Unit 2: We Listen

Time - 20 Hours

 

Unit Description

Students first explore the historical development of Judaism using the sacred writings, Torah, Tanak, and Talmud, as a framework. This cluster is named for a translation of the Sh’ma: “Hear, O Israel…”. For Students compile a timeline of events for each lesson. The first lesson covers the Torah: students explore the Covenants between God and Noah, Abraham, Moses and David. The second lesson covers the Tanak: students examine the role of the prophets and their influence on the development of Judaism. The third lesson concludes the cluster with an exploration of the development of Talmud and the period of the Diaspora. Students then explore contemporary Judaism as it is celebrated in religious observances such as festivals and dietary laws. After this, the history of Jewish-Christian relations is explored in the context of the events of the past thousand years, the Holocaust and recent Christian-Jewish interfaith dialogue. In the final cluster of activities, “In your hearing …” students look at the theme of revelation as understood in the early Church. Students trace the growth of Christianity from its Jewish roots. The unit concludes with students preparing a brochure. Throughout the unit, students compile materials in their individual and class portfolios for the world religion symposium to be held near the end of the course.

 

Unit Overview

 

 

Activity Title

Time in min.

Learning Expectations

Assessment

Tasks

1

Hear, O Israel: Torah

 

150

CGE 1f

 

SCV.01; SCV.02; CMV.07; RBV.01; RBV.03.

 

SC1.01; SC2.04; PF2.02; CM1.06; RB1.01

Knowledge/ Understanding; Thinking/Inquiry;

Application/Making Connections.

 

True/False Quiz; Scripture Search & Timeline; Group Dramatic Presentation of Covenants; Journaling.

 

2

 

Hear, O Israel: Tanak

75

CGE 7e

 

SCV.01; PFV.05; PFV.06; RBV.01; HEV.03.

 

PF1.03; PF3.01; PF3.05; CM1.01; CM1.08; CM2.01; CM3.01; CM3.07; RB1.03; RB2.02; HE3.01; HE3.02.

Knowledge/ Understanding; Thinking/Inquiry; Communication; Application/Making Connections.

Scripture Search; Jigsaw Group Research on a Prophet; Journaling.

 

 

3

 

Hear, O Israel: Talmud

75

CGE1c

 

RBV.03; SSV.01

 

RB1.02; RB1.05

Knowledge/ Understanding; Thinking/Inquiry; Communication.

Teacher Demonstration; Timeline; Quiz

4

 

Judaism Today:  Jewish Symbols, Rituals and Festivals

150

CGE 7g

 

CMV.08; RBV.04

 

CM2.05; RB2.10; RB3.02; RB3.03

Knowledge/

Understanding; Communication.

Chart Compilation; Student Presentation; Teacher Presentation on Symbols; Video Activity; Discussion Paper.

5

 

 

 

 

 

Judaism Today: Kashrut

75

CGE 7f

 

CMV.08; RBV.04.

 

CM2.05; RB 3.01; SS1.05.

Knowledge/ Understanding.

Teacher-led Exploration of Kosher Laws; Students Create a Menu.

6

 

Jewish-Christian Relations: The Roots of Anti-Semitism

75

CGE 7g

 

RBV.01, SSV.01, HEV.02.

 

RB1.02, HE2.02; HE2.03.

Knowledge/ Understanding; Communication;

Application.

Students Trace the Causes of Anti-Semitism through Readings and a Mapping Activity.

7

Jewish-Christian Relations: The Holocaust & Its Lessons

150

CGE 1e

 

RBV.01; SSV.01; HEV.02

 

PF2.05; RB1.02; HE2.02; HE2.03

Knowledge; Communication; Application.

Teacher Presentation; Schindler’s List; Lessons of the Holocaust Activity; Journaling.

8

Jewish-Christian Relations:  A Holocaust Education Class Experience

75

CGE 1j

 

HEV.02

 

PF2.05; HE2.02; HE2.03

Application.

Simulation Activity; Journaling

9

Jewish-Christian Relations:  Jews and Christians Since the Holocaust

75

CGE 1e

 

PFV.05, RBV.01

 

PF2.05, RB1.03, HE2.01, HE3.01, HE3.02.

