Early Childhood Publications

Each of these 5 early childhood curricular units helps teachers integrate Jewish values with general pre-school curriculum areas such as music, mathematics, science, art, language arts, and dramatic play. Published in an accessible, teacher-friendly format. The units are:

• Reading Plus: Children’s Books with Jewish Themes and Values (3-5 years)
• Noah and the Flood (3 years)
• Noah’s Ark (4-5 years)
• The Mishkan: Building Community From Biblical Bases (3-5 years)
• Familiar Games, the Jewish Way (3-5 years)

.....From the Mouths of Young Children You Have Established Your Strength” Psalms 8:3

Teilah is the Hebrew for “beginning”. The purpose of the Tehilah Institute was to bring Jewish early childhood education to the forefront of the community agenda.This volume features the keynote address and responses to the challenge of Jewish early childhood education. In addition, nine “best practices” are highlighted. Emerging early childhood policy issues and strategies for success are also included. It can be used as a source for practical teaching methods and creative classroom ideas; innovative ways to work with rabbis, teachers, and lay leaders on advocacy for Jewish early childhood education.

Family Education Publications

Two companion volumes:

• The Family Education Sampler has six models for family education programs that have been successfully conducted:
  • Synagogue-wide Program
  • Family Day Trip
  • Weekend Family Retreat
  • Full Day Family Program
  • High School 3 Session Program
  • Family Text Study
• The Sha’rim Reflections contains four essays by family educators in the Family Educator Initiative of Boston’s Commission on Jewish Continuity and the Bureau of Jewish Education:
  • The Jewish Family Room: Aimee Kwitkin-Close
    Modeling a Jewish Home Environment in a Communal Setting
  • Home Based Programming: Diane Lasken Katz
    How to Get Inside the Door
  • Family Education Needs Families: Pat Lukens
    Reaching our Constituents
  • Why Should You Have All the Fun?: Pat Lukens
    Teacher Led Family Ed.

THE PARENT CONNECTION: JEWISH READING PROGRAM FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
Joan S. Kaye, Editor, 1988, 1991, 1995, Carolyn Keller, Editor 1993, revised 1995

Nurture the partnership between parents and school while you’re enabling parents to function as Jewish educators of their children. The program helps create a home environment where conversations about Jewish ideas become part of everyday life. Each kit contains discussion/activity cards, program goals and set-up guide. Too simply put: schools purchase the suggested books (many schools get these donated from generous supporters); children take a book home each week, read and discuss it with their parents following a suggested outline, and report back to class.

Memoirs

......”Louis Hurwich’s ambition was to educate generations of American Jewish children.....”

A new telling of a great story focuses on the Boston experience. Louis Hurwich, one of the founders of modern American Jewish education, established the first central agency for Jewish education funded by a federation, the Hebrew College, and, together with his wife, Leah, one of the first Hebrew summer camps, Yavneh. All of these institutions are thriving today. That is quite a legacy.

STUDIES IN JEWISH EDUCATION AND JUDAICA IN HONOR OF LOUIS NEWMAN
Alexander M. Shapiro and Burton I. Cohen, Editors, 1984, Ktav

A welcome addition to the history of American Jewish Education, this is a collection of essays by noted scholars and educators influenced by Lou Newman, a leading educator in the Conservative Movement and beyond. Himself influenced by John Dewey, Newman brought contemporary American educational theory to bear on Jewish Education. This collection includes essays by Saul Wachs, Nahum Sarna, David Lieber and Moshe Greenberg.

Evaluation

This is a set of guidelines, suggestions and recommendations for principals and school committees to consider together as they plan hiring or evaluation processes. Using these guidelines you will establish a constructive, flexible framework for a mutually beneficial exchange of information and feedback.

Gender Issues

These proceedings of a Brandeis University conference is a valuable resource for any school or synagogue, as well as families and individuals interested in creating Jewish education models that strive to be gender-inclusive, mutually respectful of differences, and empowering for all.

