Teaching Resources

Lesson plans, printable and digital activities

Learning is a value that is rooted deep in Jewish culture, a meaningful process of discovery and growth that combines knowledge and skills, that can be achieved in a variety of ways.

We aim to convey content related to Jewish and Israeli history and culture through a variety of primary sources (such as: manuscripts, photographs,ephemera, recordings) while fostering the following skills:

“A person can learn only from a place that their heart desires”
(Babylonian Talmud, Avodah Zara 19a)
Topic
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Lesson Plan
Food Advertising in Israel
Analyze Israeli advertisements from the 1970s for food and cooking products and gain insight into the social situation at that time.
Lesson Plan
Inside and Outside the Sukkah
What can you learn about Jewish life of families in 1867 Germany from peeking into their Sukkah?
Printable Activity
Tu Bishvat Activity Printable Page
Have fun while you expand your knowledge, notice new things and celebrate the beauty of the natural environment that surrounds us. Happy hunting!
Video
Teachers Talk About Simchat Torah
In this video, a literature teacher Gal Man-Dror presents one of her favorite primary sources from the National Library: a Simchat Torah's flag from the Conservative movement, printed in 2013.
Printable Activity
Rosh Hashanah Printable Activity
Get inspired to create a record of your personal milestones and even design your own card.
Blog
Eating by Example on Yom Kippur
When cholera ran rampant, saving lives superseded all else.
Game
Tu Bishvat Stamp Poster Puzzle
This puzzle features stamps made for Tu Bishvat. Can you identify all the ways to celebrate Tu Bishvat featured on the stamps?
Blog
Marrying the Torah
To Have and to Hold: at the start of their studies, children in Morocco went through a symbolic wedding ceremony to bond them forever with the Torah.
Lesson Plan
Analyzing Memorial Day Poster 2008
Analyze this Yom Hazikaron Poster for Fallen Soldiers. The main image in this poster is Michael Elkayam.
Lesson Plan
What Do I Gain from Learning about My Family History?
Reflect on what you have learned during the project and how this impacts on your Jewish identity
Source Sheet
Simanim: A Tasty New Year
How does eating symbolic foods enhance our Rosh Hashanah experience? Explore a range of Jewish texts and primary sources.
Video
Preparing for the High Holidays
Discover how to use primary sources to enrich your teaching and prepare your learners for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Lesson Plan
A Shabbat Moment - Celebrate Shabbat
Compare and contrast a wide variety of artistic depictions of Jews around the world observing Shabbat during the 1800s and early 1900s.
Blog
What Does Your Simchat Torah Flag Say About You?
Join us on a fascinating journey through the history of Simchat Torah flags: From the Middle Ages, through the early Zionist movement and to this very day
Lesson Plan
Oneg Shabbat - A Shabbat Celebration
The content varies depending on the group organizing the event and can include a lecture, singing, refreshments, or any other type of entertainment.
Lesson Plan
Uncovering the Personal Behind the Historical
Take a closer look at some of the individuals who were involved in the grand historical events that shaped the State of Israel.
Video
Why is there a Jerusalem Menorah on the Arch of Titus?
On May 14th,1948, a big crowd of Jews gathered near the Arch of Titus in Rome to celebrate the foundation of the State of Israel. But why there? Let's figure it out in our new video!
Source Sheet
Picturing the Tanakh
It is sometimes difficult to picture the places that we read about in the Tanakh. Luckily, there are drawings and photographs which help us to imagine what the places and events described in the Tanakh look like.
Printable Activity
Pesach Activity Printable Page
Learn how different historical circumstances come to life in the unique design of each Haggadah.
Lesson Plan
Purim plate and Mishloach Manot
What's a Purim plate and what would you put in it?
Blog
A Half-Angel, Half-Demon Named Azazel and His Connection to Yom Kippur
What are the strange biblical origins of the term "scapegoat"? And what does it have to do with the Jewish Day of Atonement?
Blog
The Initial Sketches and the Proposals that Fell Short: How the National Emblem was Chosen
It was a close competition between artists to see who would receive the honor of designing the National Emblem
Lesson Plan
The Importance of Taking Care of Our Trees
In this unit we will discuss the importance of trees, the need to take care of the environment and learn about the festival of Tu B’Shvat.
