 |
Prayer |
Experiencing T'fillah: Studying Prayer with our Hearts and Minds |
To study Jewish liturgy with opportunity to reflect on one's prayer experience, relationship to God, and identity. |
Adult |
Adult |
Miller, Alissa Forrest |
|
|
2005 |
Synagogue, Ritual Objects, |
Uncovering Meanings: An Exploration of Jewish Objects & Symbols |
To explore meaning behind ritual objects as a means for examining and enriching their own Jewish beliefs and values. |
Adult |
Adult |
Nichols, Beth |
|
|
2005 |
World Jewish Communities |
Sephardic Culture: Jews from the Ottoman Empire |
To introduce students to the culture of Sephardic Jewry and raise self-awareness of personal Judaism. |
6 |
Religious School |
Robbins, Rachael |
|
|
2006 |
Life Cycle |
The Jewish Wedding and Marriage: Reflecting our Values through Jewish Traditions |
Learners will explore topics such as commitment, renegotiating family relationships, intimacy, community, and more through the lens of Jewish thought, law, customs, and history. |
Adult |
Adult |
Akiva, April Quinn |
|
|
2006 |
History |
The Choices That Shape Us: An American Jewish History Curriculum |
To examine the choices Jews have made in America from the time of the first Jewish settlers through the central European migration, the processes by which those decisions were made, and their engagement with their identity amidst a pluralistic society. |
5 |
Day School |
Bahir, Sabrina Sjolseth |
|
|
2006 |
Ethics/ |
Bringing Holiness to Life: "Living Jewishly" at Work, At Home, and in our Relationships |
To examine Jewish values, traditions, and sacred texts relevant to three important arenas of life: home, work, and relationships. |
Adult |
Adult |
Braunfeld, Mara Michaels |
|
|
2006 |
Comparative Judaism |
How Do We Compare? |
To obtain an in-depth understanding of the various streams of Judaism, so that students can better understand their own identity as Jews by understanding how their ideas about Judaism are similar to and different from the ideas of other Jews. |
9-12 |
Religious School |
Garrett, Estee Pollak |
|
|
2006 |
Identity/ |
T'filah Talk: A Year Long Course for Teens and Their Parents to Study Tough Issues Through T'filah |
For high school students and their parents to explore the themes of separation, connection, freedom and limitations as they are found in t'filah and related to their lives. |
Teens and Adults |
Family Education; Religious School |
Goldstein, Beth |
|
|
2006 |
Israel |
My Israel: A Non-Traditional Approach to Israel Advocacy |
This curriculum is designed to enable students to explore Israeli history, culture, politics, and people while equipping them with the resources and information needed in order to speak intelligently about Israel. |
12 |
Religious School |
Wasserman, Shaina |
|
|
2007 |
Theology |
Seeking God |
During this semester-long curriculum, students will examine various understandings of God in the TaNaCH, liturgy and other Jewish texts, reflect on times they have felt God's presence, and explore ways they might connect with God in their own lives. As students explore various paths to finding God with the help of sources from Jewish tradition and Jewish thinkers, they will work toward articulating their own beliefs about God. |
4-5 |
Day School or Camp |
Berger, Rebecca Saliman, |
|
|
2007 |
Ethics/ |
Bein Adam L'Adamah: Exploring the Relationship Between Humans and the Earth |
A large portion of this guide relies on memorable moments and reflection impossible to create in a traditional classroom setting. This guide focuses on three intersections of Judaism and the environment; holy land, prayer in nature and the values of dominion and stewardship. |
9-10 |
Camp or retreat; 22 sessions |
Brown, Josh |
|
|
2007 |
Bible |
From Our Roots to Ourselves: Learning From Biblical Women |
This text-based curriculum is designed for adolescent girls. It begins by studying women in the Bible, many of whom faced issues similar to those faced by teenagers today. The Bible then serves as a basis to discuss contemporary issues confronting students, such as body image, self-esteem, beauty, sex, power, spirituality, relationships, and Jewish identity. |
Adolescent Girls |
Religious School |
Gordon, Arianna |
|
|
2007 |
Identity/ |
Finding the Kedusha In Kashrut: An Ethical Guide For Jewish Teens |
This curriculum looks to challenge learners to explore the kedusha (holiness) inherent in biblical kashrut. Having done this, the curriculum then offers opportunities for learners to ask how these "kosher" values might be applied to our shopping practices, our relationships with others, and then finally our treatment and perception of ourselves. |
9-10 |
Camp/Informal Education |
Lazarow, Gersh |
|
|
2007 |
Identity |
Laughing To Fit In: Jewish American Identity through Jewish Humor |
This curriculum traces the evolving communal Jewish identity in America throughout the 20th Century. Learners will have the opportunity to examine jokes, written texts, and clips from movies and television for deeper meaning about Jewish stereotypes and the interaction between Jewish and American culture. They will also be given the opportunity to reflect on what these ideas mean for their own identities, both individually and as a group. |
9-10 |
Religious School |
Levine, Julia Witkow |
|
|
2007 |
Identity/ |
Love, Looks, and Life |
Teenage girls today need guidance regarding how to ethically use and think about their bodies. We, as educators, have the exciting opportunity to open the pathways of communication about these difficult issues. This curriculum guide will give students the opportunity to use Jewish texts and Jewish values as tools for decision-making about how they use their bodies, and how they approach relationships with others. |
