Jewish Newspapers

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Step 1

Hold a discussion using these questions:

• Are you familiar with any Jewish newspapers?
• Why do you think that Jewish newspapers were created throughout history and still exist to this day?
• What purpose might they serve?
• Do they think they are important? Why or why not?
• What should Jewish newspapers report on?

Tip: Enrich the discussion with an example of a contemporary Jewish newspaper (perhaps online), read some of the headlines and look briefly at the front page

Step 2

Print the file with some examples of front pages on A3 paper, and put one example on each table. In small groups, students will look at the front page of different newspapers from around the world and from different periods. Using sticky notes they will write down their observations and stick them around the front page. They will have 5 minutes at each table before moving to the next one. They should pay attention to what the newspapers are reporting on, what makes them Jewish newspapers, what they can learn about the communities from the front pages and the general differences and similarities between the newspapers

Step 3

Bring the class back together to review the observations they noted on each front page and answer any questions they may have

Step 4

Using the template, students (in pairs or small groups) create the front page of a newspaper that reflects their community. Display the completed front pages in the classroom

Optional:

• Compare the front pages of the historical newspapers to the front pages of any local Jewish newspaper. What remains similar and what has changed? How do the different newspapers refer to wider events taking place? What details tell us about the specific context and challenges of this community?
• Create an edition of a community/school newspaper or see if your students can add an article to the local Jewish newspaper. Pick topics or events for students to research from JPress

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