In eighth grade, the course of Jewish studies continues where the course in Tanakh ended in seventh grade. Beginning with the monarchy of David, and the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish nation, the history continues with the expansion of Israel into an empire and subsequent division into two kingdoms: Israel and Judea. Students are confronted with the challenge of historic exiles and their outcomes. In the face of exile from the Land, what is the range of possible responses? Assimilation? Remaining faithful to tradition? Holding onto the hope of return to the Land? Students consider the cycle of destruction and renewal that figures so importantly in Jewish history. A natural outcome of exploring these historic challenges is the students’ examination of them in light of their continuing meaning today.

The course invites students to consider several essential questions:

• How did Jews responded to the challenges they faced living within host cultures of Babylonia, Greece, Rome?

• How have Jews understood the nature of their religious and national identities?

• Why is Jerusalem important to the Jewish people historically and today?

• What are the historic roots of the holidays we celebrate each year?

• How are those roots evident in our traditions?

Eighth graders’ take three Jewish studies courses in succession with Jewish history being one focus. The second course is Zionism: Then and Now and course number three is Jewish Identity and Moral Dilemmas. These three courses serve as a powerful culmination to Jewish studies at the Day School.

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