Content-Knowledge

Most recent resources are displayed first.

The Secret of Shema

A well-formatted source sheet with questions and stories about the recitation of the Shema.

Contributor: NCSY

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan, Source Sheet, Story

Wonder of Wonders

A well-formatted collection of texts and discussion questions about the Asher Yatzar blessing.

Contributor: NCSY

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan, Source Sheet, Story

Spiritual Construction Ahead

A well-formatted collection of texts and discussion questions about the Yerushalayim blessing of the Amidah.

Contributor: NCSY

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan, Source Sheet, Story

Working On It

A well-formatted collection of texts and discussion questions about the Retzei/Avodah blessing of the Amidah.

Contributor: NCSY

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan, Source Sheet, Story

Me, Myself and the Rest of the World

A well-formatted collection of texts and discussion questions about the Please Sprout the Plant of David/Et Semach David blessing of the Amidah.

Contributor: NCSY

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan, Source Sheet, Story

Ted Talk Tefilah

A tefilah course/series where students research and deliver a TED-style Tefilah Talk.

Contributor: Dr. Seth Korelitz

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Curriculum, Lesson Plan

Everyday Mindfulness

A mindfulness meditation that focuses on 'shema' - listening. This resource was kindly shared by the Foundation for Jewish Camps.

Contributor: Foundation for Jewish Camps

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Interpretive Shema

Contributor: Michelle Bernstein

Grade(s): 3-5, K-2

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

CCAR Alternative Aleinu

An alternative Aleinu liturgy, written in 2005 by Rabbi Daniel Medwin, to be used instead of the traditional Aleinu liturgy.

Contributor: CCAR Press

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Siddur, Source Sheet

Siddur Sholom

Shabbat morning siddur with some translations. Illustrated with reflection questions about each prayer.

Contributor: Alex Weinberg

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8

Type of Resource: Siddur

Birkat Hamazon – Why?

Source sheet looking at what the act of bentching accomplishes.

Contributor: Aviva Lauer Golbert

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Torah Service (S’fatai Tiftah Workbook)

Part 3 of 3 workbooks on prayer focused on skills building, meaning making, and includes stories.

Contributor: Torah Aura Productions

Grade(s): 3-5

Type of Resource: Curriculum, Lesson Plan, Story

Amidah (S’fatai Tiftah Workbook)

Part 2 of 3 workbooks on prayer focused on skills building, meaning making, and includes stories.

Contributor: Torah Aura Productions

Grade(s): 3-5

Type of Resource: Curriculum, Lesson Plan, Story

What is a Bracha? (S’fatai Tiftah Workbook)

Part 2 of 3 workbooks on prayer focused on skills building, meaning making, and includes stories.

Contributor: Torah Aura Productions

Grade(s): 3-5

Type of Resource: Curriculum, Lesson Plan, Story

Barchu

Part of a workbook containing skills learning and stories about Barchu.

Contributor: Torah Aura Productions

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan, Story

Reciting 100 Blessings a Day

A source sheet focusing on the custom of reciting 100 blessings a day.

Contributor: Abe Katz

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Forms of Jewish Prayer II

A source sheet focusing on forms of Jewish prayer (part 2 of 2).

Contributor: Abe Katz

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Forms of Jewish Prayer

A source sheet focusing on the forms of Jewish prayer (part 1 of 2).

Contributor: Abe Katz

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Tefilah and Torah Study

A source sheet focusing on the link between tefilah and Torah study.

Contributor: Abe Katz

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Tefilah as Avodah (Service)

A source sheet focusing on tefilah as a form of avodah.

Contributor: Abe Katz

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Mishnah: Berakhot Chapter 4; Text & Video

A video explanation of the 4th chapter of Talmud Berakhot. Follow the links to view the free video explanations.

Contributor: Jeffrey Alhadeff

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet, Video/Visual

First Words to Say on Waking

A source sheet focusing on different ideas of what should be the first words to say upon waking.

Contributor: Abe Katz

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Rav Kook on Tefilah

A sourcesheet on Rav Kook's thoughts concerning prayer as expressed in his book Olat Hareiyah.

Contributor: Rav Mike Feuer

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Al Hamikhyah and Borey Nefashot

- an easy tune for teaching and learning

Contributor: Rabbi Stuart Light

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8, K-2

Type of Resource: Music, Video/Visual

Reform Liturgy Workshop

A two-part lesson exploring the ideas and motivations behind liturgical changes in the Reform prayer book both historically and currently.

Contributor: Julia Ullman

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Curriculum, Lesson Plan

Symbolic Reading of the Shema

A symbolic/semiotic study guide for the first line of the Shema.

Contributor: David Barany

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, K-2

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Three Approaches to Tefilah

Taken from the teacher training chapter of our Reimagining Tefilah Education: Guidelines for Schools this source sheet contains three different approaches to tefilah.

Contributor: Dr. Susan Wall and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

From Kavannah to Keva

Taken from the teacher training chapter of our Reimagining Tefilah Education: Guidelines for Schools this lesson/source sheet explores the tensions of keva (fixed structure) versus kavannah (spontaneity) in prayer.

