Supporting U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism

To help advance the White House’s recently released U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, JIMENA curated this collection of lesson plans and educational units on antisemitism and Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews. JIMENA was privileged to participate in White House listening sessions when they were designing this historic strategy and we commend them for Strategic Goal 1.1 which includes the following language:

“In addition to learning about the horrors of the Holocaust, students should learn about global histories of antisemitism. This should include histories of antisemitism experienced by Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews—who trace their ancestry to Spain, the Middle East, and North Africa—and their stories of exclusion, persecution, and expulsion. Students should also learn about the history of antisemitism in the United States as well as contemporary manifestations of antisemitism. Educators need readily available quality resources to enable such education.”

JIMENA’s 2023 Report.

As a long-standing leader in educating the public on the histories of Jews from Middle Eastern and North African countries, JIMENA looks forward to continuing our work to educate students and adults on the rich histories of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews from North Africa and the Middle East.

About the Lessons

The Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish communities encompass vibrant and diverse aspects of Jewish history and heritage. Educators can effectively utilize the JIMENA collection to teach students about the unique experiences, challenges, and contributions of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews. This collection offers valuable insights into different historical periods and events that are relevant to the historical and contemporary experiences of these communities. By placing these events in their respective historical and social contexts, educators can enhance students’ understanding of the history, heritage, challenges, and contributions of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews. These lessons can be combined into a year-long unit on Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews.

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Lesson Plans

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Middle Eastern and North African Jewish Cuisine

Israel is a profoundly diverse place. It is home to humans of every color and language and they all bring their unique culture and traditions from their previous countries of origin. They may have come from racial, national, cultural and religious groups that have lived in Israel for generations, or they may have just made aliyah (immigrated to Israel) last week. In this lesson, students will understand how the cuisine of the Jews from the Middle East and North Africa has influenced food choices in Israel and even around the world. Written by Galia Avidar

Open your Hand! Hamsa

The hamsa, a palm-shaped amulet popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa, is frequently used in jewelry and wall hangings. It is a universal symbol, represented in many religions and cultures. The aim of the lesson is to familiarize students with the meaning of the hamsa for Middle Eastern and North African Jews.

Henna Party

Jewish tradition has several pre-wedding customs to rejoice with and honor the bride and groom in the lead up to their big day. Henna parties are held for some Middle Eastern brides and are often celebrated a few days before the wedding, with close women friends and family. The aim of this lesson is for students to have the opportunity to learn about the symbolism and meaning of this Middle Eastern Jewish tradition.

Celebrating Middle Eastern Jewish Clothing

While Jews were commanded to be distinct from other nations, assimilation and acculturation play an important role in the successful integration of these Jewish Diasporic communities. These Diasporic communities were challenged in their social, political integration and had to find a balance in following regulations of the land while maintaining their Jewish identity. Dress was one way that demonstrates relationship and balance between maintaining distinct identities and acculturating into the greater society.

Around the Middle Eastern Jewish World

For over 2,500 years Jewish communities throughout North Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf Region thrived — as witnessed by literature, archaeology and art documenting their existence. The vibrant cultural and spiritual traditions of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewry helped lay the foundation of Jewish life worldwide\[1\]. The aim of this lesson is to provide students with a geographic snapshot of World Jewry, past and present. They will learn that Sephardic and Middle Eastern Jews migrated to these lands for various reasons and have influenced and been influenced by the culture and politics within these countries.