Video
Why We Eat 'Simanim' During Rosh HaShanah
Why do we eat such weird foods on Rosh HaShanah? Watch this video to find out! Video courtesy of Kan - the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation.
Blog
When Israel Comes Together
In this new photographic article you will discover the acts of kindness, solidarity and goodness in the face of evil between Israeli people throughout history
Video
Between Yom Hashoah and Yom Hazikaron
This on-demand webinar explores the centrality of rituals in Israeli culture and discusses new initiatives for commemoration.
Game
Shul Crawl - Discover Synagogues!
Take a trip around the world, solve the clues and discover synagogues throughout Jewish history.
Game
Which Israeli City Should You Visit? - Quiz
Wondering where to go for your next adventure? Take our quiz to find the perfect destination for you.
Blog
Mysticism Behind Counting of the Omer
A look at the Kabbalistic significance of the Counting of the Omer, which culminates in the festival of Shavuot
Game
What sukkah are you?
Primary Resource Analysis Worksheet
Explore how you can analyze primary sources and discover hidden information.
Lesson Plan
No Beeping - Shabbat Observance
The prohibition is for the benefit of residents who would like to rest during those times. The prohibition is in effect from 8:00 pm until 7:00 am on work days and all day on Shabbat and holidays.
Lesson Plan
Israeli Athlete Ester Roth-Shahamorov
Who inspired hundreds of young athletes and continues to be a role model to those who wish to combine a career with motherhood?
Blog
Leonard Cohen is Singing for the Soldiers During the Yom Kippur War
The story of how the Jewish-Canadian singer-songwriter ended up singing for soldiers and crossing the Suez Canal with the IDF during one of Israel's most desperate hours.
Lesson Plan
Chanukah and Israel’s Emblem
How did the menorah from the temple end up on Israel's emblem, and how is that connected to Chanukah?
Video
Primary sources | What can you learn from them?
In this video, we will give you useful tips on how you can use them in your teaching. Choose any of the NLI's resources and analyze them with your students!
Game
I Spy Fisherman - Tell Us What You See
Master your visual recall!
Blog
The Majesty and the Mystery of Kol Nidre
Learn how a traditional Jewish prayer melody inspired everyone - from classical composers to filmmakers to psychedelic rock bands.
Game
Herzl and Photoshop - True or False
As well as being a visionary, Herzl was a journalist and used his skills in public relations to further his goal: the establishment of a state for the Jewish people.
Lesson Plan
Caring for Plants to Care for the Future
Take a close look at a photograph and a text from the Talmud to see what we can learn about trees, the environment, and the future.
Blog
The National Day of Mourning… and Fundraising?
In the early 20th century, there was a major Zionist effort to turn this day of grief and sadness into one of hope, renewal and redemption.
Printable Activity
Sukkot Activity Printable Page
In these printable pages, you can explore sukkot ('succahs') built as you've never seen them before.
Lesson Plan
Why Does a Chanukiya Look Like That?
What makes a chanukiya a chanukiya? What does the choice of material and design teach us about the time and place it was made?
Source Sheet
What’s YOUR Exodus Story
Take a look at three groups of people who saw the Exodus story as inspiration and hope during their own quest for freedom, and share how it resonates with you.
Printable Activity
Simchat Torah Activity Page
Explore the various traditions around celebrating the completion of the annual Torah-reading cycle.
Lesson Plan
Shir LaShalom - Song of Peace
Shir LaShalom (Song of Peace) was written in 1969. It is very popular in Israel and serves as the unofficial anthem of the Israeli peace movement, particularly since becoming associated with the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.
Worksheet
Sharing Experiences Through Letters
Analyze letters written by children during times of war and try to understand the writers' thoughts and emotions.
Lesson Plan
Traditions That Ring a Bell
Get a chance to hear recordings from Jewish holiday and life cycle events across time and place.
Worksheet
Herzl and Sultan new years card
What are the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and the leader of the Zionist movement doing on a Rosh Hashanah card in 1901?
Printable Activity
Israel
Discover some interesting items depicting different aspects of Israel through cartoons, posters, and even a recipe booklet for times of emergency
Lesson Plan
Breaking News – The State of Israel is Born!
