Author: Shira Sender

Navigating the Storm: Jewish Values and the Rise of Antisemitism

Navigating the Storm: Jewish Values and the Rise of Antisemitism

With an alarming resurgence of antisemitism, the Jewish community needs to rely on its rich history of values for guidance and strength. In this challenging time, when hatred seems to be on the rise, Jewish values are taking center stage. 

At ShalomLearning, we are proud to offer a Jewish values-based curriculum that teaches young students to connect with their Jewish heritage. Now is the time to elevate the value of Achrayut, doing what you can to make the world a better place. We are proud of how ShalomLearning uses hands-on, relevant activities to help students understand the importance of Achrayut in today’s modern world. 

Antisemitism and Jewish Values

Antisemitism has persisted throughout history. However, the recent surge in global incidents has sparked a need for the Jewish community to respond. From acts of violence to discriminatory rhetoric, we are fighting deeply rooted prejudices. 

Turning to Jewish values to guide us in our personal and communal lives is comforting and offers a roadmap for response. Our values provide a moral compass, fostering a sense of identity and purpose. In the face of antisemitism, values like “Tikkun Olam” (repairing the world) and “Tzedakah” (charity) remind our community of its commitment to making the world a better place for all. Teaching Achrayut in the Face of Antisemitism

Achrayut translates to “responsibility” or “accountability.” This value not only obliges us to take action for ourselves, but also for our broader community. With antisemitism rising, Achrayut urges us to actively engage in efforts to combat prejudice, promote understanding, and work towards a more inclusive society.

In the ShalomLearning curriculum, we leverage 7 core values, including Achrayut, to teach our students the importance of: 

  1. Jewish history and culture: By building awareness we can dispel stereotypes and encourage open conversations on the impact of antisemitism.
  2. Community Engagement: Our curriculum builds and strengthens communities so we can face discrimination together, celebrate diversity, and promote interfaith dialogue.
  3. Advocacy:  We empower individuals to speak out against antisemitism in all forms and collaborate with organizations working towards eradicating hate and discrimination.
  4. Inclusivity: We encourage acts of kindness and support to foster a sense of belonging and  inclusivity.

The resilience of the Jewish people has always been a testament to the enduring power of our values. Achrayut, with its emphasis on responsibility and action, can help the Jewish community navigate the challenges posed by rising antisemitism. 

ShalomLearning instills this value to future generations, so we can continue our efforts to free the world from prejudice and hatred. In the face of darkness, the light of Jewish values continues to shine, guiding the way towards a brighter and more compassionate future.

A Modern Program for Modern Times

In addition to our Jewish values program, ShalomLearning also offers Hebrew curricula and ongoing support and professional development for Jewish educators. To learn more, contact us. 

Let’s Break to Educate: Let’s Learn Hebrew Side By Side

Let’s Break to Educate: Let’s Learn Hebrew Side By Side

ShalomLearning is excited to offer a new Hebrew curriculum for the upcoming 2021-22 school year: Let’s Learn Hebrew Side By Side! This online and hands-on learning program, based on phonemic awareness and letter sound knowledge, was designed for 5th and 6th graders. Each unit includes a lesson that students do alongside a reading facilitator, reinforcement activities and reading practice. Here is a brief sample of a lesson. Register here to learn more at our next Let’s Break to Educate on Tuesday, May 4th at 1:00pm ET.

Yom Ha’Atzmaut Goosechase Activity

Yom Ha’Atzmaut Goosechase Activity

Designed for grades 4 and older

Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, is celebrated this year on April 14th – 15th. Our ShalomLearning team created this fun Yom Ha’Atzmaut GooseChase scavenger hunt activity for teachers to use with their classes. It is filled with interactive and engaging Israel-themed classroom challenges that can be used both in a virtual classroom and in-person.

Yom_HaAtzmaut_GooseChase_User_Guide

Creating Student Engagement, One Spin At A Time

Creating Student Engagement, One Spin At A Time

ShalomLearning partner school, Congregation Shearith Israel, located in Atlanta, GA, is implementing a new solution to a common dilemma: motivating students to complete independent work. Several schools choose, as a policy, not to assign students activities to complete outside of class. There are many reasons for such an approach and many advantages to giving out of class activities, including:
  • Assignments allow students independent practice and self-assessment;
  • Families have insight into students’ classroom learning with at-home activities;
  • Activities provide teachers a tool to informally assess students to identify needs for individualized student instruction.
However, not all students are intrinsically motivated to complete assignments. Many teachers and schools are looking for creative ways to incentivize students. Shearith Israel created a fun tool to help mitigate this obstacle: HaGalgal (The Wheel), an incentive program for Hebrew work at home. The program is simple:
  • Teachers assign work for their students to complete between Hebrew classes.
  • Each student who logs into my.ShalomLearning.org and submits the assignment gets an entry into the class drawing.
  • Each class, the teacher draws a name, and that student gets to spin HaGalgal.
  • Each month the class with the highest percentage of students with submitted assignments spins the wheel for the whole school to see.
  • At the end of the year, the student who has submitted the most assignments will win a special prize sporting the school logo.