WHAT is the Global Day of Jewish Learning, and WHY should I participate?
On November 13, 2011, Jews all around the world will come together in their communities, homes, and online to celebrate our shared heritage. To be Jewish is to think, to study, and to learn, so that’s how we’ll celebrate! On the Global Day of Jewish Learning, let's focus our attention on shared Jewish texts such as the Shema Yisrael to glean wisdom, questions, and a sense of being part of one people.
In the spirit of Rabbi Steinsaltz’s call, “Let my people know,” this year’s Global Day will focus on the unity of the Jewish people and the central role of our Jewish texts. The mission of the Global Day is to bring the Jewish people together once a year to celebrate our foundational Jewish texts through community based learning.
“Torah is the shared inheritance of all the Jewish people.
It does not belong to a special sect or an elite group of the Jews.
We have a responsibility to share our common heritage with all Jews. We each get an equal share.”
-Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz
Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz is one of the Jewish people’s greatest champions for open access to Jewish learning. In 1965, guided by the principle that even the most esoteric texts should be made accessible to all Jewish people, Rabbi Steinsaltz undertook the monumental task of translating and elucidating the Talmud’s many thousands of folios. The completion of that task was celebrated at last year’s Global Day of Jewish Learning.
HOW may I participate in the Global Day of Jewish Learning, on November 13?
This year’s theme is the unity of the Jewish people through the words of the Shema Yisrael. The Shema, a set of biblical passages made into a prayer, is also a call to action, a slogan, a sign of identification, a path to identity, and a “password” that was a common bond between Jews. The learning units and activities listed below can start your exploration of the Shema text, and also begin your exploration of continuing Jewish study.
For a guide to establishing a “Salon” style study group, click here
- Shema Translation (from Shema is for Real by Joel Lurie Grishaver)
- Shema Program for Families w/Young Children Pre-K-2nd Grade: Laila Tov: I Love You
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Resources for Shema Jewish Night Time Ritual
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Shema Activity Appropriate for Students of All Ages
- Shema Visual Activities
- The Shema that Guards the Door
View this Table of Contents to find a lesson appropriate for your age/stage/and setting. Then click below for the the full curriculum booklet on the Shema and the Facilitator's Guide prepared for this year’s Global Day of Jewish Learning.
Global Day of Jewish Learning Curriculum
How may I make Jewish learning a part of EVERY DAY (or week, month, semester)?
The Greater
The following web sites will provide a universe of sources for individuals or groups. Remember, in learning it is not only the destination that is important, it is the journey!
Websites for Jewish Explorations
The
Modern Jewish Mom
My Jewish Learning List of Ideas for Social Action
Heshvan - A Social Action Month
Exploring Judaism and Jewish life
American Jewish World Service Resources
Judaism and Jewish Resources Portal (links to sites on all different Jewish topics)
The Judaism Site
Adult Jewish Learning Websites
Akhlah, the Jewish Children’s Learning Website
Babaganewz Kids Magazine Teachers Site
URJ (Reform Movement) - Lifelong Jewish Learning
Conservative Movement Weekly Torah Study
URJ Women’s Resources on Holidays
Educational Materials and Websites from ACAJE,
Reconstructionist D’vrei Torah and other Learning Resources
Divrei Torah from
Judaism 101 Online Encyclopedia
General information about Judaism
Everything Jewish from an Orthodox perspective
General website about “everything Jewish”
Ceremonies for Jewish living (from a women’s perspective)
Participate every week in discussion on a “Big Question” – big, meaningful, important topics that matter in our lives and for which Jewish tradition may be of some help in answering. Click here to learn more about the Big Questions and join the conversation.
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