Contributor: Dr Susan Wall and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan, Source Sheet

Myself as Mitpalel, Pray-er

Taken from the teacher training chapter of our Reimagining Tefilah Education: Guidelines for Schools this session contains different activities that get students to reflect on their own prayer experiences.

Contributor: Dr Susan Wall and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Curriculum, Lesson Plan

Teen Guide to the Amidah

This well laid out Amidah guide contains the Hebrew, translation, and commentary that can be used both as a planning resource for educators or used by students.

Contributor: NCSY

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan, Source Sheet

All Roads Pray to Yerushalayim

A collection of sources and discussion questions about why Jews pray toward Jerusalem.

Contributor: NCSY

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan, Source Sheet

God, Please Open my Lips

A well formatted collection of texts and discussion questions about the opening line of the Amidah.

Contributor: NCSY

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan, Source Sheet

Tefilah Standard and Benchmarks

A k-6 tefilah curriculum that lists the knowledge, skills and Tefilot for each grade.

Contributor: Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation's Capital

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8, K-2

Type of Resource: Curriculum

BimBam Oseh Shalom

Video (1:52mins) of Oseh Shalom from BimBam with lyrics and a guitar background.

Contributor: BimBam

Grade(s): 3-5, K-2

Type of Resource: Video/Visual

Ata Chonen

A lesson plan focusing on the forth blessing of the amidah: Ata Chonen

Contributor: Dr. Saul Wachs

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Shekakha Lo B’olamo

A lesson plan on color and beauty using the bracha said when seeing something beautiful - Shekacha Lo B’olamo

Contributor: Dr. Saul Wachs

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8, K-2

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Mah Tovu

A two part unit focussing students on the words and meanings found in Mah Tovu.

Contributor: Dr. Saul Wachs

Grade(s): 3-5, K-2

Type of Resource: Curriculum, Lesson Plan

BimBam Structure of Prayer Service

Engaging and visually stimulating video (3:09) narrated by Rabbi Wendi Geffen explaining the structure of prayer.

Contributor: BimBam

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Video/Visual

BimBam Hallel

Engaging and visually stimulating video (3:09) narrated by Rabbi Josh Feigelson that explains the purpose and content of Hallel.

Contributor: BimBam

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Video/Visual

BimBam Kaddish

Engaging and visually stimulating video (2:56) narrated by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg that explains the purpose and content of Kaddish.

Contributor: BimBam

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Video/Visual

BimBam Mi Shebeirach

Engaging and visually stimulating video (3:27) narrated by Rabbi Reni Dickman explaining the purpose and content of Mi Shebeirach

Contributor: BimBam

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Video/Visual

BimBam Ashrei

Engaging and visually stimulating video (2:53) narrated by Jeremy Shuback explaining the purpose and content of Ashrei.

Contributor: BimBam

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Video/Visual

BimBam Birkat HaMazon

Engaging and visually stimulating video (3:26) narrated by Rabbi Michael Balinsky that explains the purpose and content of Birkat HaMazon.

Contributor: BimBam

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Video/Visual

BimBam – Shehecheyanu

Engaging and visually stimulating video (1:20) that explains the purpose and content of the Shehecheyanu blessing.

Contributor: BimBam

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Video/Visual

BimBam Birkat Kohanim

Engaging and visually stimulating video (3:20) narrated by Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell that explains the purpose and content of Birkat Kohanim

Contributor: BimBam

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Video/Visual

BimBam Amidah

Engaging and visually stimulating video (2:56) narrated by Rabbi David Wolkenfeld explaining the purpose and content of the Amidah.

Contributor: BimBam

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Video/Visual

BimBam Pesukei DeZimra

Engaging and visually stimulating video (2:46) narrated by Rabbi David Russo that explains the purpose and content of Pesukei DeZimra

Contributor: BimBam

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Video/Visual

Gevurot

Slideshow of the second bracha of the amidah (gevurot) with questions and pictures.

Contributor: Dori Wolgel

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8

Type of Resource: Video/Visual

Charts for Tefilah- Halacha and Seder

Handouts and materials for teaching the halachot (laws) and seder (order or structure) of tefilah.

Contributor: Rabbi Leib Zalesch

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Curriculum, Lesson Plan

A Visual Map for Shacharit

A visual map guiding the learner through the parts of shacharit, taking both a macro and micro view of the morning service.

Contributor: Rabbi Leib Zalesch

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Curriculum, Lesson Plan

Amidah Praying and Learning

Slideshow of Amidah with Hebrew, graphics, and explanations.

Contributor: Rabbi Stuart Light

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Curriculum, Video/Visual

Why is Prayer so Difficult?

Source sheet about the difficulty of prayer.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

When was Prayer Fixed?

Source sheet of Rabbinic sources about the fixing of the time and text of prayer.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

What are We Praying For?