How did newspapers around the world report the birth of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948? How would you announce it today?
Lesson Plan
We are Angry! Women's Liberation Movement Ad
“We are not beautiful, we are not ugly, we are angry!” Who was so angry and what were they angry about?
Video
Jerusalem as a Microcosm of Israeli Society
This webinar discusses how learning personal stories can help contextualize and forge connections to grand historical events.
Lesson Plan
Learning to be a Local
Learn how Israel has absorbed immigrants from around the world and helped them adjust to their new country by teaching them Hebrew.
Video
Celebrating in Tishrei
Discover how to use primary sources to enrich your teaching and prepare your learners for Sukkot and Simchat Torah
Blog
Yitzhak Rabin’s First Peace Negotiation (and Necktie)
Just prior to his 27th birthday, the modest red-headed lieutenant colonel was abroad for the first time, reluctantly part of the Israeli negotiating team on the Greek isle of Rhodes. He had never worn a suit.
Worksheet
Sukkot Worksheet
Explore Sukkot primary sources from the NLI's collections, answer the questions and discuss different topics with your students!
Lesson Plan
Commemorating Yom Hazikaron
Discover how Yom Hazikaron is commemorated by analyzing a poster created by Tzipi Berak Biyonsky.
Lesson Plan
Celebrating Mimouna
Mimouna is celebrated on the day after Pesach and includes inviting friends and family to share traditional food in the home and in picnics and showcasing Moroccan-Jewish culture.
Video
Israel from the Air, 1938
Watch rare footage taken by pioneer Zionist pilots in pre-state Israel. View the Land of Israel on an aerial tour as you have never seen it before.
Lesson Plan
Sally Priesand: The First American Female Rabbi
In 1972, one woman - Sally Priesand - made American and Jewish history. Find out who she was and what she did to change history!
Lesson Plan
Chanukah Candle Lighting in the IDF
When might lighting Chanukah candles be challenging? Learn about how IDF soldiers deal with that question.
Video
Chana Senesh - Learn More About this Heroine
Chana Senesh was a poet and heroine and there is a lot you may not have known.
Blog
Five-Hundred Years in the Life of the Amon Family
From the surrender of Spain to the court of Suleiman the Magnificent and beyond, they were there
Video
Teachers Talk About Sukkot with Dina
Dina talks about primary sources on sukkot
Lesson Plan
Yom Kippur at Metz - Historical Resources
Compare resources which depict the same event but in a distinct way, and reflect on the meaning of the differences.
Lesson Plan
Discovering the Maccabees - The Heros of Chanukah
How did the Maccabees inspire Jews throughout the ages? What made them role models for the founders of the State of Israel?
Printable Activity
Dreidel (Sevivon) Craft
Create your own unique dreidel with the custom-made NLI illustrations by the artist Einav Vaisman.
Blog
Sukkah Scuffles: Surprising Testimony from the 12th Century
The only mentions of a sukkah in the Cairo Genizah refer to communal sukkot in synagogue courtyards. A fact that caused quite a bit of trouble.
Lesson Plan
Shavuot Prayers - Roman Jewish Community 1450
Step back in time to the the Roman Jewish community in the 1400s to consider the effect illustrations can have on the prayer experience.
Lesson Plan
Create your own Shana Tova card!
Design your own Shana Tova card inspired by illustrations and texts from historical cards!
Game
Who was David Green?
Read all about this influential figure and then arrange the significant milestones of his life in this digital activity.
Blog
How a Little Red Flower Became the Symbol of Israel’s Memorial Day
Why do Israelis wear the famous Dam HaMaccabim (Blood of the Maccabees) sticker on Yom HaZikaron (Israel's Memorial Day)?
Lesson Plan
Fashion, History and Politics
How did two prime ministers - David Ben-Gurion and Menachem Begin - use fashion to transmit political and moral values?
Source Sheet
Henrietta Szold
Henrietta Szold ran Youth Aliyah, an organization that rescued 30,000 Jewish children from Nazi Europe and she remained a mother figure to many of those children. To honor her memory, 'Family Day' is marked on the anniversary of her death.
