The Kohelet Prize Database

Database Entries Tagged with: Midrash

Flags of the Tribes of Israel: A Media Arts and Chumash “Integrated Creative Judaics” Production

In this three week "Integrated Creative Judaics" unit,11th grade students delved into the roots of Midrash Rabbah Bemidbar 2.7 in an exploration of the tribal flags of the Israelites and identity. They then drew upon their wisdom to create "fruits of the soul" by designing and animating flags based upon their learning.

By: Roger Blonder, Rabbi Devin Maimon Villarreal from de Toledo High School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Ivrit, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Social and Emotional Learning, Tanach, Technology

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, Hevruta Learning, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Shimshon Mistook His Wife For a Hat: Integrated Psychology-Tanach Project

Students study topics in psychology and integrate new concepts with an analysis of the characters and plot from a Biblical text to write a modern, psychological Midrash. Students use social media to contact experts in the field, then work in teams to deploy new understanding to construct and refine “interventions” for the Biblical character.

By: Evan Wolkenstein from JCHS of the Bay

Grade(s): 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Tanach, literature

Pedagogy: Design-Thinking Model, Flipped Learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Jewish Folktales

The folktale unit is a culminating cross-curricular project for students in fifth grade, integrating Jewish Studies, reading, writing, and public speaking. Students read a variety of Jewish folktales and choose one to study in depth. We strengthened this project by partnering with a local theater company, Wolf Performing Arts Center, to work with the students to present it effectively, analyze the setting and values, and reflect on the morals of the tale.

By: Mrs. Mindy Civan, Mrs. Abbye Cornfield from Perelman Jewish Day School

Grade(s): 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Literature, Mishnah

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Dreaming with Yaakov to Search for Meaning

Dreaming with Yaakov takes learners on a journey through bibliodrama, geography, social studies, journal writing, archaeology, and art history, visual art, Tanach and Rabbinics, in order to explore what the story of Yaakov has meant to readers over the ages. The ultimate goal of which is to prepare students to see themselves as participants in the Jewish tradition of meaning making.

By: Mr. Eran Rosenberg, Ms. Susan Couden from Columbus Jewish Day School

Grade(s): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, History, Ivrit, Literature, Tanach, Midrash, Social Studies

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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