Judaism and the Environment: An Intergenerational Sourcebook for All Ages
Helps children, teens, and adults explore environmental responsibility and take meaningful action.
About
This flexible resource supports educators, clergy, and facilitators in leading meaningful Jewish learning that connects environmental values to real-life choices and community action. It can be used as a single lesson, a short series, or enrichment within an existing Tu B’Shevat or environmental unit, and it works well for intergenerational settings, congregational learning, day schools, early childhood, family engagement and teen engagement. It has even been used remotely by students with their grandparents who live at a distance. The sourcebook includes clear, age-recommended options marked with colored icons, making it easy to choose texts and activities for your group. To order the full 12-sourcebook series, email info@chaimitzvah.org and learn more at www.chaimitzvah.org.
Judaism and the Environment: An Intergenerational Sourcebook for All Ages is an intergenerational Chai Mitzvah sourcebook for all ages with Jewish texts, discussion questions, and hands-on activities for classrooms, family education/chavruta, and community programs (including remote learning). Topics include the Creation story, the treatment of trees, and bal tashchit (the prohibition against waste and destruction), and it also includes an interactive Tu B’Shevat haggadah.
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Mayim, our initial example of "Additional" Models, could be placed in a Multi-aged, Project-Based Learning, or Experiential Learning bucket. Mayim is a K-5 learning community in which depth of relationships and depth of learning are intentionally fostered and visible everywhere.
Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, Rye, NY. Intergenerational teams consisting of two adults and one teen serve as learning facilitators for four or five 6th or 7th grade students.
Historical context, theological insights, and interactive activities to facilitate meaningful discussions and experiences.
An intergenerational program for families with children ages 10–13 explore the value of telling family stories.
Congregation Tifereth Israel (CTI), Glen Cove, NY. CTI learners and their families participate in hands-on experiential learning. The curriculum focuses on Jewish values learned through our stories (both modern and ancient).
Community Synagogue of Rye (CSR), NY. Learners in 5th-7th grade meet weekly with a moreh derech (guide/teacher) in each other’s homes to explore Jewish answers to everyday questions. The model includes Family Limmud monthly.