Knowledge/ Understanding; Communication; Application.

Teacher Presentation; Group Activity; Journaling.

10

“In Your Hearing...”:  Revelation and the Church

(30 CE - 500 CE)

 

 

75

CGE1c

 

SCV.02, RBV.01, HEV.03.

 

SCV1.04, SC3.03, RB1.03, RB2.07, HE2.01,

Thinking/Inquiry.

Think-Pair-Share Group Activity, Socratic Lesson, Journaling.

11

“In Your Hearing...”: Revelation and the Church

(30 CE - 500 CE) - The Jewish Roots of Christianity

 

75

CGE1c

 

SCV.01, CMV.08, RBV.02, RBV.03

 

SC1.03, SC2.01, CM2.05, RB2.08, RB2.10

Thinking/Inquiry; Application.

Socratic Lesson; Reflection.

12

“In your Hearing...” Revelation and the Church (30 CE - 500 CE) - The Witness of the Early Church

75

CGE5a

 

SCV.01, RBV.03, HEV.03

 

SC2.02, HE3.02, IS1.06

Knowledge/ Understanding; Communication.

Group Research into Martyrs; Personal and Class Martyrology; Journaling.

13

“In your Hearing...”: Revelation and the Church (30 CE - 500 CE) - The Church of the Councils

75

CGE1a

 

SCV.02, PFV.04, RBV.03

 

SC2.04, PF1.05, RB2.09.

Knowledge/ Understanding.

Media Presentation; Socratic Lesson;

Pamphlet.

 

Note: Expectations originating from the Institute for Catholic Education are italicized.  Normal font is used for the Ministry of Education’s expectations.

 

Activity 1: Hear O Israel: Torah

Time: 150 Minutes

 

Description

General perceptions about Judaism and the Jewish people are explored. The demography and distribution of Jewish people are discussed. The Sh’ma is introduced as the central prayer of Judaism. A timeline of Israelite history is started using a Scripture search. Students explore the Covenants found in the Torah as well as the Davidic Covenant. These insights lead students to further their understandings of the sacred as well as to explore responses to ultimate questions.  This activity asks students to attempt to integrate their beliefs with an understanding of the concepts of Covenant and the sacred.

 

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectation: CGE1f-The graduate is expected to be a discerning believer formed in the Catholic faith community who seeks intimacy with God and celebrates communion with God, others and creation through prayer and worship;

Strands: Religious Beliefs; Religion and Human Experience; Scripture; Profession of Faith; Christian Moral Life

Overall Expectations:

SCV.01 demonstrate knowledge of the key narratives and events in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures and identify their importance for the life decisions of Jewish and Christian people;

SCV.02 demonstrate an understanding of divine revelation and its connection with the sacred writings of Judaism and Christianity;

CMV.07 demonstrate an understanding of the role of Covenant and commandment in the religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam;

RBV.01 summarize the major historical influences on and events in the development of various religions;

RBV.03 analyse and describe the connection between the human experience and sacred writings and oral teachings.

Specific Expectations:

SC1.01 demonstrate an understanding of the importance of Covenants (originating with Abraham, Moses, and David) in the self‑understanding of the Jewish people;

SC2.04 respect sacred Scripture as revelation of God's Word;

PF2.02 appreciate the various dimensions of the sacred in the religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam;

CM1.06 understand the importance of Covenant and commandment for moral living in the religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam;

RB1.01 identify the origins of various religious beliefs regarding creation, birth, death, God, destiny, and afterlife;

 

Prior Knowledge & Skills

Students should be familiar with the structure of the Bible including its divisions and how to look up scriptural passages.

 

Planning Notes

Prepare a true/false quiz as described in the Teaching/Learning strategies below. Identify and challenge stereotypical images of Jewish people and Judaism during the discussion that follows the true/false quiz. Using a Bible and possibly the textbook, prepare a Scripture search that brings out the most important events in Israelite history. A class set of Bibles should be available. Prepare the group composition of the four dramatic groups. Prepare the note on formation of the Scriptures to explain the nature of the Covenant stories.

