Creating a Divide
Learn about the impact that restrictive laws and propaganda had on dividing the Jewish and non-Jewish population in Germany.
Lesson Plan
Pre-War Jewish Life
Examine what Jewish life was like prior to the rise of Nazism. What was culture like and what challenges did they face?
Enduring Understanding
Jewish communities in Europe before World War II went through periods of modernization. Jews were becoming more ingrained into the culture of the areas in which they occupied. Rising antisemitism and nationalism contributed to conversations of Zionism and Jews’ role in society.
Essential Questions
- 1What is the impact of culture and community on one's identity?
- 2What is the impact of having an identity and customs that differ from the majority population in which you live?
Readiness
Begin by asking students to reflect on the following questions. Read each question one at a time and allow students time to record their answers in a notebook.
- How do I define and express my identity?
- How does my identity influence my life?
- How do I feel when people challenge my concept of myself?
- Have I ever experienced judgements or assumptions about my identity from others?
After you have read out all of the questions, ask students if anyone would like to share their responses to any of the questions.
Input
Print out copies of the handout “A Picture of Jewish Life in Europe Before WWII” from Echoes & Reflections. Encourage students to underline, highlight, or annotate on the worksheet.
Ask students to write a small summary of the information they gathered from each heading (A Time of Challenges, Modernization, Rising Antisemitism and Nationalism, and Jewish Reactions).
Output
As a class, ask students the following questions which they could gather from the reading.
- How did Jewish customs and culture distinguish them from their non-Jewish counterparts?
- How did Jewish culture adapt over time?
- What was the impact of rising antisemitism and nationalism?
- What was the response among Jews?
Lastly, discuss how Jewish identity had transformed and been impacted by the communities in which they lived. You may choose to return to the essential questions section to engage in this dialogue.
Wisconsin Academic Standards
This lesson meets the following Academic Standards required by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Teacher Primer
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