Jewish Identity and Israel Curriculum Pilot

An educational journey that equips Jewish teens with the skills and confidence to engage thoughtfully with one of the most important issues in Jewish life today: Israel....

How do we equip young people with the skills and confidence to engage thoughtfully with one of the most important issues in Jewish life today: Israel?

Moving Traditions’ new Jewish Identity and Israel curriculum offers an educational journey for teens, supporting them in understanding the modern state of Israel, navigating the complexities of Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian reality, while exploring their Jewish identity and personal values.

Grappling with the complexities of our Jewish homeland has never been more important. With the Yahrzeit of October 7th just past, and the current events in the Middle East, it is clear that we need to help the teens in our communities make sense of the world around them.  Our Jewish identity and Israel track is uniquely positioned to do just that. 

About the Curriculum Pilot

The curriculum is written for 8th and 9th graders, and can be used with modification for younger or older teens.

This track is part of our plug-and-play Kulam curriculum, featuring activities, discussion prompts, text, and media that help educators engage teens. Participants will dive into the concept of Israel as “home,” gain insights into the historical background of Zionism, encounter the diversity of modern Israeli society, engage with Palestinian history, and confront the major points of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian reality. By creating an inclusive and exploratory learning environment, we help teens develop their own nuanced perspectives and foster a sense of pride and belonging within Jewish community.  The complete session outline is below.

Pilot Requirements:

  • Attendance at a training session, free of charge
  • Using a minimum of six sessions
  • Completing evaluations

Related Fees:

  • If you are a Kulam partner, there is no charge
  • If you are a B-Mitzvah or Teen Groups partner, there is a $72 flat fee
  • If you are not yet a Moving Traditions partner, there is a flat $118 fee
  • If you are a Los Angeles-area institution or community, there is no charge for this pilot program

If you are interested in becoming a pilot partner, please sign up by November 1 (applications are now closed).

Outline of Kulam Track: Jewish Identity and Israel

Peoplehood

Why should I care about Israelis? What does it mean to be part of a “people”? These are a few of the questions teens will explore in this session about Jewish peoplehood. By learning about the roles both the land of Israel and the diaspora have played in shaping Jewish identity, teens will deepen their connection to Jewish communities around the world and understand engagement with Israel as an important expression of their Jewish identity.

Home/Land 1

This session invites teens to reflect on their personal sense of home and what it means for Jews around the world to consider Israel as a shared “home.” Grounded in themes of identity and belonging, participants will explore their relationship with Israel through the perspectives of am (people), eretz (land), and medina (state), considering diverse ways to engage that speak to their own values and interests.

Home/Land 2

Building on the concept of “home,” this session dives deeper into the themes of am (people), eretz (land), and medina (state). Participants will explore the complexities of having multiple homes—one in America and one in Israel—while gaining foundational knowledge about modern Israeli society, environment, laws, and culture.

History of Zionism

Teens will journey through the historical context that led to the rise of Zionism, understanding it as a Jewish national movement that contains a diversity of visions. Empowered with foundational knowledge about Zionism’s history and major thinkers, teens will be encouraged to articulate their own vision for Israel’s future and how they might contribute to its actualization.

Diversity of People in Israel

Teens will explore the rich mosaic of ethnic, religious, and identity groups that shape Israel’s cultural pluralism. This session aims to broaden teens’ understanding of what it means to be Israeli, highlighting the strengths and challenges of diversity within Israel. Teens will have the opportunity to connect with contemporary Israeli culture, gaining an appreciation for how diversity enhances the global Jewish experience.

Palestinian Perspectives

Through Palestinian poetry, art, and music, this session provides a glimpse into Palestinian life both within Israel and beyond. By encountering Palestinian history and culture, teens will gain a greater understanding of the Palestinian people and potential models for coexistence.

The Matzav: Understanding Key Elements of the Conflict

What is the Israeli-Palestinian reality about, and why does it persist? This session equips teens with the historical and current context of the conflict, providing a foundation to understand the news, public discourse, and protests around them. Teens will explore why the conflict remains challenging to solve while building the confidence and knowledge to express their own perspectives and advocate for their beliefs.

Strategies for Engagement

Navigating discussions about Israel can be challenging and many teens are anxious about their future, given the environment on many college campuses. This session will empower teens with practical strategies when faced with heated rhetoric, how to decide whether to engage in debate or activism, and how to do so constructively. Teens will develop the skills to listen to opposing views, set personal boundaries for civil disagreement, and ultimately feel confident in their ability to handle campus climates and conversations about Israel.

Family Sessions

Israel Family Session: Wonders and Challenges

In this session, parents and teens will explore their personal connections to Israel through activity and dialogue. Participants will reflect on both the ancient and modern history of Israel, deepening their understanding of the wonders and challenges the country faces today. This experience aims to strengthen family dialogue about Israel, encouraging thoughtful, respectful conversations that foster connection across generations.

Funding Partner

Our Israel Curriculum is made possible by support from: