In the aftermath of October 7, Jewish educators in the Diaspora have been working hard to bridge the gap for our students so that they can understand what’s happening in Israel and what Israeli society is going through. It’s been an unprecedented time in modern Jewish history, and these are unchartered waters for so many of us.
Educators have employed various strategies to accomplish this essential task. Some have traveled to Israel on educator missions so that they can bear witness and share their experiences with their students. Many have tapped into excellent new resources created by organizations like Unpacked for Educators and others.
I’d love to share another strategy that is engaging, effective and meaningful, which can give our students inside access to the ocean of emotions that Israeli society is swimming in right now.
Using Israeli music in the classroom, especially music written since October 7, gives our students a tangible way of connecting to the diversity of feelings being felt within Israeli society today. The national emotions these days are nuanced and complex, and the Israeli music being produced reflects that. Consider the following suggestions to effectively engage your students and bring Israeli music to life in the classroom.