JS: Jewish History

In eighth grade, the course of Jewish studies continues where the course in Tanakh ended in seventh grade. Beginning with the monarchy of David, and the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish nation, the history continues with the expansion of Israel into an empire.

The course invites students to consider several essential questions:

• How did Jews responded to the challenges they faced living within host cultures of Babylonia, Greece, Rome?

• How have Jews understood the nature of their religious and national identities?

• Why is Jerusalem important to the Jewish people historically and today?

• What are the historic roots of the holidays we celebrate each year?

• How are those roots evident in our traditions?

Eighth graders’ take three Jewish studies courses in succession with Jewish history being one focus. The second course, with support from the Avi Chai Foundation, is Zionism: Then and Now. Beginning in the 2009-2010 school, this course will be enhanced by a new teacher-developed curriculum, that utilizes interactive technology (a Promethean Board). The third course, Jewish Identity and Moral Dilemmas, was introduced in 2008 when the Day School was invited to pilot an initiative developed by Facing History and Ourselves. These three courses serve as a powerful culmination to Jewish studies at the Day School.

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