The Complexity of Jewish Identity: A Minority Identity in a Dominant Culture

How can students understand the complexity of Jewish identity in order to unpack what it means to be a minority living within a dominant culture? This webinar will explore a new Facing History unit of three lessons, created in partnership with the Jewish Education Project in conjunction with the Shine A Light Initiative, that investigate how to use the stories of Hanukkah, Purim, and Passover to frame an exploration of individual Jewish identity and Jewish diversity around the world. We will highlight and appreciate Jewish expression to offer insight into ways that the Jewish community can stand against hatred and bigotry.

In this workshop, facilitators will discuss how to:

• Identify multiple ways an individual can identify as Jewish as a way to reflect upon students’ own complex identities.
• Unpack forces of assimilation, acculturation, and suppression on the preservation of a minority identity in a dominant culture across time and space. 
• Consider when and where it feels safe to express various identities and when we feel we must suppress or hide certain identities and utilize classroom strategies for reflection
   

This event is geared towards educators in congregational school settings.