What if Maimonides gave a TED talk?
Drawn from the teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z’l, ‘The Power of Judaism’ curriculum explores Jewish traditions and teachings that shape the human condition
Young people seek meaning and ponder existential questions in a complicated world. They seek answers and clarity everywhere – from pop culture, social media, books, mentors and peers.
A new curriculum from Unpacked for Educators, The Power of Judaism, offers a new approach by inviting young people to explore where their timeless questions meet timeless Jewish tradition and teachings.
As part of leading global media company OpenDor Media, Unpacked for Educators focuses on a multimedia approach to Jewish learning. The Power of Judaism curriculum is a two-pronged model of social experiment-based videos and educational tools.
This series of 10 trigger videos complimented by an experiential curriculum illustrates how Judaism’s teachings are relevant in all walks of life. This is done through exploring what Judaism has to say about the way we love, advocate for racial equality, forgive, form relationships, build community, pursue happiness and speak to one another. No question is taboo and subjects are presented in a way that will evoke emotion, inspire reflection and encourage honest inquiry.
Versatile enough for use in day schools, congregational schools, Hillels, summer camps, and Jewish studies classes, these resources are designed to generate a novel, educational response: moving students from “Wow, I didn’t know that before” to “Wow, I never looked at it this way before.”
TED Talks Meet Ancient Wisdom
Teachers and students alike will explore the nuances, tensions, debates, and inspirational stories on each issue. They will learn the core relevant texts and ideas on the topic — from Biblical literature to medieval rabbinic leaders, from modern Jewish theologians to great psychologists and philosophers in the broader world.
Much of the series is drawn from the teachings of the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the UK and one of the foremost philosophers of our time. His words and teachings moved Jews and non-Jews alike to act in line with a tradition that, by definition, never allowed ideals to remain lofty aspirations, but rather translated them into deeds. He taught that Judaism was received “across great expanses of space and time… It changed and still challenges the moral imagination of humankind.”
The Power of Judaism also weaves together ideas from Adam Grant and Angela Duckworth to Rabbi Tzadok HaKohen and Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik.
Investing in the Jewish Future
The series will play an important role in not just helping young Jews understand their roots, but be inspired by those roots to work toward creating a better world and better versions of themselves. The subject matter recognizes the intellectual and emotional legitimacy of their questions.