Time: | 50 minutes |
Materials: | Classroom Board 4×6″ copies of photographs by Zion Ozeri related to Israeli culture:
Copies of Israel worksheets_5A“Culture: Photograph Worksheet” (one per pair or small group) |
Note to Teacher: | In this lesson, students analyze photographs of different scenes in Israel and consider ways in which the people and events pictured convey various aspects of Israeli culture.
The last three photographs suggested in the Materials section of this lesson show scenes tied to Christian, Muslim, and Jewish religious worship. If you choose to use these photographs, you should be prepared to have an open discussion about the roles of different religions in the cultural make-up of Israel and the ways in which they contribute to diversity in the country. Steer the conversation in a positive direction by maintaining the focus on the concept that Israel is a “melting pot” for people from different lands, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and histories. |
Preparation: | Prior to class, tape or glue each photograph to the center of a copy of the “Culture: Photograph Worksheet,” and write the name of the photograph and its location beneath the photograph. |
Big Idea: | What does it mean when we identify something as “Israeli,” beyond its being from or taking place in Israel? What makes up “Israeli culture,” and how does the culture of Israel reflect the nation’s rich history, its diverse people, and the land itself? In this lesson, students examine photographs capturing different aspects of Israeli culture and explore how they blend together to create a uniquely Israeli experience. |
Learning Objective: | In this lesson, students will:
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For example, if the photograph shows a group of Israeli soldiers, students should ask themselves, “How are the ideas of ‘Israel as a homeland’ and ‘Israeli culture’ connected in this photograph?” “How are the ideas of ‘Israel as a refuge’ and ‘Israeli culture’ connected in this photograph?” and so on.Remind students that some of the four ideas explored in the pastlessons might not be explicitly seen in the photographs, so that they should think broadly about the images and creatively about possible connections.
Give each student a copy of the “Culture: Jewish Texts” handout. At home, students should read the texts and choose one that they feel best relates to the photograph he or she analyzed in class. Then, students should write a brief reflection connecting the Jewish text to the photograph. Ideas can be shared in a subsequent class.
PHOTOS
Drying laundry forms a canopy above this Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in Jerusalem. In the foreground, several pairs of tallit kattan or tzitzit hang from the clothesline. Orthodox men wear this fringed garment beneath their clothes as a constant reminder of God’s commandments.
A pedestrian mall runs through the heart of the modern city of Jerusalem on Ben Yehudah Street. The “Midrehov”, as it is called, is a hub activity, as locals and tourists pack the area most days to shop, meet friends, and dine at outdoor cafes.
Named for the town of Belz in western Ukraine and founded by Rabbi Shalom Rokeach in the early 19th century, the Belzer have become one of the largest ultra-Orthodox communities in Israel.
Shuk Ha’Carmel is one of Israel’s biggest open-air markets, located in Tel Aviv. The vendors at the market sell produce, dairy, meat, spices, clothing and other small objects.
Tel-Aviv is Israel’s most cosmopolitan city and the center of the country’s secular culture. Tel-Aviv boasts a vibrant art and music scene and an active nightlife.
During the 1980s and 1990s, many Jews came to Israel from Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union for religious freedom and a better life. These immigrants often lived in special apartment buildings, called “absorption centers,” until they could find more permanent homes. Absorption centers provide temporary housing and an introduction to Israeli life for many new immigrants. The photographer, Zion Ozeri, explains how important these centers are: “The first few steps of any immigrant are very difficult not knowing the language, not knowing where to buy things, where to go. The Absorption Center helps the new immigrant. It’s something I don’t know if they have anywhere else in the world. It’s a place where you can ease yourself into it. For the first few months at least, they give them some money to buy food, and there is an ulpan (Hebrew class) for teaching the language. They kind of initiate them into new life in Israel, and how to deal with everyday things from the very, very simple things—like shopping in the supermarket—to finding a job.”
The two boys in this picture are in a kindergarten class at an absorption center near Jerusalem. One boy is from Ethiopia; the other is from the former Soviet Union.
Paratroopers stand together before the swearing in ceremony at the Kotel (Western Wall) in Jerusalem. Israel’s national security challenges necessitate compulsory military service for all citizens at the age of 18.
Soccer, known in Hebrew as cadur-regel (literally, “football”) is Israel’s most popular sport, and fans (like sports fans everywhere) clearly take it seriously. Maccabi Haifa, shown here, is one of Israel’s 14 Premiere League football clubs.
Tell Me, What’s Your Name? is the title of the book these girls are reading. It may also have been the first thing they said to each other when they met in their nursery school class in the Israeli city of Rehovot.
Rehovot, is one of the oldest and most diverse modern Israeli cities, was founded in 1890 by Polish Jews. The original inhabitants were joined 16 years later by immigrants from Yemen. Today, Rehovot is home to more than 100,000 people, representing religious, as well as secular communities, and hailing from Ethiopia, North Africa, Yemen, the former Soviet Union, and elsewhere. The young girls in this photograph reflect not only the diversity of the local community but the spirit of fellowship that typifies the residents of Rehovot.
The city of Tel-Aviv offers a unique combination of cosmopolitan life, art, and culture alongside some of the area’s best beaches. High-rise hotels line the Mediterranean Coast along the west side of the city.
Tzfat, an ancient Jewish town in northern Israel, is a center for Kabala and Jewish mysticism, as well as an artist colony today.
Tzfat, an ancient Jewish town in northern Israel, is a center for Kabala and Jewish mysticism, as well as an artist colony today.
The Bedouin are a traditionally nomadic population that lives throughout the Middle East. There are about 200,000 Bedouin in southern Israel. While most live in Israeli-built towns, many do not and still practice a semi-nomadic lifestyle.
About 4% of Israel’s residents practice Christianity; most are Arab Christians and either Eastern Orthodox or Roman Catholic. Israeli law guarantees freedom of religion for all faiths and protects all holy sites.
About 4% of Israel’s residents practice Christianity; most are Arab Christians and either Eastern Orthodox or Roman Catholic. Israeli law guarantees freedom of religion for all faiths and protects all holy sites.
A group of local shopkeepers in Jaffa (the historic seaport just south of Tel Aviv) meet daily to form a minyan (a quorum of 10 men) so they can recite afternoon prayers.