07/07/2015
"As an American Jewish educator, I spend a lot of time discussing how best to educate Jewish youth in America about Israel. Through my studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary and their Visions and Voices trip to Israel and my participation as an iFellow with the iCenter for Israel Education, I have debated the characteristics that constitute a strong Israel Education: integrated material; diverse narratives; and student-centered content, to name a few.
However while interning at Beit Hatfutsot I have discovered another important characteristic to Israel Education - klal Israel - the whole of the People of Israel, otherwise known as "Jewish Peoplehood". Beit Hatfutsot models how embracing klal Israel can be a powerful tool to also connect to Israel. For example, through the Museum’s database center, soon to be available online, students will see how their family tree is connected throughout the world, most likely with some branches in Israel. Or, students can study their family's story based on a family heirloom like Shabbat candlesticks and discover that even though each set of candlesticks is unique, they are also connected to the broader story of the Jewish People.
Just as good Israel education needs diverse narratives to assist students in finding their connection, the personal narratives of the Jewish family and people connect students to not only each other, but to Jews around the world and Israel. When klal Israel is highlighted, it opens many opportunities to connect to worldwide Jewry or Jewish Peoplehood, of which Israel can be a part of the story."
Terri Soifer, from Philadelphia, PA, is an international summer intern at Beit Hatfutsot and is studying for her MA in Jewish Education.