High School Publications

A sophisticated approach to learning the Bible. Through decision-making, discussion and text analyses, focusing on the theme of leadership, students gain insight into biblical personalities, struggle with basic religious questions and explore leadership issues arising from their own experiences. The course concentrates on Moses, David, Amos and Jeremiah, with shorter units from Judges.

WHY BE GOOD? SENSITIVITIES AND ETHICS IN RABBINIC LITERATURE
Grade 8+
Joan S. Kaye, Jan Rabinowitch, Naomi F. Towvim, 1984

The most popular ethics course for Jewish teens in North America! Filtered through critical analysis of Rabbinic texts, students confront moral and ethical issues of immediate relevance to them. Activities are designed around Rabbinic texts to provide experiences that touch students at the appropriate stage of their moral development and aid them to progress to the next level.

DILEMMAS AND ADAPTATIONS: SPOTLIGHTS OF JEWISH HISTORY
Grade 9+
Susan Shevitz, Project Director, Warren Green and Alena Strauss, 1982

Beginning with the trauma of exile in the ancient world and continuing through the conflicts faced by Jews at the dawn of the Modern Age, students examine crucial turning points in Jewish history. Three chapters follow the history of Sephardic Jewry from the Expulsion onward, emphasizing the ways communities and individuals adapted to living in the Diaspora. Through a variety of stimulating activities, students are encouraged to consider the issues in both historical and contemporary contexts.

CHALLENGE AND RESPONSE: VARIETIES OF JEWISH RELIGION IN AMERICA
Grade 9+
Bonny Fetterman and Naomi F. Towvim, Susan L. Shevitz; Project Director, 1982

This course helps students confront issues of Jewish pluralism and unity. Jewish religious movements emerged as different responses to a basic question: How can Judaism best survive in a modern secular society? Case studies focus on how American Jews adapted in different ways to ensure this survival. Provides real understanding of what unites and divides us!

Preview Set -1 Student Source Book, 1 Teacher’s Guide$75.00 With initial purchase of Preview Set get $40 credit on first group order 5 or more Student Source Books$18.00 ea. - additional copies of Student Source Book 121 pp. $20.00 ea. - additional copy of Teacher’s Guide + audiocassette 93 pp. $20.00 ea.

ART AS MIDRASH
Grades 7-9
Marion Gribetz and Joan S. Kaye, 1983

Just as archaeologists unearth the remains of a past culture and develop an understanding of that culture, students in this one semester course use artifacts from Jewish ritual life to understand and interpret Judaism today. Course materials include detailed lesson plans, background information, reproducible worksheets and 34 art slides. A complete course in one packet!

32 pp. $40.00

TOWN OUT OF TIME: AN EXPLORATION OF JEWISH LIFE IN EASTERN EUROPE
Grades 8-10
Marion Gribetz and Joan S. Kaye, 1985

Working with original sources (e.g., government decrees, literature and photographs), students become Jewish researchers through activities designed to uncover the realities of life in Eastern Europe prior to WWI. This one semester course is designed to expose students both to shtetl life as it was and to the influences these communities had on Jewish life today. Complete course materials in one packet include a teacher manual, 20 student worksheets and multi-media materials.

51 pp. $40.00

ISRAEL AND THE PALESTINIANS: CAN ISRAEL SURVIVE AS A JEWISH AND DEMOCRATIC STATE?
Hi-school-Adults
Ina Rabinovicz, Naomi Towvim, Project Directors, BJE, Boston, 1989

Compiled for Intefada of the 1980's, but most of the material is relevant to the current “situation” in Israel. Used successfully as a mini-course or a year’s intensive exploration, the unit contains 300 pages of articles, documents, maps, interviews and other material capturing the relevant history, geography and a range of perspectives on the subject. Easily updated to reflect current events.

300 pp. $65.00

Research Reports

RESEARCH REPORT I: Greater Boston School Census 1988-1989
Dr. Susan L. Shevitz, 1991

Trends in enrollment and special planning questions on youth activities and family education.