 

Teaching/Learning Strategies

The teacher introduces the unit on Judaism by giving students a true/false quiz on Judaism. This true false quiz contains a number of statements about Judaism that confirm students’ basic understanding of Judaism encountered in previous courses or in the first unit’s overview and also challenge students to take a stand on some issues that will be dealt with in the unit. The statements should involve general perceptions about Judaism and the Jewish people as well as the demography and distribution of Jewish people.

Individually, students engage in a Scripture search that outlines Israelite history from the time of Abraham and Sarah until the time of King Solomon. The Scripture may be supplemented with the textbook (see Resources below). The information is placed on a timeline.

In groups, students read passages on the four Covenants: Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David. Students dramatically recreate these events to explain the unique message that each Covenant teaches the people of Israel. Particular attention should be paid to the Israelites’ growing understanding of the sacred. After presenting these events to the class, students explain the message that was being presented. Each student records the message of the four Covenants.

The teacher in processing these stories explains the process by which many of these events came to be recorded. This can be done through a prepared overhead or board note.

In journals, students reflect on the understandings of God found in the Covenant stories and describe what a Covenant with God means to them in their life.

 

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Students are quizzed on the material associated with the Knowledge/Understanding focused expectations SCV.01, SCV.02, CMV.07, SC1.01, CM1.06, RBV.01, RBV.03, and RB1.01 at the end on Activity 3. The completed timeline is assessed using a rubric that focuses on Thinking/Inquiry and Communication that addresses expectations SCV.01 and RB1.03.   The journal activity is assessed using the ongoing checklist for the Application/Making Connections expectations SC2.02 and PF2.02.

 

Accommodations

Students requiring accommodation in the Scripture search may use the Good News version of the Bible. They may also be paired with students who can tutor them in necessary skills or vocabulary. For enrichment, students may research the historical context of Covenant treaties and supplement the role-plays with this information.

 

Resources

For Scripture see:  New Revised Standard Version Bible Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1991 (ISBN 0195283805);  The Good News Bible Toronto: Canadian Bible Society.

For student texts see: Trafford, Larry. World Religions: People and Faith Toronto: Maxwell Macmillan Canada, 1994, 44-47; and Brodd, Jeffrey. World Religions: A Voyage of Discovery Winona, MN: Saint Mary’s Press, 1998. 191-193, 198.

For Internet resources see: The Patriarchs and the Origins of Judaism at www.jewfaq.org/origins.htm (part of the Judaism 101 site); Timeline for the History of Judaism at www.usisrael.org/jsource/History/timeline.html#context;

 

Activity 2: Hear O Israel: Tanak

Time: 75 Minutes

 

Description

The history of Judaism from the time of Solomon to the time of the destruction of the Second Temple (70 CE) is traced. This is the time of the completion of the Tanak.  Students continue the timeline started in the previous activity using Scripture and textbook as resources. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of the prophets and their influence on the development of Judaism.

 

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectation: CGE7e - The graduate is expected to be a responsible citizen who witnesses Catholic social teaching by promoting equality, democracy, and solidarity for a just, peaceful and compassionate society;

Strands: Scripture, Profession of Faith, Christian Moral Life, Religious Beliefs, Religion and Human Experience

Overall Expectations:

SCV.01 demonstrate knowledge of the key narratives and events in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures and identify their importance for the life decisions of Jewish and Christian people;

PFV.05 identify traditional and contemporary examples of people of faith and integrity;

PFV.06 examine the human search for meaning in the context of Christian, Judaic and Islamic traditions

RBV.01 summarize the major historical influences on and events in the development of various religions;

HEV.03 analyse the significance of religion or other belief systems in the lives of various historical figures;      

Specific Expectations:

PF1.03 demonstrate an understanding of the human search for meaning and purpose as found in the belief systems of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam;

PF3.01 articulate ways in which people search for the sacred in life;

PF3.05 name traditional and contemporary examples of people of faith and integrity;

CM1.01 demonstrate an understanding of the role morality plays in the human search for meaning and purpose;

