Judaica

A collaboration between Behrman House and The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot, The Hero in Me introduces children to an array or Jewish heroes - from biblical figures to contemporary ones - in an exploration of what makes a hero, and how each of us can be a hero in our own lives. 

The Holocaust is a difficult subject to approach with children. As we approach Yom HaShoah in a particularly challenging year, it may be helpful to highlight moments of strength, resilience, and hope as a response to times of fear.

Here are three stories perfect for ages 7-12 that offer a gentle introduction to the Holocaust, each told through singular stories that highlight stories of perseverance. 

Hand in Hand

By 

On April 20, experience a a powerful way to fulfill the responsibility that Holocaust survivors have entrusted to us - to remember, to tell the story, and to act.

The Holocaust is in danger of being remembered as just another historical atrocity inflicted on the Jewish people. With fewer living witnesses able to tell their stories, we need a new way to fulfill the responsibility that Holocaust survivors have entrusted to us - to remember, to tell the story, and to act.

Light from the Darkness: A Ritual for Holocaust Remembrance is a powerful new approach. It's a 45-minute, seder-like experience appropriate for a variety of groups, such as synagogue and school programs (ages 11 up), as well as teen, young adult, and intergenerational events.

Its structured, highly interactive format can be used as a stand-alone event or scheduled as part of a series of community

The Holocaust is in danger of being remembered as just another historical atrocity inflicted on the Jewish people. With fewer living witnesses able to tell their stories, we need a new way to fulfill the responsibility that Holocaust survivors have entrusted to us - to remember, to tell the story, and to act.

Light from the Darkness: A Ritual for Holocaust Remembrance is a powerful new approach. It's a 45-minute, seder-like experience appropriate for a variety of groups, such as synagogue and school programs (ages 11 up), as well as teen, young adult, and intergenerational events.

Its structured, highly interactive format can be used as a stand-alone event or scheduled as part of a series of community or school activities

Not easy does not mean impossible. Here are four strategies for effective Israel education.

Each spring, the eighth graders at Levine Academy in Dallas visit Israel for almost three weeks. For the 40 or so students, it’s a trip they anticipate with excitement for years, beginning in kindergarten when their day school begins weaving Israel throughout the curriculum and programming.

The trip marks the culmination of their day school experience, and educators at Levine Academy want to ensure the students are prepared. This year they will be using the new Israel…It’s Complicated course in eighth grade.

“We’re very excited. We want to prepare our students to be open and to know more, to ask questions. But first students need the information. The new curriculum brings it all – it’s a great source to open the discussion,” says Anna Katzman, the dean of Hebrew language and programs at Levine Academy.