High School Girls |
Religious School Elective |
Margolis, Rachel Isaacson |
|
|
2007 |
History |
Snapshots: A Curriculum for the Integrated Teaching of American Jewish History |
This is not a full American Jewish history curriculum. Instead, these curricular materials offer "moments," or mini episodes (all based on primary sources) that may be inserted into a regular 11th grade United States history course. |
11 |
Day School |
Mason-Barkin, Joshua |
|
|
2007 |
Ethics/ |
Economic Justice in Judaism: Understanding Hunger, Homelessness, Health Care and Worker's Rights Through the Lens of Jewish Texts |
Texts focused on economic justice are just one component of a genre of texts which speak to our responsibility to help those in the community who cannot support themselves. As a result, all Jews are bound together by a common practice of rituals, liturgy and social responsibility. This curriculum serves to provide students with a list of uniquely Jewish reasons and support for engaging in economic justice. |
11-12 |
Religious School |
Vogel, Carrie Frank |
|
|
2007 |
Holiday |
Shabbat - A Spiritual Quest |
This guide is intended for learners who might already have some familiarity with Shabbat liturgy and ritual. They might be looking for a deeper understanding and more nuanced approaches to their current observance or looking to increase their observance. This guide will challenge both instructor and learner to examine current understandings of Shabbat and create new ways of thinking about Shabbat. |
Adult |
Adult Education |
Whinston, Josh |
|
|
2007 |
Rabbinic Text |
Two Rabbis: Three Opinions -- An Introduction to Rabbinic Texts for the Day School |
This curriculum guide invites eighth grade Jewish day school learners to examine rabbinic texts including Midrash, Mishnah, and Talmud in order to develop a deeper understanding of rabbinic thought on ethics and values and the world of the Rabbis. Through interaction with rabbinic texts, learners will increase their own Jewish knowledge base and acquire some of the tools and information to make informed decisions about their own Jewish lives. |
8 |
Day School |
Whiting, Ann Sanguinet |
|
|
2008 |
Reform Judaism |
Exploring Reform Judaism Through the Lens of Jewish Ritual and Sacred Practices |
This Curriculum Guide seeks to teach the process of Reform Judaism through the lens of ritual and Jewish sacred practices. The students will have an opportunity to explore some of the tenets of Reform Judaism and then apply those concepts to different ways of sanctifying time, space and themselves. |
High School |
Religious School |
Bluman, Olga |
|
|
2008 |
Liturgy |
Seder Kriat HaTorah |
This curriculum explores three themes within the context of Seder Kriat HaTorah. First is the idea of Seder Kriat HaTorah as a reenactment of the revelation at Sinai. Additionally, each unit explores the relationship between God, Torah and Israel within the text and the balance between keva and kavanah during public prayer. By considering each of these the student will be better prepared to participate meaningfully in the social drama that is Seder Kriat HaTorah. It is intended to be taught one on one by a layperson and provides opportunities for the teacher to learn along with their student. |
4-6 |
Home or Healthcare setting |
Hall, Eliana |
|
|
2008 |
Bible |
Let's Go: Bemidbar! A Travel Guide Through the Book of Numbers |
The Israelites' experiences "in the wilderness" closely mirror the individual and collective journeys that adolescents embark on in the "in-between" phase between childhood and young adulthood. This curriculum highlights Israel's triumphs, challenges, "roadblocks" and lessons learned on the winding road from Egypt to Eretz Yisrael, encouraging the students to identify their own Jewish values and beliefs that will help them navigate difficult transitional moments throughout their lives. |
6 |
Religious School |
Katz, Noam |
|
|
2008 |
Identity |
In Our Image: A Look at How Jewish Identity has Changed in America |
Identity and the way we see ourselves is often influenced by the images we see in the media, and Jewish identity isn't any different. Students will not only look at these forms of popular media as a mirror, reflecting (or even distorting) our image, but also in the way that it plays a role in how and why our identity is shaped. |
12 |
Religious School |
Magidson, Jordan |
|
|
2008 |
Identity |
Be a Man, Be a Jewish Man: An Exploration into the Multifaceted Relationship Roles of Men through Jewish and Contemporary Texts |
This curriculum creates a safe, creative, shared space for young men to explore, develop, and experience their own ideas of how they want to live their values in relationship with others and how they define the Jewish men that they hope to be - space that is lacking in most male teenagers' lives. |
10-12 Boys |
Religious School / Youth Group |
Margolis, Ari |
|
|
2008 |
Ethics/ |
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Counselors: A Teen's Guide to Jewish Leadership |
This curriculum guide outlines habits of effective leaders, as seen in the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. These habits can be found in Biblical leaders, including Joseph, Esther, Moses and God. It is meant to allow for personal growth as well as leadership development, focusing on both the personal aspect of leadership (how one views oneself, chooses one's words and actions, and the behavior one exhibits) and the relationship aspect of leadership (how we interact with others). |
High School (Counselors in Training) |
Camp/Retreat; Religious School |
Mason, Erin Ellis |
|
|
2008 |
Life Cycle |
From Adam and Eve to You and Me: Journeying Towards Jewish Marriage |
This curriculum guide is intended to be taught by a rabbi, preferably in conjunction with pre-marital counseling for couples. It addresses topics related to building a Jewish life together, and subjects which are often sources of conflict for couples, such as managing money and fighting fair. Each lesson uses Jewish texts to bring traditional perspective and insight to the issues with which modern couples struggle. |
Adult |
Adult Education |
Mason-Barkin, Sara |
|
|
2008 |
Ethics/ |
Why Mitzvot? A Reform Reexamination of Mitzvot |
This curriculum guides adult learners through a process of experiencing and studying mitzvot, including their sources, practice, and implications. Each mitzvah is interpreted through a framework called the "Mitzvah Matrix" which includes perspectives, reasons, and/or benefits of observing that mitzvah. The matrix is framed by two aspects of relationships: connection and obligation; and how mitzvot can characterize a relationship with others, God, and oneself. |
Adult |
Adult Education |
Medwin, Daniel Bloom |
|
|
2008 |
Ethics/ |
Ingredients for Revolution: How the Exodus Inspires Social Change |
This curriculum guide seeks to explain how the Exodus narrative has been influential and transformative in our lives, our Jewish community and our world in the past and present. The guide explores how the Exodus shapes our own Jewish identity by illuminating the importance of social justice, as well as how it has inspired and motivated enslaved groups throughout time to work for their own freedom. Lastly, the guide will offer students a project that exhibits their learning about revolution: creating a better future based on central Jewish values. |
High School |
Religious School, Youth Group |
Medwin, Lydia Bloom |
|
|
2008 |
Liturgy |
From Kevah to Kavannah: Explorations of the Siddur |
This Curriculum Guide seeks to explore some of the prayers found in the siddur - their textual or historical origins as well as their theological and spiritual implications. Students will unpack a number of different prayers and use them as a tool for reflecting on their own beliefs. |
High School, Adults |
Day School, Adult Education |
Metz, Lev |
|
|
2008 |
Bible |
From Prophecy to Leading Jewishly: A Confirmation Curriculum |
This curriculum guide explores the messages of the prophets and the way they communicate their ideals to the people. The goal of this curriculum is to help students learn what drives them as a leader and how to communicate to people. Students will study the prophets, the prophetic messages and leadership. They will also reflect on who they are and the type of leader they want to be and can be in the Jewish community. |
10 Confirmation |
Religious School, Camp |
Rifkin, Rena Polonsky |
|
|
2008 |
Bible |
Genesis: Rated "T" For Teen |
This curriculum guide re-introduces the book of Genesis to adolescents as a narrative that is reflective of their own lives and relationships, and subsequently, directly relevant to their own experience. This guide is intended to expand, nuance, and enrich the students' childhood conceptions of the Genesis narratives, to provide students with the tools with which they can study Jewish text in the future, and to present the book of Genesis as a mirror of and a window into the human experience. |
11-12 |
Religious School |
Zimmerman, Micol |
|
|
2009 |
Teacher Resource |
You Shall Not Place Stumbling Blocks: Making Your Camp More Accessible |
Through the examination of traditional and contemporary texts, simulations, personal reflection, guest speakers, and camper observations, CITs will examine the struggles that those who are GLBT, from lower economic backgrounds, from non-traditional family units, and those with disabilities face in a camp setting. They will work toward developing ways that their camp can become increasingly accessible. |
11-12 |
Camp |
Ackerman, Rachel |
|
|
2009 |
Ethics / |
Tzedakah Tzedakah Tirdof: A Curriculum Guide on Making Jewish Philanthropic Decisions |
This curriculum guide includes three units in which participants will learn about making Jewish philanthropic decisions. In the final unit, students will put together everything they have learned and make choices about where they would give tzedakah. |
8-10 |
Religious School, youth group, or teen philanthropy program |
Bell, Missy |
|
|
2009 |
Holocaust |
Heroism and Resistance in the Holocaust |
It is common for Jewish students to see Jews as simply helpless victims during the Holocaust. In this curriculum guide, students analyze the motivations behind people's heroic acts, examine the Jewish values inherent within those acts, and delve into the various modes of resistance that Jews and non-Jews engaged in. |
9-10 |
Religious School or Day School |
Kahn, Matt |
|
|
2009 |
History |
Adventure, Opportunity, and Discovery: Finding Oneself In The Los Angeles Jewish Experience |
This curriculum guide is a case study of Jewish American history that challenges the reader to explore dimensions that made the Los Angeles Jewish experience unique. Study will include familiar Jewish institutions, neighborhoods, and relationships with other local cultures. Students will also explore the history of their families and who they are as individuals. |
10-12 |
Religious School or Youth Group |
Moss, Luisa |
|
|
2009 |
Ethics / |
Tizkoret Tzedekah- Exploring the Difficult Questions of Modern Tzedekah |