CM1.08 identify traditional and contemporary examples of moral living as found in the various world religions;

CM2.01 recognize the importance of moral living in the human search for meaning and purpose;

CM3.01 explain the importance of moral living in the human search for meaning and purpose;

CM3.07 suggest both traditional and contemporary examples of moral living as found in the various religions of the world;

RB1.03 identify influential personalities (e.g., Abraham, Baha’ullah, Christ, Confucius, Dalai Lama, Guru Nanak, Moses, Muhammad, Siddhartha Gautama, Zoroaster) and summarize their contributions to the development of selected religions;

RB2.02 specify the responses of some religions to questions associated with the search for spiritual meaning common problems and questions;

HE3.01 identify significant figures from a range of belief systems;

HE3.02 describe how significant individuals have been motivated by the belief systems studied to influence events, create movements, and challenge the status quo of their day.  

 

Prior Knowledge & Skills

Students should be familiar with the structure of the Bible including its divisions and how to look up scriptural passages.

 

Planning Notes

Gather materials for the Scripture search/timeline exercise. Gather materials for the jigsaw group activity.  Consider using these prophets:  Jeremiah, Ezekiel, First Isaiah, Second Isaiah, Hosea, Amos, Micah and Jonah. Use the introductory paragraphs of the prophetic books of the Bible you are using as a resource.

 

Teaching/Learning Strategies

The students continue to search Scripture and text material to construct their timelines.

In jigsaw groups, students research a prophet.  In home groups, they determine which prophet they will investigate. In the specialist groups, they gather to ask these questions of their particular prophet: How did the prophet affect Judaism? What were the circumstances of the prophet’s search for meaning? What were the values of the prophet? How were morality and the search for meaning connected for the prophet? What modern day figure most closely resembles this prophet?  Back in the home group, students assemble the responses to these questions in chart form. Each student makes a copy of the chart.

In journals, students describe the characteristics of a prophet. They then reflect on the Christian baptismal call to be a prophet and how they could respond to such a call.  

 

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Students are quizzed on the material associated with the Knowledge/Understanding focused expectations SCV.01, PFV.05, RBV.01, PF3.05, CM1.08, CM3.07, RB1.03, HE3.01, HE3.02 at the end of Activity 3. The completed timeline is assessed using a rubric that focuses on Thinking/Inquiry and Communication that addresses expectations SCV.01 and RB1.03.   The jigsaw activity is assessed using a rubric that focuses on Understanding, Making Connections and Communication (Expectations HEV.03, PF1.03, PF3.01, RB2.02.) The journal activity is assessed using the ongoing checklist for the Application/Making Connections expectations CM1.01, CM2.01 and CM3.01.

 

Accommodations

Students requiring modification may be paired from their home group with a person who can act as a co-worker throughout all of the steps in the jigsaw process. Alternatively, the student may be given a simplified assignment, working independently. For enrichment, students may research Wisdom literature to explore the concepts of Hokmah, Shekinah and Sophia. These findings can be the resource for the journal entry.

 

Resources

For student texts see: Trafford, Larry. World Religions: People and Faith Toronto: Maxwell Macmillan Canada, 1994, pp. 47-50; Brodd, Jeffrey. World Religions: A Voyage of Discovery Winona, MN: Saint Mary’s Press, 1998, pp.193-195, 198.

 

Activity 3: Hear O Israel: Talmud

Time: 75 Minutes

 

Description

The historical development of Judaism is traced from the Destruction of the Second Temple until the time of Maimonides. Using information gathered from various sources, students write a description of the Talmud and diagram its evolution. The Diaspora is also diagramed on a map. The lesson concludes with a quiz on the events of Jewish history explored over the first three activities. Emphasis is placed on how social structures have shaped Judaism.

 

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectation: CGE1c - The graduate is expected to be a discerning believer formed in the Catholic faith community who actively reflects on God's Word as communicated through the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures;

Strands: Religious Beliefs, Social Structures

Overall Expectations:

RBV.03 analyse and describe the connection between the human experience and sacred writings and oral teachings;   

SSV.01 summarize the ways in which religions and the development of civilizations are interconnected; 

Specific Expectations:

RB1.02 identify the major influences in the development of various religions (e.g., social unrest, advances in technology, changing mores);

RB1.05 demonstrate an understanding of the development of the institutions that govern and promote the religious life of a religion’s adherents (e.g., Sanhedrin, Universal House of Justice, Papacy, Qadis).

