A Call to Action: Volunteering and Israel's State-Building
As the book of Deuteronomy says, “There will never cease to be needy ones in your land, which is why I command you: open your hand to the poor and needy kinsman in your land.” As a nation founded on ancient Jewish principles—including tzedakah and tikkun olam—Israel has had a long history of charity and volunteerism. When Jews and others have been in need, tradition called upon the Jewish people to take action. Since 1948, Israelis have served as a model of this important global call, serving at home and internationally in the spirit of Jewish tradition.
But before the State of Israel was established, conditions in Palestine under the British Mandate were fragile and often desperate. Influenced by the need for social action and state building, Jews around the world donated their time, money and energy to buy and develop land for the growing immigrant population. After independence, the need to absorb an even greater influx of immigrants and refugees from the Diaspora became even more challenging—many were forced to leave Europe, Africa and the Middle East with few belongings and little hope for economic success without the aid of the state and Israeli citizens. Through the Ethiopian, Soviet and other immigrations at the end of the twentieth century, Israelis have continued to help Jews from diverse backgrounds become thriving citizens in the Holy Land. Today, volunteerism maintains an important third sector in the Israeli economy.
In this unit, students will explore the evolution and influence of Jewish charity work from its origins in the Torah to the present. By using modern Israel as an example, students will be asked to connect their own charitable efforts to this unit and better understand how even small acts of kindness can benefit others. The Student Workbook comes complete with key quotations from the Torah and scholars, thought-provoking discussion questions, engaging activities and moving imagery. The unit is divided into seven distinct yet interconnected lessons that allow educators to teach at their own pace, as well as additional resources for more in-depth learning. A Call to Action: Volunteering and Israel’s State Building is a crucial unit for those wishing to understand the far larger connection between Israel, the teachings of the Torah, and how these ideas relate to all Jewish people.
Product Components
- 27 staple bound, colored pages
- Informative maps and graphics
- Multiple engaging activities
- Thought-provoking discussion questions
- Powerful photos and historic artwork
- Interactive, service-based ways to adopt learning beyond the classroom
- 20 staple bound, colored pages
- Enduring understandings, essential questions and objectives
- Activities for each lesson in the Student Booklet
- Sources and suggestions for further reading
- 20 Student Booklets
- 1 Teacher Guide