As 10-13 year olds prepare to become Jewish adults, it is important to provide them with resources to help guide their adult decision making processes. Our choices can and should be informed by Jewish text and tradition as we explore how and why to do Tzedakah. Our choices can and should also inspire us to take action within our communities and empower others to join with us in our righteous work. |
5 |
Religious School |
Perpinyal, Laura Siegel |
|
|
2009 |
Liturgy |
Adonai S'fatai Tiftach: Prayer and Spirituality at Camp and Beyond |
This curriculum explores key Jewish prayers and the deeper meanings behind them. While the fixed liturgy is a key part of this curriculum, it also stresses the need for campers to decide their own prayer style and regimen while still being part of a community. It also examines ways in which the campers can bring the prayer experiences they have at camp back home. |
7-8 |
Camp |
Singer-Beilin, Jake |
|
|
2009 |
Identity |
Hearing Our Voices: Mothers and Daughters Exploring Jewish Womanhood |
Judaism can guide contemporary American women as they navigate a culture that too-often teaches women damaging negative self-talk. Further, Jewish feminism can guide contemporary Jewish women as they navigate the traditionally androcentric worlds of Jewish text, language, and ritual. This curriculum guide aims to support Jewish American adolescent women and their mothers as they together navigate the unique challenges of Jewish American womanhood during this particularly difficult time in both of their lives. |
Post-Bat Mitzvah Adolescent Women and their Mothers |
Family Education program or Day School |
Stern, Rebekah |
|
|
2009 |
Identity |
And Justice For All: Jewish Involvement in the American Public Sphere |
This curriculum is meant to supplement American History courses taught in secular school. It focuses on Jewish and American identity, and the tensions and similarities between the two. It does so by focusing on social justice issues, and how students might intersect their identities to be involved in the public sphere. Units include historical information, a look at modern issues, and a service-learning opportunity. |
11-12 |
Religious School or Day School |
Walsh, Emily |
|
|
2009 |
Lifecycle |
Celebrating With Those We Love: Jewish Holidays and Healing for Families with Members who Struggle with Addiction |
This curriculum guide explores Jewish holidays and how families with a loved one who struggles with addictive behaviors can find connection to other families in similar situations, to clergy members and educators, to a variety of Jewish holiday rituals, and to the synagogue. The guide focuses on exploring the healing themes embedded in the Jewish holidays as well as how these themes and celebration rituals can be relevant to the lives of families with a loved one who struggles with addiction. |
Multiple ages |
Family or Adult Education |
Weisz, Julia |
|
|
2010 |
Ethics/ |
Getting Down with the Earth: A family guide to learning middot through building a congregation garden |
This curriculum guide takes participants on an adventure studying middot through building an organic community garden. The guide features such middot as: malacha (work), nedivut (generosity), and yirah (awe). Families are connected to the greater community by volunteering their time and donating all the food grown to a local food bank.. |
4-7 + family |
Family Education |
Cohen, Bradley |
|
|
2010 |
Identity |
What's Informed About Informed Choice?: One Approach to Growing an Intentional Jewish Praxis |
We need a paradigm shift from "What I don't have to do because I am a Reform Jew" to "What I ought to do because I am a Reform Jew". Adult learning-cohorts will work to explore what Judaism means to them personally; and how that might obligate them in the larger Jewish community. Individual Jews and Reform Jewish communities can explore how they might grow commitments to Jewish life, practice, and identity through learning and doing. |
Adult |
Synagogue Adult Education |
Gross, Jessy |
|
|
2010 |
Prayer |
iPray |
This is a t'fillah curriculum, but it will not teach students the words to prayers for B'nai Mitzvah. Instead, it will aid students in finding meaningful and lasting connections to t'fillah so they can ultimately answer the question, "Why do I pray?" This guide teaches both the keva and kavanah of t'fillah through text study, prayer analysis, interactive group activities, and unit-long assessments. |
6 |
Religious School, adaptable for camp or Day School |
Luskey, Lauren |
|
|
2010 |
Identity |
Multiple Identities -- one me: Navigating the slippery boundaries among multiple and competing cultures. |
This curriculum guide uses four phenomena -- music, law, Aleinu, and Brit Milah -- to explore the relationship between Jewish and non-Jewish cultures. Each of the four phenomena presents varied and complex perspectives on the intersection of cultures. Lessons raise issues of Jewish authenticity and engage students to map their own place within the Jewish and secular community. |
7-8 |
Religious School |
Mills, Ilana |
|
|
2010 |
Ethics/ |
Created Uniquely Oneself: A Confirmation Class Exploring Identity, Community and Tradition through Jewish Ideas of "Being Human" |
This course uses Jewish texts, from the Bible into the modern period, to explore what it means to be a human being, through the lens of Judaism. Students explore their own identity and examine their actions through the frame of values they articulate using text study and reflection. This is an ethics course to help students formulate values of community, identity and respect. |
10 Confirmation |
Religious School |
Philips, Miriam |
|
|
2010 |
Bible |
Betrayals of Trust: Approaching Nasty Narratives in the Bible and Beyond |
