Welcome to SHMLearn!
We are pleased to share with you a collection of lesson plans, lesson extensions and curricular connections based on the film series, The Syrian Jewish Community: Our Journey Through History, a 7-part documentary that traces the 3,000 year history of the Jews of Syria – from ancient times until today. Each episode has been divided into short clips, accompanied by a series of educational activities and resources.
SHMLearn seeks to fill the void and lack of representation of Sephardic history within our Jewish History curriculums.
SHMLearn will teach students how Jewish culture and religion evolved before, during and after life under Arab rule, along with how their ancestors’ lives were intertwined with world events before migration to Syria, during their stay in Arab lands, as well as in America.
SHMLearn hopes that students will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the values shared by Jewish communities throughout the world, as well as enhanced critical thinking and information literacy skills. Our goal is to help students appreciate visual and oral interviews as a source of valuable lessons and unique historical information.
The Educator Resource is deliberately designed to be a dynamic, evolving document. We encourage your feedback, and look forward to incorporating user suggestions and input.
Please contact us at SHMLearn@gmail.com for more information.
SHMLEARN TEAM
Executive Director: MARLENE MAMIYE
Directors: RITA FRANCO, CLAIRE SHAMAH
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
FRIEDA CATTAN (Magen David Yeshivah HS, Jewish History), ARIELLA FALACK (Yeshivah of Flatbush HS, Judaic Studies), SUSAN KASAVI (Magen David Yeshivah Elementary School, Jewish History), SUSAN RISHTY (Hillel Yeshivah Elementary School, Jewish History), MIRIAM WIELGUS (Yeshivah of Flatbush HS, Jewish History)