Analyze photographs and study classical Jewish texts in order to gain a deeper understanding of the Arba Minim and Sukkot.
Printable Activity
Scrolling Through History
Explore ketubot from different times and places and learn how artistic design can reflect one's values and identity
Decorations
Independence Day Flags
Print beautiful flags with the Yom Ha'atzmaut posters from the National Library of Israel's collections to decorate your classroom
Maps - The Eran Laor Cartographic Collection
Game
Riddles of the New Year
Can you solve the riddles? Take a look at primary sources that connect to the festivals of Tishrei and guess which riddle they match!
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.
Source Sheet
Jewish Solidarity and Responsibility
Explore texts and primary sources that highlight the idea of support and solidarity between Jewish people around the world in different times in history.
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
Teaching Kit
Golda Meir Time Capsule
Fourth Prime Minister of Israel. Get a glimpse into Golda Meir’s life and her role as the prime minister of Israel in turbulent times
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
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
Why are there Jewish Newspapers?
What makes Jewish newspapers special and important, and what would you include in yours?
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
Who is this Israeli? 1971 Israeli Cartoon
What are American basketball players doing in Israel?
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?
Source Sheet
A Place to Come Together
Explore different aspects and functions of the synagogue in Jewish communal life, and reflect on what it means to you!
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.
Worksheet
Sukkot Worksheet
Explore Sukkot primary sources from the NLI's collections, answer the questions and discuss different topics with your students!
Game
The Rabbi's Role
Ever wonder what Rabbis do? Now you have the chance to find out
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
Printable Activity
Chanukah Across the Globe
Light up your Chanukah with 8 different treasures in 8 different languages!
Lesson Plan
Oral History – Learning History to Learn About Ourselves
Record a meaningful oral history of a family member and get a personal glimpse into historical events, as well as our own history and identity.
Video
Celebrating in Tishrei
Discover how to use primary sources to enrich your teaching and prepare your learners for Sukkot and Simchat Torah
Design Guide in German
Printable Activity
Rosh Hashanah Printable Activity
Get inspired to create a record of your personal milestones and even design your own card.
Primary Resource Analysis Worksheet
Explore how you can analyze primary sources and discover hidden information.
Lesson Plan
Thinking Like a Historian
See how primary sources are an everyday part of our current lives and, thinking like a historian, speculate on what information others can learn about us by analyzing them.
Video
Evolution of Election Posters
Watch how Israeli politics evolved visually throughout history, as we look through different parties and their election materials.
Game
Telling Time
Create a timeline that tells the story of your community and learn about the people behind these events
Source Sheet
Rosh Hashanah's Theme Music
Explore Rosh Hashanah’s theme music and reflect on the what the sound of the shofar means to you.
Lesson Plan
Why Does Your Sukkah Look Like That?
What factors come into play when building a Sukkah, and has the structure changed througout history?
Game
Learn More About Sigd Through Trivia
Play our trivia game to find out about what Sigd celebrates and how it is marked today.
Lesson Plan
Chanukah Candle Lighting in the IDF
When might lighting Chanukah candles be challenging? Learn about how IDF soldiers deal with that question.
Source Sheet
Sending Shana Tova Greetings
What can Shana Tova cards tell you about different Jewish communities and time periods? What greetings would you write on a card?
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
Blog
The Historic Aliyah of Ethiopian Jews
The unbelievable story of how a record number of people flew aboard a single airplane as part of 1991's Operation Solomon.
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?
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
Hevruta with the Israeli Teachers
Lesson Plan
Your Four Sons - Explore the Haggadah
See how the passage about the Four Sons has been a source of inspiration for illustrators of Haggadot over the centuries.
Game
Synagogue Bingo
Play a game of bingo to discover the different objects you can find in a synagogue!
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.
Source Sheet
Tzedakah in the Jewish Community
Explore our responsibility to each other within the community and to then try to put what you learned into practice
Video
100 Years in the Western Wall
Discover how photographers and artists of the past 100 years understood the significance of the Holy City.
Source Sheet
How Were Bikkurim Brought to the Temple?
How was Shavuot celebrated in the time of the temple, and how does this tradition compare with its modern Zionist interpretation?
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.
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
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.
Match the riddle to the image to discover different haggadot from around the world
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.
