Lesson Plan

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

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

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

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

Ashrei AlephBet Meditation

A meditation technique to slow down and focus while saying ashrei.

Contributor: Aviva Golbert

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

Type of Resource: 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

Praying for Others

An activity that focuses on praying for other people's needs.

Contributor: NCSY

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

How do you Feel about Prayer?

This activity uses visual images as a spring board for conversations on Tefilah.

Contributor: NCSY

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

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

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

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

Barchu

Explores praying as a community and life's blessings.

Contributor: Ariel Wolgel

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Baruch SheAmar

Explores the power of words.

Contributor: Ariel Wolgel

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Birkot HaShachar

Students explore their connection to God.

Contributor: Ariel Wolgel

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Elohai Neshama and Godliness

Uses Elohei Neshemah to connect students to Godliness

Contributor: Ariel Wolgel

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Mah Tovu and Prayer Space

Focuses on Mah Tovu and how prayer space can affect our kavanah

Contributor: Ariel Wolgel

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Modeh Ani

Focuses on the meaning of the words, and how gratitude can shape our lives.

Contributor: Ariel Wolgel

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Bakashot of the Amidah

Three-lesson unit exploring the Amidah's bakashot (petitions).

Contributor: Luria Academy

Grade(s): 3-5

Type of Resource: Curriculum, Lesson Plan

Siddur Sababa

Sample from Siddur Sababa including Birkot HaShachar and the Amidah.

Contributor: Sara Stave Beckerman

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

A Path To God Through God’s Name

Students will understand that one way to encounter God is through God’s names.

Contributor: Susan Yammer

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Preparing the Soil, Planting the Seed

Explores how prayer, similar to a field, needs careful cultivation.

Contributor: Tamara Frankel

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

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

Higher and Higher: The Language of Music

This resource explores the role and history of music, nusach, and chazzanut regarding tefilah.

Contributor: Rabbi Steven M. Brown, Ed.D.

Grade(s): 6-8

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Higher and Higher: Structured and Spontaneous Prayer

This resource, through Rabbinics sources, looks at the relationships between structured and spontaneous prayer.

Contributor: Rabbi Steven M. Brown, Ed.D.

Grade(s): 6-8

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan, Source Sheet

Higher and Higher: The Language of Prayer: Poetry

Resource explaining what poetry is and its application in the siddur, with examples and activities.

Contributor: Rabbi Steven M. Brown, Ed.D.

Grade(s): 6-8

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Higher and Higher: Prayer as Self-Discipline

Focusing on why and how prayer can become a fixed part of our lives.

Contributor: Rabbi Steven M. Brown, Ed.D.

Grade(s): 6-8

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan, Story

Higher and Higher: Why People Pray

Explanation and activities exploring various reasons why a person may pray.

Contributor: Rabbi Steven M. Brown, Ed.D.

Grade(s): 6-8

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Creating Spiritual Sparks within Students

Curriculum outlining an approach to reintroducing students to tefilah in an age-appropriate way.

Contributor: Rabbi Dr. Moshe Drelich

Grade(s): 6-8

Type of Resource: Curriculum, Lesson Plan

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

Who are we Praying to?

Part of Ira Blum's Moving from Prayer to Praying curriculum exploring motivations behind prayer.

Contributor: Ira Blum

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

The Place of Israel in our Prayers and in our Praying

Part of Ira Blum's Moving from Prayer to Praying curriculum exploring the place of Israel in prayer.

Contributor: Ira Blum

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Applied Learning: Personalizing Praying Through Divrei Tefilah

Part of Ira Blum's Moving from Prayer to Praying curriculum about how to keep prayer fresh and alive.

Contributor: Ira Blum

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Praying With Your Head, Hand and Heart

Part of Ira Blum's Moving from Prayer to Praying curriculum exploring the words, actions and feelings of prayer.

Contributor: Ira Blum

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Assessing How Prayer Content Knowledge Impacts Praying

Part of Ira Blum's Moving from Prayer to Praying curriculum exploring prayers through “mental editing,” “associative reverie” and “prayer beyond the words."

Contributor: Ira Blum

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Prayer and Praying: Assessing Inquiry

The second of Ira Blum's eight part Moving from Prayer to Praying curriculum exploring prayer as both a textual liturgical and emotional experience.

Contributor: Ira Blum

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Establishing a Shared Language

Part of Ira Blum's Moving from Prayer to Praying curriculum exploring what constitutes a meaningful prayer and prayer experience.

Contributor: Ira Blum

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Silence – Shema

A lesson plan exploring what we have to gain from creating moments of silence in our life.

Contributor: Dr. Seth Korelitz

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Counting our Blessings (lesson plan)

A slideshow using the 100th day of school to focus on reciting 100 blessings a day.

Contributor: Lisa Richman

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

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

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

Awe and Wonder

Finding God in the world and ourselves.

Contributor: Rabbi Betsy Forester

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

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Tachanun – Talking Back

Reflects on praying and prayers as a lead-in to Tachanun.

Contributor: Rabbi Betsy Forester

Grade(s): 6-8

Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

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