Discuss letters written by children during times of war and try to understand the writers' thoughts and emotions
Video
Teachers Talk - Arch of Titus
Teachers Talk About NLI Primary Sources - Netanel Burstin - Photo of the celebration of the establishment of the State of Israel, Arch of Titus, Rome, 1948.
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
Prayer During Wartime
Discuss letters written by children during times of war and try to understand the writers' thoughts and emotions
Source Sheet
The Importance of Community
Why is community so important and how can individuals connect and contribute to it?
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.
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.
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
Hatikva - Learn More About the Israel Anthem
Watch this video to learn more interesting facts about the Israeli anthem.
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
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.
Video
Teachers Talk - Map of Israel & Syria
Teachers Talk About NLI Primary Sources - Netanel Burstin - Map of Erez Israel & Syria
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.
Game
Women Power in Times of War
Explore the role of women during the Yom Kippur War.
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
Analyzing Memorial Day Poster 2008
Analyze this Yom Hazikaron Poster for Fallen Soldiers. The main image in this poster is Michael Elkayam.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Printable Activity
Shavuot Activity Printable Page
These items highlight different aspects of this holiday and demonstrates how it was celebrated in different times and places in the Jewish world.
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.
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?
Game
What sukkah are you?
This quizz invites you to explore various types of sukkahs, each representing unique aspects of personality and tradition!
Lesson Plan
Creating a Family Tree
Discover your roots! Research your family history and create a family tree!
Game
El Al Poster of Israel Puzzle
This puzzle features an El-Al poster with a map of Israel. Do you recognize any of the places on the map?
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
Telling Time
Create a timeline that tells the story of your community and learn about the people behind these events
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.
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.
Lesson Plan
Chanukah Candle Lighting in the IDF
When might lighting Chanukah candles be challenging? Learn about how IDF soldiers deal with that question.
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
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.
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!
Blog
First Woman to Sign Israel’s Declaration of Independence
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.
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
Source Sheet
Hevruta with the Israeli Teachers
Faces & Faces - Exploring Jewish Communities
Worksheet
Alfred Dreyfus New Year postcard, 1901
Find out what social and ideological messages were conveyed in Rosh Hashanah cards!
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.
Printable Activity
Israel
Discover some interesting items depicting different aspects of Israel through cartoons, posters, and even a recipe booklet for times of emergency
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...
Maps - The Eran Laor Cartographic Collection
Game
Traditions That Ring a Bell
Listen carefully to tunes and prayers and guess what communities they are from and what rituals they are part of
Video
Renee Molho: A Bookstore in Six Chapters (Centropa)
This is the story of two Jews - from Salonika, or Thessaloniki, in today's Greece - who managed to survive, thanks to a Spanish diplomat and some very brave Greek families.
Webinar
A Year to October 7 | Remembering in Real Time
Explore ways to anchor this difficult time using primary sources that touch upon different aspects of memory and illustrate how Jewish culture has dealt with crises in the past
Printable Activity
Pesach Photographs with Discussion Questions
Explore the unique photos from the National Library of Israel's collections and discuss questions with your students.
Video
Ancient Maps of the Exodus
This geography and Tanach teacher from Jerusalem talks about how she uses historic illustrated maps of the Exodus in her classroom.
Source Sheet
Remembering in Real Time
Explore primary sources and Jewish texts dedicated to the idea of preserving collective memories by integrating them into everyday life
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!
Game
I Spy Fisherman - Tell Us What You See
Master your visual recall!
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.
Printable Activity
Jerusalem
Explore Jerusalem through maps from different historical periods that were created by cartographers around the world
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
Printable Activity
Pesach Activity Printable Page
Learn how different historical circumstances come to life in the unique design of each Haggadah.
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.
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?
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!
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
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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?
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
Celebrating in Tishrei
Discover how to use primary sources to enrich your teaching and prepare your learners for Sukkot and Simchat Torah
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
Israel: Then and Now
Compare historical and recent photographs to discuss the changes that have taken place in Israel over the last 150 years.
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?
Game
You've Got Mail!
Can you guess which years these Shana Tova postcards came from?
Lesson Plan
Traditions That Ring a Bell
Get a chance to hear recordings from Jewish holiday and life cycle events across time and place.
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
Worksheet
Prayer During Wartime
Analyze the prayer written in 1809 by Rabbi Moses Sofer as a response to the Austro-Polish War.
NLI Main Website
Video
The First Independence Day in Jerusalem
Music and singing by the Israeli People's Symphony Orchestra and the Israel National Opera Choir.
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.
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
Sukkot Worksheet
Explore Sukkot primary sources from the NLI's collections, answer the questions and discuss different topics with your students!
Video
100 Years in the Western Wall
Discover how photographers and artists of the past 100 years understood the significance of the Holy City.
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
Blog
Eating by Example on Yom Kippur
When cholera ran rampant, saving lives superseded all else.
Video
The Ottoman Surrender to the British Empire
1917: The Year That Changed the Fate of the Jewish People
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
NLI Exhibit | A Treasury of Words
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!
Video
A Look at the Jewish Year: Pesach
Explore three rare Haggadot from the NLI's collection with the help of three unusual Seder meal guests!
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
Video
Women and Feminism
The story of Purim has earned recognition for its perceived feminist message. Get a glimpse into the lives of other Jewish women in the past.
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.
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
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?
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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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