This guide engages the Biblical text and commentaries of diverse forms (traditional to modern, visual art, poetry, etc.) on the subject of betrayals of trust: between followers and leaders, between parents and children, and between husbands and wives. These stories are instructive, because as we engage with the brokenness of the people in our most sacred narrative, we may learn to turn our hearts toward the brokenness of the people in our world. The guide encourages the learner to analyze these nasty biblical narratives toward creating a personal stance on how to respond to betrayals of trust. |
Adult |
Adult Education |
Reice, Rebecca |
|
|
2010 |
Holocaust |
I and Thou: Connecting to Holocaust Survivors and Ourselves |
This curriculum guide examines the Jewish values of yesh tikvah (maintaining hope), tochecha (rebuke), yediat haEl (knowing God), and zechut avot (merits of our ancestors) through the lens of Holocaust survivor artifacts. Due to their experiences, Holocaust survivors embody the struggles with these Jewish values. As students and parents engage deeply with their stories, soul-searching conversations will inspire more questions about life. At this guide's conclusion, parents and teens will consider and choose values that they hope to pass on to future generations. Note: This curriculum guide is intended for students and parents who have already taken a course on the Holocaust. |
11-12
|
Religious School, Family Education |
Weisman, Tami |
|
|
2011 |
Literature |
My World to Come: Doikayt and Imagination in Yiddish Literature. A Language Arts Curriculum for Jewish Day School Juniors and Seniors |
This curriculum explores the parallels and intersections of two themes in Yiddish literature: imagination of the fantasy genre (as portrayed by dreaming, dybbuks, demons, and radical visions of afterlife) and doikayt (an idea that literally translates as "hereness," meaning the socio-political stance of improving the conditions of the world in which one lives). These two concepts are constantly in play in Yiddish literature, producing a series of short stories, poems, plays, and novels that confront the realities of the present while dreaming of a better future. By engaging with these texts, students create their personal vision of the world to come. |
11-12
|
Day School |
Abramovitz, Joel |
|
|
2011 |
Identity |
Making a Mensch: A Jewish Parent's Guide to Parenting Teens |
The art of parenting a teenager is an amazing adventure, but often leaves one desperately searching for answers. Judaism can deeply influence and enrich this parenting act. This guide is a blend of Jewish textual tradition and secular parenting knowledge designed to guide adult learners who are actively engaged in the parenting of an adolescent. It seeks to create a framework of Jewish sources that will serve as a scaffold upon which learners can refine their Jewish parenting values. |
Adult parents or caregivers of pre-adolescents and/or adolescents |
Adult Education |
Abrasley, Laura |
|
|
2011 |
Rabbinic Text |
Ki gerim hayyitem b'eretz Mitzrayim: An introduction to Jewish textual learning |
This curriculum guides learners through the process of Jewish textual learning, teaching them how to "do" text study through study of the phrase "For you were strangers in the land of Egypt," as it appears in biblical and early rabbinic texts. Multiple modalities and venues for learning are included, including study in chevruta and as a group, interpretation through art, and allowing learners to teach others. |
Adult |
Synagogue or community Adult Education; or in an immersion program, such as a liberal yeshiva setting |
Battis, Jordana Schuster |
|
|
2011 |
Lifecycle |
Making baby time into Jewish time: Infusing Spirituality into the first year of your child's life |
This curriculum guide was written as a spirituality guide for new parents. Becoming a parent is an exciting, scary, overwhelming, daunting, inspiring, and miraculous time. This curriculum guide is an opportunity for new parents to share their experiences with one another, to create community and to learn from Jewish tradition. Throughout this curriculum, students are encouraged to draw from their experiences as parents to enhance their connection to Judaism, to heighten their spiritual awareness and practices, and to create their own prayers, blessings, and rituals based on Jewish tradition. |
Parents of young children |
Adult Education |
Chernow-Reader, Jordana |
|
|
2011 |
Identity |
Beyond Judaica: Investigating how Modern and Contemporary Jewish Artists can enable our own Expression of Jewish Identity. |
All Jewish Artists eventually struggle with what their Judaism means to the creation of their Art. Through this curriculum, the student will experience Jewish Art and Artists through Art History, Studio Art, and an exploration of the self. Emerging Artists of high school age are at a critical stage in their personal development and can use art as a vehicle for self-understanding as well as self-expression. The curriculum provides experiences that will hopefully move them towards a better understanding of their heart as well as a better ability to relate through their head and hands. |
11-12 |
Day School |
Dreffin, Matthew |
|
|
2011 |
Bible |
There is Nothing New Under the Sun: A Biblical Guide to the Modern Family |
This curriculum guide will give learners the opportunity to study Torah in depth, cultivate relationships within the class, and fortify the learner's personal identity as a member of a family and as a Jew. The guide will achieve these goals by giving the learners the chance to study a subject with which they are intimately familiar- what it means to be a part of a family. Through the study of Torah, the learner can feel a spiritual connection to the texts because for centuries, Jews all over the world have turned to Torah to help them understand being part of a family. |
