Those teachers who have previously talked about the Pilgrims, the Maccabees, and the Jews in Egypt wanting and obtaining freedom, have already laid the basis for a discussion of Israel's Independence Day also know as Yom Ha'atzmaut or, "The Day of Freedom."
This introductory dialogue on Jewish history should enable teachers to deal with this newest of Jewish holidays. In turn, talking about a day to be grateful for the brave Israeli people who take care of Israel so that it is safe, lays the groundwork for the coming discussions of Memorial Day. The following may be a simple method on educating others about the Israeli holiday.
Teaching the History of the Jewish People Before Coming to Israel
For many, many years, before there was a state of Israel, the Jewish people lived in different places all over the world. They were not happy without a home country and so they decided there must be a home country for Jewish people. This home country had to be in Israel because that was the land promised to Jews in the Torah. The people who decided this are called "halutzim," or pioneers.
Teaching the History of the Jewish People After Arriving to Israel
These halutzim went to Israel and worked very hard to make it beautiful and livable. They planted trees and farms, built houses, schools and synagogues. They decided to speak Hebrew in the Jewish land, which they named later, the State of Israel.
Most of the other countries of the world also thought there should be a Jewish state. The Jewish people were so happy to have a real homeland that there were parties and parades to celebrate the good news. Now, every year, on the fifth day of Iyar, all Jews all over the world celebrate Israel's Independence Day, too.In 2009, Israel will be 61-years-old.
Connecting Israel Independence Day to Hebrew Names
This holiday is a very appropriate time to put the spotlight on any Israeli children, perhaps either in a son's or daughter's class or in another educational setting.
You can find out if the American children have Hebrew names. If they don't know, they should ask their parents. If parents don't know, the school might ask permission to have the Rabbi assign Hebrew names to the children. A special ceremony of Hebrew naming could then be held on Shavuot which signifies the special time when the Jewish people received the Torah, and each child "receives" his/her Hebrew name. The school may decide to also give a mezuzah locket as a gift to each child.
Other Ideas on Teaching About Israel
There are many materials relating to Israel at a children's level which can be brought either into a classroom setting or at home. Use story books, filmstrips, movies and Israeli products. Take children to the store to buy Jaffa oranges and Israeli chocolate bars. Schedules visits by parents and grandparents who have returned from Israel and can personally transmit their enthusiasm to the children. Perhaps you can arrange for a parent or grandparent to come to school to tell the children about such a trip.
Some teachers and parents bake a birthday cake with the children, (mainly at school) decorate it and have a birthday party in honor of Israel Independence Day, which is an important day for coming together as a Jewish nation.
Israel Independence Day is a time when Jews all around the world can celebrate their homeland.Prior to this day, Jewish adults can learn more about Israeli history and the pioneers who worked hard to establish it while educating their children.
Dorit Sasson - Hello! I'm an ESL instructor, teacher diversity coach and writer for the educational markets who writes on English language learners ...
