Teacher Resources

The 2020-21 school year was marked by resourcefulness, experimentation, and creativity, among other things. It was different by necessity.

As we emerge from the pandemic and look ahead to next year, when things will be different yet again, consider whether to step back and take stock of the big picture. Not the tachlis of what's working and what's not. But the overall vision of your learning program - what's the point of Jewish education and are you and the stakeholders in your community in alignment?

"The answer to this question lies at the very heart of the approach we take in our educational spaces," writes Batsheva Frankel in The Jewish Educator's Companion. "We are always striving to be our best, wanting our programs to grow and improve. The process of considering change

Decoding Hebrew opens the gates to a world of skills and deeper connection to Jewish prayer, culture, and tradition. 

Now's the time to start thinking about your Hebrew program for the upcoming year. So how to decide which primer is best for your learners?

Here's an overview of our most popular primers: 

Alef Bet Quest 

Best for: Grades 3-4
Students learn Hebrew through a guided virtual tour of Israel. Teaches new letters and vowels from real Hebrew words, with an emphasis on those found in the prayer book. Alef Bet

Here are three approaches that foster deep reflection and critical thinking while exploring the role Jewish values play in life.

Why does Hebrew matter? 

"Language is a key to identity and culture, and Hebrew is a key to Jewish identity and Jewish culture. We just have to approach it as such." So writes Jeremy Benstein, the linguist and author of Hebrew Roots, Jewish Routes: A Tribal Language in a Global World.

Engaging with Hebrew is a vehicle to enrich our connection to Judaism and its values. It is a real, living, dynamic language full of energy, Benstein says. You can teach it that way and help students connect with the language in authentic ways - whether or not your school focuses on prayer learning.

If

Now Available: A new batch of free, ready-to-go lessons and activities for Yom Ha'atzma'ut from the Behrman House collection.

Our free Educator Resource page is chock-full of Judaics and Hebrew lessons and activities for learners of all ages. The collection includes the following lessons to celebrate Israel's Independence Day (coming up on April 17):

• K-2 - Through discussion and creative activities, learn why Israel’s Independence Day is a joyful, important occasion. 
• 3-6 - Explore how Yom Ha'atzma'ut started, how we celebrate it, and why it’s important to the Jewish people.
• 7+ -  Learn how and why we celebrate Israel’s Independence Day, and find personal connections to the holiday.

This new release is part of our commitment to help you provide a meaningful learning experience for y

Teachers have stepped up in a big way this year. 

How will you show gratitude to your teachers as the year comes to a close? Even in a virtual world, it's nice to get something real.

Here are some ideas for gifts and awards.

Appreciation Certificates 

Everyone loves to be acknowledged for good work. We offer certificates of recognition, service, and teaching. 

(AND, coming July 1: a gender-neutral b-mitzvah certificate. Have them ready in time for the 2021-22 school year.) 

Gift Cards

Behrman House has just released a new batch of free, ready-to-go lessons and activities for Passover and Yom Ha'atzma'ut.

Here's a sample of the new material now available on our free Educator Resource page:

• K-2 - Hear the story of Exodus, discuss the theme of freedom, and explore some key seder rituals through crafts and other fun activities.
• 3-6 - Explore how Yom Ha'atzma'ut started, how we celebrate it, and why it’s important to the Jewish people.
• 3-6 - Analyze the story of Moses and Aaron confronting Pharaoh, and discuss why justice is important and how to identify injustice.
• 7+ -  Learn how and why we celebrate Israel’s Independence Day, and find personal connections to the holiday.

We're also giving you access to a downloadable Hebrew unit from Shalom, Rea

Winter and Purim combine with ready-to-go activities from Shalom, Reader to help students practice Hebrew in small bites.

Behrman House has just released a new batch of free, ready-to-go lessons and activities for Tu Bishevat and Hebrew.

Every few months we have been curating Hebrew and Judaics resources for learners of all ages to get you through this important and difficult time in Jewish education. Whether you are back in the classroom, continuing remote learning, or implementing a blended home/school environment, our resources can provide a meaningful learning experience for your students.

Thousands of educators and students have been using these free downloadable materials, and we've just refreshed them with new Hebrew lessons and hands-on learning for Tu BiShevat. 

For example, two new lessons for grades K-2 help students learn about getting in touch with nature and the value of caring for God's beautiful world, with activities like a tree treasure hunt, mindfulness moments like tasting fruit, and