 

Prior Knowledge & Skills

This activity is the culmination of a process continued from Activities 1 and 2.

 

Planning Notes

Gather diagrams and charts and get them ready for overhead projectors, opaque projectors or LCD projectors.  Prepare copies of a map of the world.  Prepare the quiz for the first three.  It is advisable to swap time from the end of this activity with time at the beginning of the next to permit the quiz to be held on the next class.

 

Teaching/Learning Strategies

Using a map, the teacher demonstrates the events of the Diaspora and then uses diagrams to illustrate the development of the Talmud. Through teacher-led questions and discussions, students see how social structures, religious institutions and the shape of the Talmud were interrelated.

Students record this information in their notes.

Students continue to construct their timeline based on information gleaned from the texts listed below. The completed timeline is placed in the portfolio to be used in the kiosk at the end of the course.

Students complete a quiz based on the designated materials presented in Activities 1, 2 & 3 of this unit.

 

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Students are quizzed on the material associated with the Knowledge/Understanding focused expectations RBV.03, SSV.01, RB1.02, RB1.05 at the end of this Activity. The completed timeline is assessed using a rubric that focuses on Thinking/Inquiry and Communication that addresses expectations SCV.01 and RB1.03.  

 

Accommodations

Students requiring accommodations for the quiz may be given extra time, alternate seating or an alternate mode for communicating answers. Students requiring enrichment may explore A Page of Talmud website listed below.

 

Resources

For student texts see: Trafford, Larry. World Religions: People and Faith Toronto: Maxwell Macmillan Canada, 1994, pp. 50-52; Brodd, Jeffrey. World Religions: A Voyage of Discovery Winona, MN: Saint Mary’s Press, 1998, pp. 195-199.

For Internet resources see: A Page of Talmud: www.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/TalmudPage.html. This site explains how the Talmud operates using a “clickable” diagram. Also see Talmud: www.jewfaq.org/torah.htm#Talmud (part of the Judaism 101 site).

 

Activity 4: Judaism Today: Jewish Symbols, Rituals and Festivals 

Time: 150 Minutes

 

Description

Through group work or Socratic lesson, students learn about the rituals and festivals of the Jewish faith tradition. Through a teacher presentation, students identify the religious symbols of the Jewish faith tradition. Using a video students develop an appreciation for the importance of prayer in the daily life of Jewish families. In a discussion paper, students compare the symbol of meal for both Jews and Catholics.

 

Strands and Expectations

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations: CGE7g - The graduate is expected to be a responsible citizen who respects and understands the history, cultural heritage and pluralism of today’s contemporary society;

Strands: Christian Moral Development; Religious Beliefs

Overall Expectations: 

CMV.08 recognize the role of Sacred Scriptures in the development of moral codes for the religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam;

RBV.04 demonstrate how practice, ritual, and symbolism are external representations of the beliefs and principles of religion.

Specific Expectations:

CM2.05 respect the moral teachings of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as guidelines for daily living

RB3.02 identify the origin and significance of various practices, rituals, symbols, and festivals;

RB3.03 demonstrate an understanding of the role of sign and symbol in various religions.

 

Prior Knowledge and Skills

None required.

 

Planning Notes

Prepare a student handout for each of the feasts/celebrations or arrange for resources that contain the necessary information. Make copies of the chart in “Jewish Feasts and Celebrations” (Appendix 1) for all students. Not all student texts contain all the information needed for students to complete the festival/celebration chart.  Brodd’s text is the most complete.

 

Teaching/Learning Strategies

The teacher provides students with a chart to be completed during a teacher presentation on the feasts and celebrations of the Jewish tradition. Alternatively, the teacher may decide to have the material presented by students.  If this option is chosen the teacher divides the students into 13 groups (pairs).  Each group is assigned one fea