ALL IN

“All In!” is an engaging curricular format that puts the power of learning directly in the hands of middle schoolers. Their learning space becomes home to 11 containers, each “all in” with 8-13 items that illustrate a different theme. But, much like the puzzles and challenges of the popular entertainment known as an “escape room,” the students have to be engaged “all in” to crack codes and solve problems to be able to access videos, articles, websites, people and more. And the students’ ultimate goal? To discover each container’s unstated theme – a Jewish value reflected by a traditional or modern text.

Learning blocks are 4-8 weeks in programs with 60 minute sessions. Programs with less time per session, will need to calendar more weeks of learning.

The Overview and each of the 11 unit plans may be downloaded at no charge and printed back-to-back. In addition, the JECC has created resources for some of the explorations; there is a charge for these. Note that the Overview includes an appendix, items of which are best printed in color. Check before printing all pages. 

Each container focuses on developing a different enduring understanding based on Jewish texts.

 1.  Pirke Avot 4:1 - Ben Zoma said, “Who is rich? The one who is happy with what she or he has….”

 2.  Pirke Avot 4:20 - Rabbi (Meir) said, “Look not at the container but at what is inside.”

 3.  Pirke Avot 2:5 - Hillel said: “Do not separate yourself from the community.”

 4.  Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7:13 - When God created the first human beings, God led them around the Garden of Eden and said: “Look at my works! See how beautiful they are, how excellent! For your sake I created them all. Take care not to spoil or destroy My world, for if you do, there will be no one to repair it after you.”

 5.  Leviticus 19:18 -Love your neighbor as yourself.

 6.  Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:9, Jerusalem Talmud 4:1 (22a) - Whoever destroys a soul, it is considered as if she or he destroyed an entire world. And whoever saves a life, it is considered as if she or he saved an entire world.

 7.  Talmud Gittin, 7a - Even a poor person who lives off of charity should perform acts of charity.

 8.  Genesis 28:16 - “God is in this place and I did not know it.”

 9.  Exodus 20:12 - Honor your Father and Mother.

10. Theodor Herzl - Eem Tirtzu – if you will it, it isn’t a dream. 

11. Prayer for healing, siddur - May the one who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, bless and heal those who are ill ….

CURRICULUM

JEWISH VALUES, HISTORY, ISRAEL, TEXTS

MIDDLE SCHOOL