In this exciting series, a collaboration between the NLI and Israel Engagement at UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, we offer a glimpse into the "alternative" Israeli calendar as a means to learn and reflect about the complexities of Israeli society. Throughout the series we will incorporate items from the NLI archive as well as contemporary sources that shed light on various cultural and social issues. In addition, for some of the meetings we will invite guest speakers such as NLI experts, Israeli authors or social activists. Each session will highlight one area and introduce a certain pedagogic tool or framework that educators can experience as learners and in turn implement in their work with their students and congregants.
We encourage you to sign up for the entire series, yet it is possible to partially participate.
All sessions will take place 3pm-4pm EST
October 21, 2020 | Session #1: Rabin Memorial Day
The Grand Conversation: How Arguing Can Help Us Stay Connected
Conducting a discussion and integrating diverse Jewish texts
November 18, 2020 | Session #2: Sigd
The Ethiopian Community: A Case Study of Tradition and Transition
Facilitating inquiry and research of primary sources
December 9, 2020 | Session #3: Novy God
Soviet Jewry: From “Let My People Go” to Generation 1.5
Not only words are texts: inquiry of primary sources such as photographs and posters.
January 13, 2021 | Session #4: International Women’s Day or Yom HaMishpacha?
Feminism in Israel: Then and Now
Narrative-based study and story-writing as a reflective tool for students
February 17, 2021 | Session #5: Mimouna
Circles of Identity: North African Jewish Communities in Israel
Polls and surveys in the virtual classroom as a way to connect to the broader community
March 17, 2021 | Session #6: Memorial and Fast Days
Between Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron
The centrality of rituals in Israeli culture and incorporating rituals in learning
April 21, 2021 | Session #7: Jerusalem Day
Melting pot or Multicultural? Jerusalem as a Microcosm of Israeli Society
Integrating “bite-sized” learning into a “big picture”