Book

Sacred Texts, Modern Questions

Designed for educators in Jewish settings, this resource connects biblical, rabbinic, and contemporary Jewish sources to moral questions of today.

Subject

Social Studies

Language

English — US

Updated

September 27, 2022

The Holocaust

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ISBN: 978-0-9837870-6-8

Date of Publication: December 2012

Sacred Texts, Modern Questions: Connecting Ethics and History Through a Jewish Lens is a resource designed specifically for educators teaching in Jewish settings.

Format: Print Book

Cost: $17.95

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About this Book

This five-unit collection of lessons explores sacred texts of the past and the questions that shape our present. It makes connections between instances of moral courage in Pharaoh's Egypt, struggles of conscience and faith in Hitler's Europe, and readings from today's influential thinkers. Our goal is to integrate original Facing History resources with biblical, rabbinic, and contemporary Jewish sources.

With more than 30 readings, pages of full-color artwork, and a variety of classroom strategies, activities, and questions, Sacred Texts provides opportunities for teachers of both Judaic and general studies to integrate learning and encourages interdisciplinary conversations.

Lesson

Students prepare for their study of the Holocaust by reflecting on the ways in which memory is an integral part of Jewish identity.

Lesson

Students identify the social and cultural factors that help shape our identities by analysing a story and creating personal identity charts.

Hands raised in the air by group of people

Lesson

Students are introduced to the enormity of the crimes committed during the Holocaust and look closely at stories of a few individuals who were targeted by Nazi brutality.

A crowd of women and children, some with Stars of David patches on their clothing.

Lesson

Students deepen their examination of human behaviour during the Holocaust by analysing and discussing the range of choices available to individuals, groups, and nations.

Hans Scholl, Sophie Scholl, and Christoph Probst in June 1942.

Lesson

Students both respond to and design Holocaust memorials as they consider the impact that memorials and monuments have on the way we think about history.

Lesson

Students will come together as a community of learners to develop a contract that establishes a safe, but challenging environment in their classroom.

Lesson

Students grapple with the meaning of justice and the purpose of trials as they learn how the Allies responded to the atrocities of Nazi Germany.

Criminal proceedings before the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg from 20.11.1945 to 1.10.1946 against leading persons prosecuted for war crimes, crimes against the peace and against the humanity.

Lesson

Students continue to explore the question “Who am I?” by examining the concept of dual or multiple identities and reflecting on their own identities as Jews.

Lesson

Students explore the long history of discrimination against Jews and come to understand how anti-Judaism was transformed into antisemitism in the nineteenth century.

Woodcut of a group of men in a pit being set on fire.

Lesson

Students examine the human behaviour of applying categories to people and things, gaining an understanding of 'single stories' and stereotypes.

Lesson

Students learn a new concept, universe of obligation, and use it to analyse the ways that their society designates who is deserving of respect and protection.

A chalkboard with a hand-drawn Universe of Obligation diagram of concentric circles on it.

Lesson

Students learn about pre-war Jewish life and compare it with today’s diaspora in order to reflect on how modernity can impact tradition.

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Using the strategies from Facing History is almost like an awakening.

— Claudia Bautista, Santa Monica, Calif

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Sacred Texts, Modern Questions

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Updated

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About this Book

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Jewish History and Memory: Why Study the Past?

Exploring Identity (UK)

The Holocaust - Bearing Witness (UK)

The Holocaust - The Range of Responses (UK)

How Should We Remember? (UK)

Introducing the Unit (UK)

Justice and Judgement after the Holocaust (UK)

Jewish Identity and the Complexities of Dual or Multiple Belongings

The Roots and Impact of Antisemitism (UK)

Single Stories (UK)

Universe of Obligation (UK)

Jewish Life before the Holocaust

Sacred Texts, Modern Questions

Subject

Language

Updated

Download a PDF of this resource for free

Purchase this Resource

Download a PDF of This Free Book

About this Book

You might also be interested in…

Jewish History and Memory: Why Study the Past?

Exploring Identity (UK)

The Holocaust - Bearing Witness (UK)

The Holocaust - The Range of Responses (UK)

How Should We Remember? (UK)

Introducing the Unit (UK)

Justice and Judgement after the Holocaust (UK)

Jewish Identity and the Complexities of Dual or Multiple Belongings

The Roots and Impact of Antisemitism (UK)

Single Stories (UK)

Universe of Obligation (UK)

Jewish Life before the Holocaust

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