Lesson Summary:
Waves of Jewish immigrants from Europe travelled to America throughout the 1800’s and early 20th century. Many of our ancestors were part of this mass immigration, and this period marked the first time Western and Eastern European Jews interacted with each other. In this session, we will contextualize our own family’s Jewish journey to America and also highlight the beginnings of American Reform Judaism.
Enduring Understandings:
1. I am part of a Jewish family tree that goes all the way back to the Patriarchs and Matriarchs and includes Jews in every age and nation.
2. By understanding the challenges, choices, contributions, and opportunities our ancestors faced, and the similarities to my own, I can better choose how to live Jewishly today.
3. Learning about the history of my ancestors helps me better understand my own personal narrative and deeps my relationship with Judaism.
4. We are responsible for continuing the story of the Jewish people.
5. Being engaged in Jewish learning with my family allows me to explore important values and traditions that helped shaped my Jewish experience?
1. What motivated Jewish immigrants to move from their home countries to the United States?
2. What challenges did Jewish immigrants face when they came to America?
3. How can studying Jewish history help me in my everyday life?