Blog
Letters Written by Israeli Kids to Soldiers During the Yom Kippur War
Letters written by Israeli children during the 1973 war reveal how they experienced one of the nation's most challenging periods.
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
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.
Blog
Chanukah Songs From Around the Globe
Listen to the recordings of Chanukah songs from all over the world and learn more about different Jewish communities!
Source Sheet
The Importance of Community
Why is community so important and how can individuals connect and contribute to it?
Printable Activity
Travelling to a Community
Research a community to discover its unique history and customs!
Video
The First Independence Day in Jerusalem
Music and singing by the Israeli People's Symphony Orchestra and the Israel National Opera Choir.
Historical Jewish Press
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.
Game
Diary From A Besieged Jerusalem
Can you identify the places? Jerusalem, then and today. Click to flip the pictures!
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
Israel: Then and Now
Compare historical and recent photographs to discuss the changes that have taken place in Israel over the last 150 years.
Source Sheet
Keeping the Community Together
Who is responsible for maintaining harmonious relations within the community?
Blog
When General Allenby Saved Sukkot
In the midst of World War I, two old Jews, Chaim Weizmann and General Edmund Allenby teamed up to ensure that the holiday could be celebrated properly...
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
Bringing Bikkurim (First Fruits)
How was Shavuot celebrated in the time of the temple, and how does this tradition compare with its modern Zionist interpretation?
Source Sheet
Raoul Wallenberg and the Midwives
Explore the concept of moral courage through an examination of the story of the midwives in Exodus and the lives of Holocaust rescuers
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.
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.
Printable Activity
Pesach Activity Printable Page
Learn how different historical circumstances come to life in the unique design of each Haggadah.
Lesson Plan
My Family Origins Through Primary Sources
In this unit you will discuss the difference between primary and secondary sources and the importance of these sources for historical research.
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
Free Dreyfus!
In this activity, you will research the Dreyfus Affair, create a “Free Dreyfus” campaigns and choose which one would have been the most effective.
Jewish Calendar Teaching Resources
Decorations
Purim Decorations
Lesson Plan
Life of Yitzhak Rabin - Analyzing a Poster
Yitzhak Rabin served as IDF chief of staff and two terms as prime minister of Israel. On November 4, 1995, Rabin was assassinated by Yigal Amir, an extreme right-wing activist who opposed Rabin’s political ideology.
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
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.
Printable Activity
Ketubot from Across the Globe
Explore ketubot from different times and places and learn how artistic design can reflect one's values and identity
Game
Which Zionist Leader Are You?
Are you a pragmatist or a philosopher? Are you more like Herzl or Weizmann? Find out in this personality quiz!
Source Sheet
The Inspiration of Yerushalayim Shel Zahav
What were the sources of inspiration for Naomi Shemer's iconic song "Jerusalem of Gold"?
Game
Tu Bishvat Protected Trees Puzzle
This puzzle features a poster of protected trees and shrubs in Israel. Can you identify any of the plants shown on the poster?
Game
I Spy Village - Tell Us What You See
How much did you notice about the village?
Lesson Plan
Purim plate and Mishloach Manot
What's a Purim plate and what would you put in it?
The Librarians | NLI Blog
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!
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
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.
Blog
How a Map Torn from a Newspaper Helped Decide a Critical Battle of the Yom Kippur War
The Yom Kippur War of 1973 was utter chaos. Armored corps soldiers who joined the battle couldn't find a proper map to guide them, so they improvised.
Lesson Plan
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Learn how to recognize tools used by designers to influence the viewers.
European Days of Jewish Culture
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
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.
Printable Activity
Simchat Torah Activity Page
Explore the various traditions around celebrating the completion of the annual Torah-reading cycle.
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.
Game
You're Invited - to Join the Party!
Solve the clues, get the key to the party and celebrate Soviet Jewry's contribution to Israeli society!
Source Sheet
Celebration in Times of Crisis
Reflect on how the circumstances might affect our ability to celebrate, both on a practical and spiritual level. Using the Chanukiah as a case study, we will discuss what values we are celebrating on Chanukah, and explore the rules regarding lighting Chanukah candles in times of danger.
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
Game
Inside and Outside the Sukkah
Learn about Sukkot in the past and connect it to how we celebrate Sukkot today.
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NLI teaching materials aim to foster key 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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