Grades 5-12: Contemporary Jewish Issues


Content Provider JETS - Jerusalem EdTech Solutions
Contact Information Joel Cohn
rjcohn@gmail.com
Bustenai 31
jerusalem, Israel 93229
Israel
Phone: 347-5658084
Fax: 011-972-2-561-7021
Program Type Program Series
This is a four part series. You may request all four parts or any one individual part.
Program Rating This program has not yet been evaluated.
Target Audience Education: Grade(s): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Parent, Adult Learners, Content Providers: Content Providers
Maximum Number of Participants There is no maximum, but for optimum interactivity, we suggest no more than 30 students.
Minimum Number of Participants There is no minimum.
Primary Disciplines Character Education, Family & Consumer Science, Foreign/World Languages, International, Leadership, Problem Solving, Military Ethics
Secondary Disciplines Collaboration, Community Interests, Economics/Business, Family & Consumer Science, Social Studies/History
Program Description A. What Should a Millionaire Give to Charity? – In recent years, Bill Gates and Warren Buffet have claimed that very wealthy people must give a lot of their money to help the poor. They have encouraged other millionaires to follow their lead. To start off the process, Gates donated $30,000,000 and Buffet donated $36,000,000. This activity raised a number of questions that we will discuss from a Jewish perspective:

Why be Good? <\b>
1) Am I obligated to help another? Why?
2) How do I balance the needs of others with my own needs – i.e. How much do I need to give to others and how much is it legitimate to keep for myself?
3) What is the difference between charity/tzedakah and lovingkindness/Chessed? What are some examples of these unique activities?
4) How should I prioritize to whom I donate my money and my time?

B. Is Democracy the Best Form of Government?<\b> – Currently, the issue of democracy has become a major issue with the outbreak of pro-democracy demonstrations across the Middle East. The United States has placed spreading democracy as one of its primary goals. But, is democracy necessarily the best form of government for everybody? In our discussion of this topic, we will relate to the Jewish attitude on the following issues:
1) What does the Torah say about democracy and other forms of government?
2) Are democracy and equality the same?
3) Are there any values that are universal and cannot be overruled by majority vote?
4) Are there limits to freedom? Who has the right to tell us what we can and cannot do?
C. Seek Peace – The pursuit of peace is a very important Jewish value. In this study, we will examine how Biblical and Rabbinic views relate to current issues of war and peace in the Israel. We will cover the following topics:
1) The Biblical requirement to call for peace.
2) Land for Peace? – When to Compromise: A look at precedents in Jewish history such as the conflict between the zealots and Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai over whether to negotiate Jerusalem.
3) Mandatory wars and permissible wars.
4) Is conscientious objection (refusing orders) permissible?

D. Medical Ethics –Modern technological and social changes have raised a number of critical ethical questions relating to medical care. In our study of medical ethics we will address the Jewish position on the following issues: <\b>
1) Definition of Death
2) Organ Donation
3) Abortion
4) Medical Research (stem cell, research on animals, autopsy, etc.)
Program Format 1. The program begins with a short video and discussion.
2. We then discuss contemporary issues and analyze the topics.
3. We trace the topic from ancient to modern times and engage in different ways of implementing the contemporary issue.
4. Participants engage in simulated exercises of the different issues.
5. Videos and PowerPoints highlight the various ways to play out the issues and come to a conclusion.
6. Time is allowed for questions and answers.
Objectives The participant will:
1. Explore the changing roles of ancient Jewish topics in modern times.

2. engage in simulated activities that portray the different ways to embody the issue.

3. Develop an appreciation for Biblical and Rabbinic law regarding these issues.

4.List four different trends in modern Jewish society and grapple with the conflicts therein.
National Standards to which this program aligns World History - SOC-041
The course focuses on World History, with an emphasis on Jewish development in Europe. It spans from the origins of democracy and Christian influence, through key events of the 20th century. Specific highlights include the Golden Age of Spain, Renaissance, Industrial Revolution, Age of Imperialism, World Wars I and II, Age of Totalitarianism, the Cold War, and democracy in the free world. All areas of concentration will focus on the strands of: History, Geography, and Social Studies skills.

NS.5-8.7 HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE
Science as a human endeavor

NSS-USH.K-4.1 Living and working together in families and communities, now and long ago
As a result of activities participants will: Gain an understanding community life now and in the past, and community life in various places long ago
Nature of science
History of science
State/Regional Standards to which this program aligns TBA
Program Length 45 minutes for 4-12th grade
By Request This program is available by request ONLY
Connection Type(s) Available and Program Fees By Request Cost: $175.00
By Request Cost with Premium Service: $160.00 What's this?
Cancellation Policy We will not charge for programs cancelled due to nature i.e. snow days. The full fee will be charged to sites which cancel with less than 48 hours notice.
Is recording allowed? No
The Provider broadcasts over IP
Minimum Technology Specifications for sites connecting to this provider We recommend a minimum of kb/s upload and download for all video conferences. Please schedule a test connection at least ten days before the video conference.

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