August 10, 2025 College can be a challenging experience for anyone at any time. But for Jewish students, whether entering their first year or returning to campus, rising antisemitism and anti-Israel protests can threaten their…
Delve into the roots of Jewish peoplehood and the pivotal moments in Jewish history that led to the rebirth of Israel in 1948. Explore how precarious Diaspora life and outbursts of violent antisemitism catalyzed Jewish self-determination. Examine how Jewish leaders employed compromise, perseverance and adaptation in interactions with the Ottomans, British, and Arabs to overcome challenges, and so much more.
Dance along as waves of Jewish immigration mix with indigenous traditions to create a unique culture reflecting a world of Jewish and non-Jewish influences across Israel’s diverse society.
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.
CIE asked friends and experts in the field of Israel Studies to discuss the challenges and successes of the State of Israel in this past year, and to reflect on the coming year. Below, we…
The June 1967 Middle East War transformed Israeli, Jewish, and Middle Eastern History. In the span of six weeks, in May and June 1967, Israel, its neighbors and the international community were engulfed with varying emotions including admonition, arrogance, audacity, astonishment, bravado, boasting, daring, euphoria, fears of annihilation, hesitation, humiliation, indecision, miscalculation, pride, procrastination, relief, resignation, self-doubt, self-importance, and tension.
Capturing these moments as well as the prelude and aftermath of the War dominate the contents of The June 1967 War: How It Changed Jewish, Israeli and Middle Eastern History in both the Leader’s Guide and Participant Booklet.
The following items are lesson plans on specific areas related to Israel, all of which were shared by participants in CIE’s educator workshops from 2012 to 2014. “Hatikvah” — Background/History of “Hatikvah” The creation of…
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…
“The Jews of Arab Lands” HIST 285-004/MESAS 270-000- all levels Fall 2011 Semester – Yaron Ayalon View Syllabus Topics covered will include the absorption of Middle Eastern Jews in Israel; the socioeconomic status of Jews…
Building the State Before the State: Keren Hayesod Posters, 1942 Participation in community requires certain obligations and duties. Hellenism’s Challenge to Ancient Judaism Hellenism represented a major challenge to the cohesiveness of the Jewish community…
Background/History of Hatikva The creation of State of Israel must be understood in the context of Jewish history Biblical Origins The choice to engage in the Brit (covenant) forms lasting attitudes toward our Jewish peoplehood,…
Background/History of Hatikva The creation of State of Israel must be understood in the context of Jewish history Culminating Activity Israel is my home, a land of my past, a land that I connect to,…
The Ethiopian Immigrant Experience The journey from Ethiopia to Israel was difficult and dangerous.
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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.
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Explaining Hebrew language beyond religious practice and making it a spoken language of the street gave rise to a rich literary renaissance. In this curriculum, Hebrew literature excerpts demonstrate how the Hebrew language became a core element in Jewish state identity.
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Join special guest curriculum contributor Dr. Yaron Ayalon and the CIE Curriculum team as they take you and your students on a riveting adventure through the lives of the Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews of Southern Europe and the Middle East. Explore the differences between Sephardi and Ashkenazi cultures, and discover the great wealth of knowledge and spirituality of the Sephardi Jews. Utilizing maps, photographs, primary documents, an extensive timeline and even a recipe for a traditional Sephardi dish, this book is the perfect introduction to Sephardi Jewry for the individual learner or in a classroom setting.
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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.
Dive in, or choose a pathway: Topics, Types, Eras and/or Languages. Explore robust content. Come back often for more.