46 pp. $10.00

RESEARCH REPORT II: What Have We Learned
Dr. Susan L. Shevitz, 1992

The Projects of CJP’s Supplemental School Task Force 1987-1992- An Evaluation - covers the design and impact of three projects in Professional Development (Full-Time Educator, Mentor, Stipends); Jewish Family Education, and a general rationale for Research on Jewish educational initiatives.

92 pp. $15.00

RESEARCH REPORT III: The Jewish School Teacher
Naava Frank, Dr. Daniel J. Margolis, Alan Weisner, et al., 1992

Who are the teachers in our schools, their values, reactions to their work and supervision, how they made their career choices, etc. Very useful planning information.

39 pp. $10.00

RESEARCH REPORT IV: Sh’arim Family Educator Initiative
Dr. Susan L. Shevitz and Debbie Karpel, 1995

An Iterim Report of Programs and Populations - Boston’s pioneering effort in placing Jewish family educators in synagogues, schools, and centers is described and assessed.

11 pp. $10.00

RESEARCH REPORT V: Greater Boston School Census 1991-1992
Barbara A.W. Rooks, 1995

Follow-up including questions on Jewish summer experiences, Israel trips and technology.

20 pp. $10.00

RESEARCH REPORT VI: Jewish Education and Jewish Identity Among Contemporary American Jews
Sylvia Barack Fishman, 1995

Suggestions from Current Research - Based on the NJPS study, this is a summary of the data which link Jewish education and long-term Jewish identification.

12 pp. $10.00

RESEARCH REPORT VII: The American Jewish Day School
Israel Scheffler, 1997

A Brief Retrospective - The growth of the Jewish Day School from the immigrant generation to the resurgence of a new ethnic pluralism in the 1990's.

5 pp. $10.00

RESEARCH REPORT VIII: Educating American Jewish Teens
Sylvia Barack Fishman, 1997

Revised and expanded from the “...Al Pi Darko...” Conference on North American Jewish Teens, November, 1995. A companion piece to the author’s earlier research essay (Research Report VI).

21 pp. $10.00

RESEARCH REPORT IX: Confrontation & Cooperation
Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter, 2000

Jewish & Secular Studies in the Jewish Day School. Keynote address at “Yom Iyun” Day School Conference.

15 pp . $10.00

SH’ARIM: Building Gateways to Jewish Life and Community
Annette Koren, Amy L. Sales, Susan L. Shevitz, 2000

A Report on Boston’s Jewish Family Educator Initiative. What we have learned about synagogue family education, about the families targeted by the initiative, and the changes in our community’s Jewish life. (Available through the Commission on Jewish Continuity, 126 High Street, Boston, MA 02110)

42 pp. $10.00

RESEARCH REPORT X: Teaching About Israel in Boston Area Jewish Schools
Annette Koren, Sandy Miller Jacobs,2002

13 pp . $12.00

RESEARCH REPORT XI: Reach and Retention: Challenges from the 2001-2002 Jewish School Census in Greater Boston
Annette Koren,2003

26 pp . $12.00

RESEARCH REPORT XII: Special Learning Needs in Day Schools: Parent and Community Responses
Sandy Miller Jacobs, Annette Koren,2003

21 pp . $12.00

ISRAEL CURRICULUM

THE ISRAEL CONNECTION

Published in cooperation with the Department of Jewish/Zionist Education, JAFI, & JESNA. Shira Simchovitch, David Breakstone, Barry Chazan et al.; Naomi Towvim, editor, 1997
ONE PEOPLE, MANY FACES
Grades 4 & 5
Meet the people of Israel.Understanding their own families’ roots and Israel’s ethnic diversity connects students to both Israel and the Jewish people.A multi-media unit with stories, role plays, decision-making, crafts, and other hands-on activities. Student Source Book (146 pp); Teacher’s Guide; Enrichment Book; Videos.

CONTENTS:
◘ My Edah/Edot
◘ Israel as a Community of Edot: The Jews of Yemen, Poland, &Morocco
◘ From the Four Corners of the Earth
◘ Edot in Israel Today
Additional videos, slides and ancilliary material are available. Contact us for any information.

PRICE:
◘ Preview Set: 1 Student Source Book, 1 Teacher’s Guide, I Enrichment Book $90.00

◘ Student Source Book $15.00 each; 5 or more copies of Student Source Book $13.50 each

◘ Teacher’s Guide $25.00 each

◘ Enrichment Book $25.00 each

◘ Video: “One People, Many Faces” $20.00

With initial purchase of Preview Set, get $50 credit on first group order

A PEOPLE BUILDS ITS LAND

Published in cooperation with the Teaching of Israel Network and JESNA, 1997

Grades 6 & 7
Told by those who lived it - original diaries and memoirs, dramatic events and personalities engage students in an exciting encounter with what is perhaps one of the greatest ongoing enterprises of the Jewish people - the building of a Jewish homeland in Eretz Yisrael. Each chapter includes “Updates” that include a fascinating in-depth “tour” of a region in the modern State of Israel associated with the chapter’s theme. The most integrated presentation yet of Israel’s history and geography. Interactive pedagogy includes simulations, decision-making, debates and much more. Student Source Book (202 pp.); Teacher’s Guide; Videos; Maps; Picture Gallery; Journals; Additional Resources; Time Lines; Who’s Who?; Glossary; Bibliography; Mediagraphy.

Megillat Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Declaration of Independence, forms a framework for the unit providing a vivid picture and understanding of the foundations of the State of Israel. Journal entries allow students to join various authors as witnesses to Israel’s history then and now. Simulations and decision-making activities, videos and maps help students “live” the story of Israel’s building and birth.

CONTENTS:
◘ The Promise and the Longing. Israel Update: Jerusalem, Israel’s Capital
◘ The Dream and the Vision. Israel Update: Retracing Herzl’s Trip to Eretz Yisrael
◘ Dream and Reality: A People Returns to Its Land. Israel Update: North and South – Following the National Water Carrier
◘ Medinah Baderekh - A State in The Making. Israel Update: The Coast – The Road from Tel Aviv to Haifa
◘ A State is Born. Israel Update: Jerusalem, Capital of the State of Israel

PRICE:

◘ Preview Set: 1 Student Source Book, 1 Teacher’s Guide, 1 Herzl Picture Gallery $90.00

◘ Student Source Book $15.00 each; 5 or more copies of Student Source Book (202 pp) $13.50 each

◘ Teacher’s Guide $25.00 each

ARE WE ONE?: Issues in Israel-Diaspora Relations

Published with support from the Graduates of the 1993 Boston Group of the Wexner Heritage Foundation in honor of Leslie & Abigail Wexner) 1993

High School and Adults

What is Israel’s place in Jewish life? What is your relationship with Israel? Are we in Exile or Diaspora, and why does it matter? Are we really “one people”? How do we grapple with a personal understanding of Israel, the Diaspora and the Jewish people. Are We One? explores these questions and much more. This unit provides fourteen one-hour interactive, multi-media modules for both formal classes and informal settings (camps, retreats, study groups, interactive, multi-media seminars, pre- and post-Israel trips) and adult and family education. Student Source Book (132 pp.); Teacher’s Guide; Videos; Audio-Cassette.

CONTENTS:
◘ Israel and You
◘ Roots: Historical Patterns of Israel-Diaspora Relations
◘ Here and Now: Contemporary Connections
◘ Exile or Diaspora ?: Meaning and Models
◘ Tensions and Tough Issues
◘ Israel and You: Synthesis Conference

PRICE:
◘ Preview Set: 1 Student Source Book, 1 Teacher’s Guide, $90.00

◘ Student Source Book $15.00 each; 5 or more copies of Student Source Book $13.50 each

◘ Teacher’s Guide $25.00 each

◘ Video: “Reflections” $20.00

◘ Video: “Are We One?” $15.00

◘ Video: “May 14, 1948” $20.00

◘ Video: “North Americans in Israel” $15.00

◘ Packet of Israeli Postcards $15.00

◘ Audiocassette (Aliyah Songs) $5.50

With initial purchase of Preview Set, get $50 credit on first group order