6th Grade Learns about Zionism
This week students learned about Jewish Life Before WWI focusing on Jewish Nationalism and Zionism.
A highlight of this week was our “Big Paper” prompt activity. Papers were placed around the room with questions about our Zionism unit in the middle of each. After students read each question, they commented on the text and asked each other questions by writing on the Big Paper. The written conversation needed to start on the topic of the text but could stray wherever the students took it. Students drew lines connecting a comment to a particular question. Some of the “Big Paper” questions included:
- Do you think that creating a Jewish state in the Land of Israel was a good solution to the problem of antisemitism? Why or why not?
- Just as Jews differed in their opinions about what the Jewish state should be like in the time of Hertzl and Gordon, today Jews both in Israel and in the Diaspora often disagree on what the Jewish state should be like. How might the differences of opinions benefit the Jewish people? Why might the differences of opinions be a problem?
- Hertzl’s Zionist slogan was: “If you will it, it is no dream.” What do you think that means?
Describe a dream that Jews might have today? What could you do to help that dream come true?
One of the questions from the lesson in past years was:
- “Today, most Jews live in democratic countries where they are free to live as they want without fear of antisemitism. Do you think there is still a need for a Jewish state? Why or why not?”
We discussed why this question needs to be updated for this year’s lesson because of the Antisemitic events happening over Hanukkah break.
Upcoming 6th Grade Dates
1/13-1/25 Family Interview Presentations during Yachad (presentation schedule will be shared on 1/11)
Saturday, 3/7 at 11:30am B’Nei Mitzvah Family Meeting
Friday, 3/27 at 5:00pm 6th Grade KSBY Shabbat service, dinner, and an activity to follow- a great time to socialize and get to know each other!
Tuesday, 4/21 at 6:15pm, 6th grade led Tekes Yom Hashoah
Wednesday, 5/13 at 6:30pm B’Nei Mitzvah Family Meeting