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

Glossaries

This section offers easy access to names, events, and terms associated with modern Israeli history. Terms listed were used successfully by students for understanding context in learning about modern Israel and the Middle East.

Curriculum/Syllabi|November 26, 2024
How Zionists Created the State of Israel

How Did the Zionists Create the State of Israel?

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.

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. 

Declaration — One School’s Approach

Pressman Academy in Los Angeles, part of CIE’s Day School Initiative, has graciously shared its Megillat HaAtzmaut and accompanying, grade-specific lesson plans for exploring Israel’s Declaration of Independence at Yom Ha’Atzmaut. Reading of Megillat HaAtzmaut:…

Curriculum/Syllabi|March 24, 2023

Declaration Activity: A Look Back

This video, prepared as Israel approached its 73rd birthday in 2021, incorporates multiple perspectives on the previous year. Have members of your class, in small groups or collectively, create a similar video addressing the highs…

Curriculum/Syllabi|March 24, 2023

Yom Yerushalyim – Jerusalem Day: Resources for teaching and learning

Jerusalem Day, or Yom Yerushalayim in Hebrew, is a commemoration of the reunification of Jerusalem after the Six-Day War in June 1967. It is celebrated on the 28th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar.
On this day, the city is pampered and beautified just for the sake of celebration. So what typically takes place on this special day? Examples include official ceremonies, tours, tastings, a festive parade, a lot of music, unique characters with a story and everything Jerusalem has to offer.

Curriculum/Syllabi|May 12, 2020

Zionism in Israeli Music — Activities, Ideas and Links to Resources

“Hatikvah,” Israel’s national anthem, describes the hope of the Jewish people to be and remain free in the Land of Israel. Its story parallels the Zionist progression from ancient connection to the land to the present. By creatively using the anthem’s contents, one touches on Israeli music, self-determination, immigration, state-building, art and the state’s Basic Laws.

Curriculum/Syllabi|April 25, 2020

Yom HaZikaron – Israel’s Memorial Day: Suggested Links for Learning and Commemoration

Yom HaZikaron (Day of Remembrance) is Israel’s Memorial Day. In the early years of statehood, memorials for soldiers who had fallen in the 1948 War of Independence were held on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. After Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion appointed a special committee, the memorials were moved to the 4th Iyar, the day before Yom Ha’Atzmaut. The day was anchored into Israeli law in 1963 with the passage of the Heroes’ Remembrance Day (War of Independence and Israel Defense Army) Law. This law was amended in 1980 to Memorial Day for the Fallen of Israel’s Wars Law.

Curriculum/Syllabi|April 21, 2020

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

Games for Israel Learning

Games and activities are great tools for learning about Israel which can be fun for the whole family.  The games we present here touch on a number of different topic areas: Geography, Tanakh, history, politics,…

Curriculum/Syllabi|March 26, 2020

At Home Escape Room Activity: The Hall of Fame

This escape room guides learners through a series of activities using a variety of original sources, ultimately directing them to learn about Shimon Peres, one of Israel’s longest serving and most influential leaders. While not all of the activities are directly related to Peres, they provide additional context into Israeli culture and society by exposing players to learn more about the country’s founding, its national anthem, and its food. The activity is designed for learners in grades 3-6.

Curriculum/Syllabi|March 23, 2020