Israel curriculum primarily focuses on Israel and not on Jewish studies or Jewish history. Of course, the context of modern Israel history or Israel studies evolves from the Jewish past. Here we are focusing on Zionism and Israel for formal and informal education settings. The following component elements are provided: • Key curated essentials • Self-learning, on-demand units • Age-appropriate curriculum guides • Teaching outlines and lesson plans • Suggested terms, ideas and concepts • Research bibliographies • College syllabi • Weekly Torah portion

Weekly Torah Portion

The Parashah Hashavuah is the weekly portion of the Torah, the five books of Moses, read by Jews throughout the world each Sabbath and on specific holidays. Here you will find a d’var Torah (commentary)…

Curriculum/Syllabi|March 18, 2025
How Anti-Zionism Is Antisemitism

How Anti-Zionism Is Antisemitism

Apply the lessons of centuries of lies, propaganda, and conspiracy theories directed against the Jewish people to understand how such hate has morphed into double standards, delegitimization, and demonization of Israel and the liberation movement of Zionism.

Zionism and Israel: From the Tanakh to 1948

Zionism and Israel: From the Tanakh to 1948 explores the foundations of the centrality of the Land of Israel to the Jewish people and how the relationship between the people and the land evolved over time. Activities and background information are provided to help learners explore the growth of the Jewish Diaspora, the evolving relationship between the people and the Land and the origins of the Zionist movement.  Following the First Zionist Congress in 1897, Zionism and Israel: From the Tanakh to 1948 shifts to explore how the Basle Declaration and subsequent documents guided the movement’s actions towards its vision for a Jewish State.  The material concludes with an exercise on Israel’s Declaration of Independence. 

Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Memorial Day: Suggested Links for Learning and Commemoration

Between Passover and Shavuot, Israel and world Jewry have three special days of memory and celebration: Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, Yom HaZikaron, Israel Memorial Day; and Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. While these days are typically marked by community ceremonies and celebrations, gathering together is not possible this year. The resources provided here will assist you in bringing your community together for Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, online in new and meaningful ways.

Curriculum/Syllabi|April 15, 2020

Resources for Teaching about Passover in Israel

Here is a list of resources for learning about Passover in Israel. For each of the related topics, we are providing ideas for activities and distance learning opportunities, with the supporting links. We hope you will find fun and meaningful ways of celebrating Israel and Passover, and please let us know if these sparked additional ideas and online engagements with your students!

Curriculum/Syllabi|March 23, 2020

Community and Experiential Learning

For educators or program planners, this section provides engaging programs for enhancing Israel learning for different age groups and audience sizes. They can be adapted for use at home or as part of a family…

Curriculum/Syllabi|July 12, 2015
Volunteering and Israel’s State Building

Volunteering and Israel’s State Building

E-book

Volunteerism and social action are core values in the Jewish culture and helped shape the development of the State of Israel. This learner’s guide contains background information from unique primary source texts, photographs from Israel’s history, biographical sketches of Israelis who put values into practice.

  • Suitable for learners 8th grade and up
  • 33-page learners guide
  • Learn why volunteering was essential to the Jewish state’s establishment
  • Develop an understanding of why supporting one another remains a core value in Israel
  • Perfect for individuals, groups or classes

Israel and the Jewish Nation: Part 1

E-book

Covering the foundations of Judaism and the history of the Jewish people, the unit starts with the ‘covenants’ and ends in 1897. It traces the Jewish connection to the land of Israel, in the land and in exile. It explains how and why Jews retained their traditions in the face of enormous challenges. It concludes with the birth of Zionism as one answer to Jewish insecurity.

  • Suitable for learners 9th grade and up
  • The first of four planned units covering Israel and the Jewish Nation
  • 37-page teacher guide
  • 78-page student workbook
  • Covers the foundations of Judaism and Jewish people starting with the 'covenants'
  • Learn how and why the Jews retained their traditions in the face of enormous challenges
  • Explore the connection to the land of Israel and the birth of Zionism

The First Zionist Congress

E-book

Travel back in time to August 29, 1897, when the First Zionist Congress was held in Basel, Switzerland. Experience the meeting from the inside, participating as the delegates from seventeen different nations! This guide includes an activity guide, a full list of all 200+ participants, biographies of 25 of the delegates and extensive background readings, including full translations of some of the speeches given at the congress.

  • Suitable for learners 9th grade and up
  • 72-page learners guide