In this lesson, students will explore the importance of memory in the Jewish tradition. Students learn about individuals who were killed on October 7, 2023. Students will consider key lessons that can be learned from these individuals and how they can incorporate those lessons into their lives.

To mark the events of October 7th, students learn about two people who demonstrated courage and bravery on a very challenging and scary day. These individuals are not the only people who demonstrated courage and that many, many others demonstrated courage on a challenging day for Israel.

To mark the events of October 7, students learn about two people who demonstrated courage and bravery on a very challenging and scary day. These individuals are not the only people who demonstrated courage and that many, many others demonstrated courage on a challenging day for Israel.

These lesson plans for elementary through high school students use Biblical texts, modern music, and more to help students relate to the current situation in Israel and to help meaningfully commemorate the events of October 7, 2023 in their classrooms.

This page includes additional resources for teachers to use in an educational setting to help educate students on the current situation in Israel and in commemorating October 7.

Below is a list of ways to help commemorate October 7 through meaningful action. Over the last year there has been a tremendous outpouring of support and volunteerism from Jews all over the world. Communities have collected money for refugees, soldiers, families of fallen soldiers, and ‘miluim’ or reservist families.  Children and adults alike have written letters of support and sent pictures to families and soldiers in Israel. Others have  become politically involved, lobbying their representatives to pledge support to Israel and to vote in favor of defending Israel. In our most difficult times as a nation, we come together and find comfort in our desire to support and help each other. As the war continues, even as it takes on new and complex contours, the support and efforts of worldwide Jewry is needed and so appreciated by Israel.

These journal prompts, with corresponding grade levels, aim to help students cope and share their feelings about the current situation in Israel.

These resources aim to help educators commemorate the events of October 7, 2023 in their classrooms and other educational environments and to provide educators with some tools to answer questions, lead discussions, and pray together for a positive resolution.