Module 1: Hasidic Judaism

Resources:

• A Life Apart: Hasidism in America

Readings/Videos:

• READ: A Brief Introduction to Hasidism
• READ: Hasidic Movement: A History
• READ: A Fresh Perspective on the History of Hasidic Judaism
• WATCH: What is Hasidic Judaism? A Brief History of the Movement

Discussion Questions:

• What are some of the unique Hasidic practices? Do you have any unique practices in your religion or culture?
• How do Hasidic Jews relate to non-orthodox Jews around the globe? How are they similar and different?
• Based on the articles and the video, how did Hasidic communities arise in America? Why is there such a large Hasidic community in New York?

Homework:

• Have students discuss their current knowledge of Hasidic Judaism. Then have them research Hasidic Judaism and discuss what they learned from their research.
• Research some of the specific practices and rules that the Hasidic community follows and offer two or three paragraphs of explanation of those rules and practices. How do they benefit the community? Compare the feeling of solidarity that those who perform such rituals together might have to those who engage in team sports together.

Module 2: Judaism in America

Resources:

• American Judaism: A History

This book is an overview of the history of Judaism in America, highlighting areas like colonial beginnings, the revolution in American Judaism, union and disunion, two worlds of American Judaism, an anxious subculture, and the renewal.

• Judaism in America

This book is an overview of Judaism in America, highlighting what American Judaism is; beliefs, festivals, and life cycle events; a brief history of Judaism in America; institutions and organizations; and the future of Judaism.

Readings:

• READ: "History of Jewish People in America"
• READ: "American Jews Face a Choice: Create Meaning or Fade Away"

Discussion Questions:

• How do you think non-Jewish Americans typically view American Jews? Why do you think Americans have these views, biases, etc.?
• How does the perception of Jews change based on religion? For example, how do Evangelical Christians view the Jewish population in America, as compared to Catholics?
• What is the relationship between American Jews and other Jewish communities around the globe? What factors influence these relationships?

Homework:

• Have students look up facts about events that have affected contemporary Jewish communities in their area and come back to class to discuss their findings. Discuss how these events have positively or negatively impacted Jewish practices.
• Research some prominent events in Jewish history in the United States that have impacted the way in which American Jews regard their communities.

Module 3: Celebrating Judaism in America

Resources:

• Judaism in America, pp. 13-20 (chap. 2)

Within this chapter, the author addresses beliefs about God, revelation, Torah, Jewish law, and covenant/chosenness.

• Jewish Holidays & Celebrations

This is a comprehensive list of all of the holidays that are celebrated in Judaism and what the purpose of these holidays is.

• Jewish Holidays & Traditions (calendar)

This resource provides dates for important holidays in the Jewish religion: major holidays, minor holidays, and modern holidays.

Readings/Videos:

• READ: "During the Jewish High Holidays, there’s a growing awareness that not all U.S. Jews are white"
• WATCH: "American Holidays- Hanukkah"

Discussion Questions:

• What do you believe are some major challenges facing Jews in America regarding celebrating holidays?
• Living in a Christian-based country, many individuals who practice other religions have to give up time with family and friends on holidays because they don't align with Christian holidays. If you were able to determine public school policy and shape the norms of other institutions, how would you help to make Jewish individuals feel less marginalized? Are there changes that can be made to school calendars? What other changes would be useful?

Homework:

• Have students research ways in which the typical holiday calendar in America affects Jews within America.
• Have students discuss traditions they practice on important holidays, and have them compare their traditions to those that Jews practice in America.