Adult |
Adult Education |
Irshay, Aimee |
|
|
2011 |
History |
From Stumptown to the Emerald City: A History of the Jews of the Pacific Northwest |
This curriculum guide is designed to teach history in a way that focuses on contextual understandings of history. Rather than learning dates and place names, the curriculum embraces a multi-media approach to the uncoverage of knowledge. This curriculum teaches American Jewish history through a particular regional lens, dealing solely with the Jewish communities of Portland, OR and Seattle, WA. The material is thus more personal to learners from the Pacific Northwest Region. |
9
|
Religious School |
Schulman, Callie Souther |
|
|
2011 |
Jewish Practice |
V'Dibarta Bam B'Veitecha - Speak of Them in Your Home: An Exploration of Jewish Ritual and Practice for the Young Family |
This guide offers opportunities to engage in the textual basis of Jewish rituals and practices. The learners will create a personal and family practice and contribute to the ongoing conversation that is halakhah. It is aimed at parents of children beginning their religious school experience, encouraging them to model for their children engagement in Jewish learning as a lifelong endeavor. The guide is divided into four curricular units—Lifetime, Yearly, Weekly, and Daily Practices—which demonstrate the cyclical nature of engagement in our Jewish tradition. |
Parents of younger children, or childen who are newer to Jewish learning |
Adult education program for parents that runs concurrently with the synagogue or community's supplemental religious school. |
Weisman, Gregory |
|
|
2012 |
Ethics/ |
It's All About Relationships: The Virtues That Guide Us |
This curriculum guide helps middle school students and their parents uncover what it means to fashion sacred relationships in their lives. It focuses on four middot: anavah (humility), chesed (loving-kindness), achrayut (responsibility), and yoshrah (integrity) as tools for creating and sustaining sacred relationships bein adam l'chaveiro. Using biblical, rabbinic and Jewish thought sources, the curriculum provides models of various types of relationships as a means for guiding learners toward applying these virtues in their own relationships. |
Middle School & Parents
|
Family Education |
Berney, Lisa |
|
|
2012 |
Spirituality |
Connections to Judaism: Spirituality and Confirmation |
This curriculum guide is intended to help students connect spiritually to Judaism in a way that is meaningful to each individual. Through four units of study - peoplehood, ritual, prayer and God - students have the opportunity to explore three major principles in Judaism: God, Torah and Israel. Students are given opportunities to explore their own connections through a variety of Jewish texts, rituals and field trips. |
10 Confirmation |
Religious School |
Fischman, Allie |
|
|
2012 |
Interfaith, Identity |
"Shalom, Salaam, and May God Be with You: Jewish Identity Formation through Interfaith Learning." |
This curriculum guide is a yearlong 10th grade confirmation class on interfaith learning; a class which promotes engagement and involvement in a greater faith-based global village. Units focus on how God, prayer, sacred text, and ritual celebrations exist in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Units also include facilitated interfaith dialogue and guidance for a unique confirmation ceremony. |
10 Confirmation |
Religious School |
Fromer, Jaclyn |
|
|
2012 |
Liturgy |
Mafteach Tefilah: Opening the Door to Meaningful Jewish Prayer |
This curriculum guide is designed to help learners deepen their understanding of why tefillah remains an essential part of the Jewish experience, and how it can help them to enrich their own personal and communal to Judaism and to the Jewish people. |
Adult |
Adult Education |
Geffen, Daniel |
|
|
2012 |
Ethics/ |
Kupat tzedakah: A Family Collective |
This family education curriculum guide introduces learners to core tzedakah principles; Jewish organizations that do tzedakah; and equips learners with the wherewithal to do tzedakah intentionally as a lifelong practice. |
Various |
Family Education |
Geffen, LuAnne Tyzzer |
|
|
2012 |
Israel |
Sacred Symbol and Complex Reality: Helping American Jewish Teachers Teach Multiple "Israels" |
This guide aims to achieve a balance between the way in which American representations of Israel are constructed and the way in which Israelis experience these American representations of Israel. This guide identifies four commonplaces: Key Sites, Military, Hebrew, and Textbooks to look at the way in which these two narratives are constructed. Learners will identify their own personal relationship with Israel, create a mission statement for what Israel education should look like in their synagogue, and have the opportunity to write and implent a lesson plan that integrates the two narratives. |
Adult Religious School Teachers |
Religious School |
Greene, Amanda |
|
|
2012 |
Israel |
Homeland or Territory - Four Ways of Understanding Israel's West Side |
This curriculum guide intends to help students define or develop their relationship with Israel using perspective and empathy to analyze one of the critical issues in Israel that appear to consistently trouble liberal American Jews. |
9-12. |
Religious School or Day School |
Knobel, Joshua |
|
|
2012 |
Israel |
Integrating Zionism: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Israel Narratives |
