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 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.

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

Yirmiyahu Chapter 31 – The goals of the lesson are: A) to understand the deeper meaning of select verses, including the metaphors used B) to help build psychosocial tools students can use to bolster their own hope C) to provide artistic outlets for students to express their hope.

The goals of the lesson are: A) to understand the deeper meaning of select verses, including the metaphors used B) to help build psychosocial tools students can use to bolster their own hope C) to provide artistic outlets for students to express their hope.

Tehillim 23 is one of the most famous psalms and one of the most often turned to in times of distress. The goals of this lesson are: A) to understand the deeper meaning of the text, including the metaphors used B) to help build psychosocial tools students can use to bolster their own hope C) to provide artistic outlets for students to express their hope

In this lesson, students will explore two different role models of hope – Rachel and David, examine their actions, and apply the messages to their own lives.

In this lesson, students will explore different moments in Jewish rituals where hope is expressed and the importance of perspective in developing hope.

In this lesson, students will explore the declaration of Shema and discuss how it is the foundation of Jewish hope, and how it finds expression in tefillah. 

In this lesson plan, students learn through Tehillim 121 and Tehillim 130 in havrutot, write out their thoughts and ask questions for analysis.