Source sheet of modern sources exploring what we pray for.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

The Power of Prayer to Build Community

Source sheet about the reasons for communal prayer.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

The Challenges of Praying from the Siddur

Source sheet of Biblical and Talmudic sources about challenges with prayer.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Text and Practice

Source sheet with a variety of texts aimed at deepening prayer practice.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Meanings of the Shema

Small collection of sources about the meaning of Shema.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Rationalist Prayer

Source sheet about the mechanics of prayer.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Rabbinic Prayer

Source sheet about prayer from the Talmud.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Prayer in the Modern Period

Source sheet about prayer from the modern period.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Prayer in the Middle Ages

Source sheet about prayer from the medieval period.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Prayer and the God Challenge

Source sheet about some of the challenges in prayer.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Prayer and Connecting to God

Source sheet exploring how to connect to God through prayer.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Mystical Prayer

Source sheet about prayer from a mystical/kabbalistic perspective.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Kol Nidrei

Source sheet about Kol Nidrei.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Kedusha

Source sheet about the Kedusha prayer.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

From Biblical to Rabbinic Prayer

Source sheet about prayer from the Biblical to Rabbinic eras.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Fixing Fixed Prayer

Source sheet about fixing fixed prayer - Hebrew only.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Do I Pray What I Believe?

Source sheet: Do I Pray What I Believe?

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Communal Prayer

Source sheet about communal prayer.

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Birkat Kohanim

Source sheet about Birkat Kohanim (the priestly blessing).

Contributor: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Halleluyah and Psalm 150

Lesson plan on Psalm 150 with multiple ways to make meaning of it.

Contributor: Tamara Frankel

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Asher Yatzar

Study of birkat Asher Yatzar showing how the siddur relates to our own bodies and lives.

Contributor: Dr. Saul Wachs

Grade(s): 3-5

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Tefilah and its Place in Our Lives

'Tefilah and Its Place In Our Lives' curriculum that includes multiple sources and guidelines focused on students connecting with prayer.

Contributor: Dr. Saundra Sterling Epstein

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Curriculum

Teacher’s Guide to Tefilah and its Place In Our Lives Curriculum

Teacher's Guide to the 'Tefilah and Its Place In Our Lives' curriculum.

Contributor: Dr. Saundra Sterling Epstein

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Curriculum

Intro to Tefilah and its Place in Our Lives

Detailed introduction to the 'Tefilah and Its Place in our Lives' curriculum.

Contributor: Dr. Saundra Sterling Epstein

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Curriculum

Kriyat Shema – Torah Study or Pledge of Allegiance?

An anthology of Hebrew-English Biblical and Rabbinic sources on the Shema.

Contributor: Noam Zion

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Source Sheet

Kriyat Shema as Kavanat HaLev

Explores the multiple meanings of the Shema with source texts and educator-focused questions. Part two of three.

Contributor: Noam Zion

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Curriculum, Source Sheet

Kriyat Shema as Torah Study or Ceremony?

Second part of three exploring the multiple meanings of the Shema with source texts and educator focussed questions.

Contributor: Noam Zion

Grade(s): 9-12

Type of Resource: Curriculum, Source Sheet

Amidah Iyun Packet

Work packet on the Amidah in which students choose a chatimah/ending and reflect on its meaning.

Contributor: Cara Abrams-Simonton

Grade(s): 3-5

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Exploring Asher Yatzar

In this lesson, students explore the Asher Yatzar brachah.

Contributor: Rosenfeld Community of Practice

Grade(s): 3-5, K-2

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Experiential Learning in the Morning Brachot

A lesson about understanding Birkot HaShachar through movement and how they apply to our lives.

Contributor: Rosenfeld Community of Practice

Grade(s): 3-5, K-2

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

I and Thou

A slideshow of the first three brachot of the Amidah focusing on how God is both near and distant.

Contributor: Dr. Seth Korelitz

Grade(s): 6-8

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan, Video/Visual

Barchi Nafshi

A colorful slideshow of Psalm 104, Barchi Nafshi (recited on Rosh Chodesh).

Contributor: Rabbi Dr. Jay Goldmintz

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Video/Visual

Keva and Kevannah

A four-unit curriculum connecting liturgy (kevah) to prayer (kavannah).

Contributor: Lev Metz

Grade(s): 6-8

Type of Resource: Curriculum

God’s Names

Explanations of the various names of God.

Contributor: Lev Metz

Grade(s): 6-8, 9-12

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Mi Chamochah – Hebrew in Harmony

Three lessons on Mi Chamochah focusing on freedom, partnering with God in redemption, and singing.

Contributor: Behrman House

Grade(s): 3-5, 6-8

Type of Resource: Curriculum, Lesson Plan, Music

Kaddish

Text background of Kaddish with an explanation of different types of Kaddish.

Contributor: Rabbi Betsy Forester

Grade(s): 6-8

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Kedushah – Praying with Angels

Explores the textual background of Kedushah, praying with angels and the lyrics of B'shem Hashem.

Contributor: Rabbi Betsy Forester

Grade(s): 6-8

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Keva and Kevanah

Students understand the ideas of kevah and kavannah and incorporate those into their own prayer.

Contributor: Lev Metz

Grade(s): 6-8

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan