New initiative provides staff and resources to boost Israel education in K-12 day schools
By Dr. Tal Grinfas-David
In a time when history is being rewritten by vocal interest-driven groups, the imperative “VeShinantam LeVanecha” (You shall teach your children diligently) has become more pressing than ever. Not only do our students encounter the typical online disinformation and the various narratives of the Arab-Israel conflict, but also the legislation of European elected officials disavowing any culpability or responsibility for the past. Against the overwhelming tide of so-called “fake news,” it is hard for students to discern truth from fiction and even harder for teachers to know what and how to teach about Israel.
The Center for Israel Education (CIE) has trained thousands of educators with effective strategies for teaching Israeli history, politics, economics, and culture. At the core of this instruction is the use of primary sources to tell the story of Jewish self-determination, state building, creativity and ingenuity. Now, through a generous grant, CIE is able to extend our impact to meet schools where they are and guide them to achieve new successes in the teaching and learning of Israel. Over the next three years, CIE will mentor the faculty of eight schools to enhance their teachers’ content knowledge and pedagogic approaches leading them to create new impactful Israel curricula for all ages. We will be visiting schools in the U.S and Canada to deliver customized professional development and resources for teachers of Judaics, Hebrew, social studies, science, art, and more.
When teachers of all subject areas, Jewish and non-Jewish, come together to create integrated units of study about Israel, it sends a powerful message to students and families that Israel is central to the school’s mission and purpose. This also provides opportunities for teaching high level critical thinking skills, as students learn to compare and contrast Israel’s history and political systems with their own. Finally, as graduates of Jewish day schools will engage in the difficult and nuanced conversations with those who wish to rewrite history, they will be able to say that they saw the actual document, photo, land deed, or other primary source to support them, rather than be swayed by memes or social media posts.
As we move forward and get to know the mission, administration and faculty of each school, we recognize the variety of challenges we face. First, some schools are more advanced than others in terms of what and how they are teaching about Israel. This requires careful analysis of existing curricula and where gaps exist. Second, schools, like many organizations, can be hesitant to initiate change. This can be exacerbated by concerns about parent political bias and community responses. Third, thinking differently about how Israel is woven into the fabric of the school may require leadership to think differently about some of their basic structures. For example, modifying the schedule to allow for common planning time among teachers of different divisions and disciplines may have a cascading impact on the typical master schedule. Despite these challenges, the schools we are working with have demonstrated a willingness to make major and minor changes, because they view their students’ Israel literacy as paramount.
This exciting project builds on the success of the annual CIE and Emory Institute for the Study of Modern Israel Educator Workshop. Now in its 17th year, more than 1,800 educators from across North America have participated in this intensive five-day seminar, reaching more than 360,000 students. The workshop is highly subsidized by The AVI CHAI Foundation and includes double occupancy lodging at a four-star hotel, kosher meals and snacks, and educational materials at no additional cost to participants.
When we teach our children diligently, Israel is taught year-round by all teachers and across all subjects, without bias or political leanings. Attention is given to our Jewish values and characteristics that sustain a dynamic collective and a valued identity. We are excited to partner with schools and educators seeking to fulfill their mission and purpose, preparing students for the increasingly challenging world they will face.
Dr. Tal Grinfas-David is Day School Education Specialist, at the Center for Israel Education.
Dear Tal,
D”Sh from a while ago – with fond memories to you and Ken.
What is CIE suggesting for supplementary / part-time Hebrew High Schools in terms of integrating Israel information, skills in discerning truthful FROM deliberately false/deceptive assaults on Israel, recognition of legitimate internal Israeli political differences and possible syllabi? Big question I know.
I only wish I could come to you and Ken there 🙂
Many thanks for your time and dedication.
Rabbi Dov
Teacher and Director Reading PA JCHS
Dear Rabbi,
Thank you for your reply! You and your colleagues are always welcome at our workshops, including the one taking place this June in Atlanta, during which we address all these questions and more. The majority of advocacy curricula published has failed to meet the needs of students, because they train students to recite a script when hearing a critique of Israel, and we have yet to meet a teenager who wants to be told what to say or do. Moreover, upon hearing new critiques, students may feel “duped” by their Jewish educators and leaders, and this can in turn push them away from their connection to Israel. Our approach is to show students the primary sources, create simulations for students to engage in, and explore the complexities with them through the lens of national interests. If you would like to work with us on creating a scope and sequence for your setting, want to explore CIE materials and/or would like to set up a time to conference with us, we would be happy to help. Please explore our website at http://www.israeled.org and feel free to contact us directly to set up a time to speak in detail.
With best wishes and prayers for Shalom, especially in our 70th year of independence,
Tal