This curriculum guide explores four core narratives of Zionism: Political, Labor, Cultural, and Religious, with a strand of American Zionism woven through each. Using the method of integration (bringing different content areas into relationship with with one another), each narrative is taught through a primary lens of a different academic discipline: history, physical education, music, and religious literature. Students are asked to synthesize the different narratives into their own personal Zionist ideology through a final project-based unit on art. |
11 |
Religious School or Day School |
Lauing, Sarah |
|
|
2012 |
Israel |
A Narrative Approach to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict |
This curriculum will provide students with a brief overview of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict through a narrative approach to allow them to see the multiplicity of views regarding the conflict. This curriculum is not intended to persuade students to a particular point of view or to turn them into Israel advocates. The narrative approach will nuance the situation and make the content accessible for students with varying degrees of prior knowledge and perspectives on the conflict. |
9-10 |
Religious School or Day School |
Lebovits, Jessica |
|
|
2012 |
Israel |
Jewish Immigrant Populations in Israel: A View into the History, Culture, and Jewish Practices of Ethiopian, Former Soviet Union, and North American Communities |
This curriculum guide explores three Jewish immigrant communities in Israel: Ethiopian, Former Soviet Union, and North American. Campers will examine these populations through 3 lenses: historic narratives, culture, and Jewish practice. They will consider the advantages and disadvantages that accompany immigration while discovering the strength of the message that "Kol Yisrael areivim zeh la'zeh: All people of Israel are responsible for one another." Students will gain insights into their own Jewish identities, history, practices, and modes of Jewish self-expression. |
Entering 10th grade |
Summer Camp |
Levin, Rachel |
|
|
2012 |
World Jewish Communities |
Latin American Jewry |
This curriculum guide focuses on the six largest Jewish populations in Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Each country will be looked at through the lens of change. How did the Jewish communities in each country affect the greater society, and how did the greater society affect the Jewish community? The curriculum guide will conclude with a country fair, showcasing what the students have learned about Jewish communities in the above mentioned Latin American countries. |
6-7 |
Day School |
Rotter, Carmela Blau |
|
|
2012 |
Israel, Reform Judaism |
Finding Israel: A Personal Journey through the Lens of Reform Judaism
|
This curriculum guide explores the four platforms of the Reform Movement. Learners will chart the progression of the relationship between the Reform Movement and the land of Israel, both the actual modern State and the ancient historical longing. They will also analyze different historical events and explore how they affected the content of each platform. The more these learners understand the foundation that their movement has with the State of Israel, the greater confidence they will have in their own relationship with Israel, and the better their ability to teach about it to their campers. |
11-12 First year counselors |
Camp |
Rubin-Schlansky, Hannah |
|
|
2012 |
Literature |
Poetic Justice: Uncovering Modern Hebrew Poetry |
This guide is a curriculum to teach about poetry and Israel through the themes of creation, memory, war, and the Zionist dream. By studying modern Hebrew poetry adults will have the opportunity to increase the Jewish content in their lives as they learn the timeless themes these poets address. Learners will also be asked to consider and produce work based upon their own understandings of some of the unit themes. |
Adult |
Adult Education |
Steinman, Eleanor |
|
|
2012 |
World Jewish Communities |
Wherever You Go, There's Always Someone Jewish: Exploring Jewish Identity Through Culture |
This curriculum seeks to engage high school students in the question of how an external, regional culture may or may not influence Judaism, Jewishness, and Jewry. Students will explore the elements of Jewish culture in four worldwide communities: India, Russia, Argentina, and the United States of America. Each unit delves into the community's culture through some combination of the five themes of history, food, art, literature, and special customs. Ultimately, students will be equipped to consider how life in America has, or has not, shaped his/her vision of Jewish life. |
9-12 |
Religious School |
Sussman, Deana |
|
|
2012 |
History |
Models of Jewish Expression and Identity in the New Testament Narrative |
The New Testament narrative presents the ideas, belief systems, trends and rituals of the Judaisms during the late Second Temple period. The narrative also provides details about the development of Rabbinic Judaism, the democratization of Jewish sects, Jewish life under Roman authority, and meaningful Jewish rituals that we continue to observe today. By studying New Testament, learners will gain greater insight into the origins of first century Judaisms. Therefore, the New Testament can expose and help contemporary Jews understand Judaism as practiced today more deeply. |
Adult |
Adult Education |
Wright, Adam |
|
|
2013 |
Lifecycle, |
Connecting Jewish Identity to B'nai Mitzvah |
This curriculum guide is focused on the history of B'nai Mitzvah, the basic elements of Jewish identity, and how B'nai Mitzvah fits in as a rite of passage. Students will explore how B'nai Mitzvah evolved from Biblical times; they will learn the key commonplaces of Jewish identity based on the writing of Michael Rosenak; and they will compare and contrast B'nai Mitzvah with rites of passage from around the world |
6 (Second semester) |
Religious School |
Avner, Brian |
|
|
2013 |
Rabbinic Text |
Weaving a Coat of Many Colors: An Integration of Art in Text Study |
This curriculum proposes a unique way to integrate the use of art with Jewish textual study. It offers various forms of exegesis that Jews have engaged in to better understand the elusiveness of Torah and to derive meaning from it. Visual Midrash is entrance point to engage students in Torah study by creating opportunities for the student to process the text and their revelations from it in a personal and creative format. |
6-8 |
Day School |
Levi, Kyna E.M. |
|
|
2013 |
Identity |
How Am I Am Yisrael? |
This curriculum explores three dimensions of contemporary Jewish Peoplehood: Jewish Expressions, Jewish Practices, and Snapshots of Jewish Histories and Presents. This curriculum aims to show learners that there are multiple authentic ways to be a part of the Jewish People. |
8-9 |
Religious School |
Marks, Rachel Kaplan |
|
|
2013 |
Ethics/ |
Intentional Living - Refining Your Beliefs and Realigning Your Actions |
This CG helps individuals uncover their personal beliefs through different means including journaling, learning different Jewish theologies, and the study of Hasidut and Kabbalistic texts. Students pair learning with self-examination in order to assess how they make decisions and act in the world in relation to other people, the environment, and in making financial decisions. Ultimately, the goal is to realign actions with beliefs in order to better the world. |
Adult |
Adult Education program; Could be a year-long program or a series of retreats throughout the year. |
Plotnik, Molly |
|
|
2013 |
Philosophy/ |
G?d: Unlocking our understanding of G-d and being able to
explain |
G-d is a difficult topic for many adults to discuss with their children because many have not had the opportunity to explore what their own beliefs and feelings are about G-d. Mainly, G-d will be explored through the study of various Jewish prayers, blessings, biblical stories, life cycle events and Jewish philosophers. Additionally, each lesson will have an "At Home" component where students will have a chance to share the learning they have done in class at home with their children. |
Adult |
Adult Education |
Rabizadeh, Tarlan |
|
|
2013 |
Liturgy |
A Path to Meaningful Prayer |
This curriculum guide will help students to answer the following questions: How does one pray? What does it mean to pray? How can I connect to something if I don't know what I am saying? What if I don't actually believe the words that are written in the prayer book? In the end, students will be able to answer the question, "Why pray?" in a way that is meaningful for them, and will allow them to contextualize the prayers we say every day and find a way to make these ancient words relevant to their lives today. |
Adult; could be adapted for young adults and teens. |
Adult Education |
Regev, Lara Pullan |
|
|
2013 |
Ethics/ |
My So Called Life: Applying Jewish values to our lives outside of Religious School |
This guide was created to address the lack of both developmentally appropriate teaching content, and incorporation of theory into the students' personal actions. The values explored in this 6th grade curriculum guide are: lashon harah (gossip); t'mimut (integrity); shalom bayit (peace in the home); boshet (embarrassment). |
6 |
Religious School |
Sherry, Mindy |
|
|
2013 |
Philosophy/ |
I Applied My Heart To Know Wisdom: A Jewish Perspective On Personal Ideologies |
This curriculum guide is about the nature, purpose, and formation of personal ideologies, and their place in Jewish life. It asks students to draw upon their own experiences and personal values in order to answer big existential questions such as "Who am I?' and "What is the right way to live?" Jewish texts such as Kohelet and Pirkei Avot are presented alongside corresponding works of art, poetry, film, TV, etc. in order to highlight their various ideological messages; those texts are then applied to lifecycle events and other aspects of Jewish life (i.e. tikkun olam). |
11-12 |
Day School |
Silverman, Todd |
|
|
2013 |
Identity |
The Rest is Commentary, Now Go And Learn: Literacy Through Text Study |
This Curriculum Guide helps build a framework for text study and a relationship with Jewish texts. With units structured around God, Torah, and Israel, students are exposed to multiple texts covering issues such as belief, practice, and interactions with others. They learn how to interpret texts in order to gain Jewish confidence. With a strong sense of Jewish literacy (familiarity with Jewish concepts through text study) students healthfully develop their Jewish identity. |
9 - Adult Could be adapted for any age after B'nai Mitzvah |
Religious School; Adult Education |
Tulik, Rochelle |
|
|
2013 |
Ethics/ |
AP Kindness: Mussar for Teens |
This course provides an opportunity for young people to strengthen their spiritual core through the specifically Jewish path of Mussar, a method that challenges students to align their internal truths with their external behavior. Mussar study serves to cultivate their moral & ethical mind, a developmental area not often intentionally addressed within their academic world. Without focusing on how we live Jewish values, our students go out into the world with little to no idea of how to use their faith to both define & refine themselves while simultaneously turning outward to help others. |
11-12 |
Religious School |
Wohlner, Bess |
|