OJCS Jewish Studies

As mentioned at Back to School Night, this year will be a transitionary year for our Grade 7 cohort. They will be learning the same curriculum as the current Grade 8 class in preparation for a change in the Grade 8 curriculum next year (i.e. a course about Israeli history). Although assessments and projects may vary, the core content that is analyzed will be the same. This week we will dive into the origins of antisemitism. We will discuss prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination.

The link below can be used to access the Google Slides Presentation that we will be using in class to take notes/participate in activities. Students should bookmark this page on their devices for ease of access. Please note that this document is a living tool, which will be changed and updated regularly.

Grade 7 JS Antisemitism/Holocaust Slideshow Presentation

Check out this article from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance that discusses various spellings of the term antisemitism. The article discusses the implications of the term anti-semitism vs. antisemitism and the origins of its meaning.

https://www.holocaustremembrance.com/antisemitism/spelling-antisemitism

After an incredible Middle School Retreat, our students are beginning to dive into our Jewish Studies course. In Grade 6, the students will learn about the Jewish life cycle. Our journey will take us from the naming of the baby to the rituals and customs associated with the passing of a loved one. Students will analyze texts, discuss traditions, and examine various Jewish customs from a variety of perspectives.

The link below can be used to access the Google Slides Presentation that we will be using in class to take notes/participate in activities. Students should feel free to bookmark this page on their devices. Please note that this document is a living tool, which will be changed and updated regularly.

Grade 6 Jewish Life Cycle Slideshow

As we embark on this learning journey together, students have been asked to complete their own River of Life task.

The River of Life is a visual narrative that helps people tell the stories of the past, present, and future. Students may use pictures, words, and phrases to indicate key moments/changes throughout the course of their life

River of Life must include: 

• Visuals (drawings or pictures) depicting various moments in your life (5 points)

• A written description of 5-8 complete sentences for each stage explaining a key event relating to each of the following: 

• • The Past      

• • The Present

• • The Future

This is an opportunity for you to share your story. You decide how it is told! This can be created by hand (on paper) or online via Google Slides/Canva. 

Students will have the opportunity to present their River of Life to the class starting on Thursday, September 21st.

I can’t wait to hear all about your narrative. Check out my example below!