Stories that shaped a Nation: Jewish Lives in America

This lesson explores the diversity of Jewish identity, emphasizing shared history and connection despite varied backgrounds. Students will reflect on belonging, engage with diverse Jewish voices, and create a mosaic representing a meaningful community.

This lesson examines the Jewish people’s enduring connection to the Land of Israel and Jerusalem. Students will explore this bond through various sources and reflect on a place that holds personal or cultural meaning for them.

This lesson explores the history of the Jewish diaspora, highlighting resilience, adaptation, and identity across time and place. Students will examine these themes and create poems reflecting on their own sense of home and belonging.

This lesson highlights the diversity within the Jewish community, shaped by history, movement, and cultural exchange. Students will explore identity and expression through Jewish artifacts, reflecting on their own evolving identities and shared human experiences.

This lesson explores the early history of Jewish communities in North America, beginning with 17th-century refugees. Students will examine how monuments shape historical memory and consider how to honor these early Jewish experiences today.

This lesson explores the evolving history of religious liberty in the U.S., focusing on how communities like Jews, Catholics, and Muslims have defended their rights. Students will examine key moments and reflect on freedom, tolerance, and inclusion.

This lesson explores how Emma Lazarus used poetry to express Jewish values of welcoming others, reshaping the meaning of the Statue of Liberty. Students will analyze historical imagery and create their own message for today’s immigrants.

This lesson examines the history of antisemitism in the U.S., highlighting both opportunity and prejudice faced by Jews. Students will analyze sources and reflect by writing a modern-day promise to stand against bigotry.

This lesson explores waves of Jewish immigration to the U.S., highlighting reasons for migration, legal barriers, and diverse backgrounds. Students will analyze stories and sources, then create a guide to America inspired by immigrant experiences.

This lesson explores the complex role of Jewish leaders during the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting both support and hesitation. Students will analyze primary sources and discuss how values, risks, and community concerns shaped their decisions.

This lesson explores the role of individuals in social change, focusing on the Birmingham Jewish community during the Civil Rights Movement. Students will examine tensions between values and personal risk through reflection and primary sources.

This lesson explores the value of dissent in both Jewish tradition and American democracy. Students will examine Talmudic debate, free speech challenges, and a landmark court case, while reflecting on disagreement’s role in communal life.

This lesson explores the Jewish value of dissent and the complexities of free speech in American democracy. Students will study a landmark court case, reflect on opposing views, and analyze how societies navigate offensive or harmful speech.

This lesson explores the evolving nature of antisemitism, rooted in false beliefs about Jewish power. Students will analyze modern examples, study personal accounts, and engage in thoughtful discussion about its impact in today’s society.

This lesson explores how antisemitism threatens both Jewish communities and democratic values. Students will examine its impact on pluralism and civic life, then develop strategies to defend inclusivity, truth, and equal rights in a diverse society.