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
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?
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.
Lesson Plan
Create your own Megillah for Purim
Create your own illustrated scene from the Megillah based on the analysis of historical illuminated manuscripts from the NLI collections.
Printable Activity
Yom Kippur Activity Printable Page
In these printable pages, you can explore how Yom Kippur is marked in different times and places throughout Jewish history.
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.
Worksheet
Sharing Experiences Through Letters
Analyze letters written by children during times of war and try to understand the writers' thoughts and emotions.
Video
Teachers Talk - A Letter
Teachers Talk about NLI Primary Sources - Letter from Sarah Aaronsohn
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?
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.
Blog
First Woman to Sign Israel’s Declaration of Independence
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.
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.
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
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?
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
Ten Commandments - Time of the Giving of the Torah
What ideas are expressed in the commandments, and what would you choose as your top ten values?
Game
The Rabbi's Role
Ever wonder what Rabbis do? Now you have the chance to find out
Video
Teachers Talk - Map of Israel & Syria
Teachers Talk About NLI Primary Sources - Netanel Burstin - Map of Erez Israel & Syria
Lesson Plan
Create your own Shana Tova card!
Design your own Shana Tova card inspired by illustrations and texts from historical cards!
Video
Teachers Talk About Sukkot with Dina
Dina talks about primary sources on sukkot
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
Jewish Solidarity
Reflect on the value of solidarity in Jewish tradition and to explore a few examples from different times and places
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.
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!
Worksheet
Alfred Dreyfus New Year postcard, 1901
Find out what social and ideological messages were conveyed in Rosh Hashanah cards!
Printable Activity
Scrolling Through History
Explore ketubot from different times and places and learn how artistic design can reflect one's values and identity
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!
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.
Lesson Plan
Using Persuasive Materials
Election posters use advertising methods to convey messages. How can we recognize tools used by designers that influence the viewers?
Lesson Plan
Who is this Israeli? 1971 Israeli Cartoon
What are American basketball players doing in Israel?
October 7 Memorial Wall
October 7 memorial wall, created by the NLI, displays the faces and names of the murdered civilians and fallen IDF soldiers on and since October 7. Both digital and printable version of this wall are now available to download and use at your schools and community centers.
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!
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.
Printable Activity
Jerusalem Activity Page
Discover different maps of Jerusalem created in different times of history.
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
Sukkot Worksheet
Explore Sukkot primary sources from the NLI's collections, answer the questions and discuss different topics with your students!
Printable Activity
Rosh Hashanah Printable Activity
Get inspired to create a record of your personal milestones and even design your own card.
Printable Activity
Israel
Discover some interesting items depicting different aspects of Israel through cartoons, posters, and even a recipe booklet for times of emergency
Source Sheet
Teaching the Next Generation
What does Judaism have to say about teaching the next generation?
Source Sheet
Rosh Hashanah's Theme Music
A central mitzvah (commandment) of Rosh Hashanah is the blowing of the shofar whose sounds are intended to induce teshuvah (repentance). Read the TANACH texts about shofar blowing, explore the primary sources, and discuss what you feel when you hear the shofar.
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.
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?
Bearing Witness | Documenting October 7
Printable Activity
Dreidel (Sevivon) Craft
Create your own unique dreidel with the custom-made NLI illustrations by the artist Einav Vaisman.
Video
The Ottoman Surrender to the British Empire
1917: The Year That Changed the Fate of the Jewish People
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.
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!
Decorations
Tu Bishvat Posters and Photos
Decorate your classroom with the Tu Bishvat posters and photos from the NLI collections! Every item has a QR code so that you can scan and read more about it.
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.
Lesson Plan
Land of Milk and Honey
Explore Israel’s agriculture and advertising campaigns that encouraged Israelis to buy certain foods in different time periods.
Source Sheet
Hevruta Learning
Explore what Hevruta learning is and how it is different from other types of learning
Source Sheet
Tashlich – Casting Away One’s Sins
Is tashlich an opportunity to be introspective and repent, or just an easy way to clear your concious? Learn more about the debate!
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?
Lesson Plan
Bedikat Chametz – Searching for Chametz
In preparation for Pesach people clean their homes to remove all of the chametz. Learn more about why and how they do so!
The Librarians | NLI Blog
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.
Video
The Balfour Declaration - Learn More!
Learn more about the drafting of the Balfour Declaration, in which the British government expresses its support for the Zionist enterprise.
Game
I Spy Village - Tell Us What You See
How much did you notice about the village?
Game
My Shabbat
What is special about Shabbat and how do you celebrate it?
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
You've Got Mail!
Can you guess which years these Shana Tova postcards came from?
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.
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.
Source Sheet
Crafting Our Story: Pesach as a Case Study
Learn about several modern Haggadot that expand on the traditional versions with various levels of interpretation and innovation, including references to current events
Game
Why are there Jewish Newspapers?
What makes Jewish newspapers special and important, and what would you include in yours?
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
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.
Game
Who was David Green?
Read all about this influential figure and then arrange the significant milestones of his life in this digital activity.
Lesson Plan
Chanukah Candle Lighting in the IDF
When might lighting Chanukah candles be challenging? Learn about how IDF soldiers deal with that question.
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
Visual Essay: Independence Day Posters
Go back in history and take a look at some of the posters that were created in the early years of the State of Israel.
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
Every Woman's Dream? Analyzing Advertisements
What makes an advertisement a good one and what can that teach us about social issues such as gender roles?
Lesson Plan
Analyzing Memorial Day Poster 2008
Analyze this Yom Hazikaron Poster for Fallen Soldiers. The main image in this poster is Michael Elkayam.
Source Sheet
The Inspiration of Yerushalayim Shel Zahav
What were the sources of inspiration for Naomi Shemer's iconic song "Jerusalem of Gold"?
Video
Mimouna Piyutim
The piyut (Jewish liturgical poem) “Atem Yotze’i Ma’arav” is beautifully documented by Rabbi David Buzaglo, who describes the tangible feeling of human connectedness on this special holiday.
Video
Celebrating in Tishrei
Discover how to use primary sources to enrich your teaching and prepare your learners for Sukkot and Simchat Torah
Teaching Kit
Rut Dayan Time Capsule
Israeli Social Activist. Learn about Ruth Dayan as an example of how creativity and passion can bring different people together
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
Video
Hatikva - Learn More About the Israel Anthem
Watch this video to learn more interesting facts about the Israeli anthem.
Video
The Journey of the Ethiopian Oriyt
Follow the journey of the Ethiopian Oriyt from Ethiopia, through the deserts of Sudan, all the way to the National Library of Israel.
Webinar
Celebrating in Times of Crisis
Explore texts and primary sources that address the issue of celebrating in times of crisis (using Chanukah as a case study).
Game
Name That Garment!
Match traditional garments with the Jewish community they are from
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?
This quizz invites you to explore various types of sukkahs, each representing unique aspects of personality and tradition!
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
Game
Diary From A Besieged Jerusalem
Can you identify the places? Jerusalem, then and today. Click to flip the pictures!
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.
NLI Exhibit | A Treasury of Words
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?
Haggadot Riddles
Match the riddle to the image to discover different haggadot from around the world
Faces & Faces - Exploring Jewish Communities
Blog
The Women's Campaign for Soviet Jewry
How a women's protest group made a difference by raising the cause of Soviet Jewish political prisoners during the Cold War
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.
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.
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
Lesson Plan
Shavuot Customs in Words and Pictures
Learn about Shavuot customs through traditional texts, primary sources and first-person accounts recorded by Centropa.
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.
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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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