Blog
The Origin of the Dreidel
On Chanukah Jewish kids all over the world play with dreidels. We invite you to discover the origin of the famous Chanukah game.
Lesson Plan
Creating a Family Tree
Discover your roots! Research your family history and create a family tree!
Video
Hatikva - Learn More About the Israel Anthem
Watch this video to learn more interesting facts about the Israeli anthem.
Video
Journeys
Discover the journeys taken by a tin suitcase from the Vilna Ghetto and a motorcyclist taking photographs of antisemitic signs in Europe in 1935.
Worksheet
Let My People Go
In this lesson, you will uncover the meaning of the slogan "Let My People Go" which was used by the Soviet Jewry movement to allow Jews to immigrate to Israel.
Lesson Plan
Put Them Together and Shake
Analyze photographs and study classical Jewish texts in order to gain a deeper understanding of the Arba Minim and Sukkot.
Blog
The Cantor Who Lost His Voice
Years after chazan (cantor) Zalman Pollack was a star of the Jewish world, his life's work was rediscovered...
Lesson Plan
Henrietta Szold Time Capsule
Discover Time Capsule Teaching Kit about Henrietta Szold, mother of Youth Aliyah. Printable games, educational video, worksheet and primary sources will help students to develop skills such as problem solving, thinking creatively, asking questions, and reflecting.
Lesson Plan
Move Yom Hashoah to Tisha B'Av
Yom HaShoah is commemorated on April 27, the day on which the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising began.
Worksheet
Alfred Dreyfus New Year postcard, 1901
Find out what social and ideological messages were conveyed in Rosh Hashanah cards!
Lesson Plan
Oral History - Learning about ourselves
Record a meaningful oral history of a family member and create a video to reflect on how our family history influences your lives today.
Video
1951 Mapai Election Campaign
Examine this election poster and explore the differences between political parties and their ideologies in the young new State of Israel.
Source Sheet
Women Who Sparke Change: Then and Now
How might we draw inspiration from great Jewish women's actions to spark change in our communities today and do our part to bring the hostages home? This source sheet was developed in partnership with M²:The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education and Kol HaOt in honor of Hersh Goldberg Polin, who was kidnapped to Gaza.
Worksheet
The Jews of Russia
In this worksheet you will explore the history, culture and traditions of the Russian Jewish community through photographs, newspapers, documents and more.
Game
The Partition Plan
Which city was not part of the Jewish state? Click on the cities that were not part of the Jewish state according to the partition plan.
Blog
First Woman to Sign Israel’s Declaration of Independence
Game
I Spy Village - Tell Us What You See
How much did you notice about the village?
Lesson Plan
It's All About Framing!
Practice the skill of zooming in and out and take a closer look at Israel’s cultural life.
Video
Take a Unique Look at Maps of Jerusalem
Gil Hovav presents three unique maps of Jerusalem, that depict the city from an unusual point of view.
Game
Learn More About Sigd Through Trivia
Play our trivia game to find out about what Sigd celebrates and how it is marked today.
Printable Activity
Jerusalem Activity Page
Discover different maps of Jerusalem created in different times of history.
Blog
Memories of Yitzhak Rabin
Photographs of the life and work of the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, as a politician and family man.
Blog
Our Man in Addis Ababa
In 1977 Farede Yazazao Aklum cooperated with the State of Israel to bring his people home - like the Ethiopian Moses.
Lesson Plan
Ways to Remember the Day of the Omer
What's the best way to keep track of the Omer and not loose count?
Worksheet
Prayer During Wartime
Analyze the prayer written in 1809 by Rabbi Moses Sofer as a response to the Austro-Polish War.
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We aim to convey content related to Jewish and Israeli history and culture through a variety of primary sources while fostering the following skills:
Observing
Examine the item, think of your first impression, pay attention to details, consider what sparks your interest, speculate where and when this item might be from.
Analyzing
Ask questions and inquire, dig deeper and research, find and organize data, understand the broader context, compare information through interdisciplinary learning.
Connecting
Interact, reflect, think about what resonates with you, forge an emotional connection, find personal relevance, learn together, share insights and hear more points of view.
Creating
Express yourself, crystalize your understanding and add a personal layer to what you have learned, use your interpretation to spark further dialogue and learning.   

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