Helping Students Navigate the Anniversary of the October 7 Tragedy

As the anniversary of the tragic Hamas attacks on Israel approaches, which claimed the lives of 1,200 Israeli men, women, and children, and led to 250 hostages being taken, parents and educators are faced with the challenging task of commemorating the event while ensuring the lesson is both educational and sensitive to the needs of young audiences.

Jewish values can provide a framework to guide educators in addressing this challenge. By incorporating these values into meaningful activities, educators can help students memorialize this dark day in history.

Here are some tangible ways to integrate Jewish values into your lesson plans.

Pikuach Nefesh (Saving a Life)

Focus on the Heroes

The principle of Pikuach Nefesh teaches us that the preservation of human life is the highest priority, surpassing almost all other commandments. In times of conflict, this value underscores the vital importance of doing everything possible to protect and save lives, highlighting our collective responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of others.

When Mr. Rogers was a child and saw frightening stories on the news, his mother would remind him to look for the helpers. This idea resonates deeply with the Jewish value of Pikuach Nefesh, which teaches that saving a life is of the utmost importance. Just as Mr. Rogers found comfort in knowing that there are always helpers in the world, the Jewish value of Pikuach Nefesh reminds us that in the face of danger, there are those who step forward to protect and save lives. As the Talmud teaches, "Whoever saves one life saves the entire world."

Profile the Heroes of October 7

Showcase the bravery of ordinary Israelis who risked their lives that day to help others, and how these heroes fulfilled the mitzvah of Pikuach Nefesh. Sharing their photos or written testimonials can also bring these stories to life, making the lessons both impactful and memorable.

An Israeli farmer saved 120 lives on October 7.

One of those heroes is Oz Davidian, a brave farmer from the small village of Maslul who saved 120 young people who were in great danger. When Hamas terrorists attacked a music festival near his home, Oz quickly jumped into action. He drove his truck back and forth, about 10 miles each way, to rescue as many people as he could, making around 20 trips in total. Thanks to his courage and quick thinking, he was able to get many festival attendees out of harm’s way and bring them to safety. Oz's heroic efforts show how one person’s bravery can save lives, even in the most challenging situations.

Feature Inspiring Stories of Courage

Tailored for older students, this lesson plan from Unpacked for Educators includes guiding questions to complement the YouTube video. It profiles the courageous

stories of Yuval Salomon and Sahar Saudian, two young Israelis who displayed remarkable bravery before their tragic deaths on October 7th. Through personal testimonies from their loved ones, the video offers a deep insight into their lives and their strong connection to Israel.

As always, preview the video in its entirety before showing it to your students. This will help you determine if the content is appropriate for your class, as you know your students best.

Zikaron (Remembrance)

Create Lasting Memorials

Judaism teaches that honoring and remembering those who have passed away is among the greatest mitzvot (commandments). When a loved one dies, we say, "May their memory be a blessing." The blessing suggests that those who remember them keep their goodness alive by speaking their name and carrying on their legacy.

For younger students, this could involve participating in memorials or creating a project that honors those affected by the conflict. For older students, memorializing heroes who gave their lives to protect others through biographies and other commemorative activities can help keep their memories alive.

Paint River Rocks: Have children paint river rocks with the names of fallen heroes. These decorated stones can be placed in your community's garden, creating a lasting tribute that also serves as a personal and communal act of remembrance.

Tree Planting: Planting a tree in memory of individuals who lost their lives is a powerful way to create a living memorial. As the tree grows, it stands as a symbol of hope, continuity, and the enduring legacy of those who are remembered.

Memory Wall: Encourage children to create a memory wall through art. The wall can be filled with paintings, drawings, and messages that reflect their thoughts and emotions about the individuals being remembered.

Emunah (Faith)

Finding Strength in Faith

Emunah is the belief in something greater than ourselves, even when the path ahead is unclear. During difficult times, faith can provide comfort and strength, helping us stay hopeful.

Turn Children's Prayers into a Classroom Siddur: Invite students to express their thoughts and hopes by writing their own prayers. Begin by discussing the significance of prayer in Jewish tradition and how it offers comfort and strength during challenging times. Encourage them to focus on themes like peace, healing, protection, or gratitude. Once complete, compile the prayers into a personalized classroom siddur, which students can decorate with artwork reflecting the themes of their prayers.

Ahavat Yisrael (Love for the People of Israel)

Build Unity and Solidarity through Love for Israel

Ahavat Yisrael emphasizes unity, solidarity, and caring for fellow Jews, especially in times of difficulty. You can help children deepen their connection by bringing Israeli history and culture to life in your classroom.

Send Letters of Support to Israeli Soldiers: Students can actively practice Ahavat Yisrael by writing letters of support to Israeli soldiers to express gratitude for their bravery and offer words of encouragement. This activity is a tangible way for students to demonstrate their love and solidarity, reinforcing the bonds of shared identity and mutual care that Ahavat Yisrael promotes.

Highlight the Impact of Ahavat Yisrael

Emphasize the significance of Ahavat Yisrael by illustrating how modern Jewry's deep love and commitment played a crucial role in shaping Israel into the strong and unified nation it is today. By teaching students about this profound connection, you can bring the concept of Ahavat Yisrael to life and show its lasting impact on Israel's development. Here are some ideas on how to do just that.

Design Your Dream Kibbutz: Teach students about the vital contributions of modern Jewry to the Jewish homeland and how Labor Zionism helped it flourish. As they learn about the unique kibbutz lifestyle, have them design their own kibbutz, incorporating the principles they've studied. This activity helps them connect with Israeli culture and the values of community and resilience.

View Lesson Plan

Mock Trip to Israel: Take your students on a Mock Trip to Israel. Use a guided passport template, like this one, to explore key landmarks and discuss their significance. This journey will help deepen their connection to Israel and its landmarks.

Zechut Avot (Merit of the Ancestors)

Drawing Strength from Past Resilience

Drawing on the Jewish value of Zechut Avot, or the merit of our ancestors, can help illustrate the resilience and strength that have defined the Jewish people throughout history.

If a child asks, "Why did they want to hurt Jewish people in Israel?", you can say, "Sadly, this isn't the first time in our history that Jews have been targeted just because of who we are."

Explain that while our ancestors faced many hardships, they persevered by holding onto the same Jewish values that continue to guide us today. When we remember their stories, and how their faith and determination sustained them through adversity, we honor their struggles and learn from their experiences.

For instance, to help your students connect with the Jewish value of resilience, they can create a "Chain of Strength." Begin by reading a story like Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins or The Story of Passover to illustrate moments when our ancestors overcame adversity. Afterward, ask each student to write a word or phrase representing an ancestor's character trait on a strip of colored paper—such as "Courageous" after learning about the Maccabees, or "Determined" after discussing the Israelites' escape from Egypt. Then, link the strips together to form a powerful visual symbol of the resilience and strength that have been passed down through generations, representing the unbroken connection to our ancestors.

For older students, you might reference historical events like the destruction of the Temple, the Spanish Inquisition, the pogroms that propelled the five waves of Jewish immigration to Palestine throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries (view lesson plan), and the Holocaust.

These events remind us that, through Zechut Avot, we can draw strength from the enduring values that sustained our ancestors, empowering us to face and overcome the challenges of today.

Pikuach Nefesh, Zikaron, Ahavat Yisrael, Emunah, and Zechut Avot are just some of the Jewish values you can draw on for inspiration when planning your October 7 memorial ceremony. In the meantime, let's continue to pray for the safe return of the hostages and for all those directly affected by the tragedy. Am Yisrael Chai!

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Helpful Resources

For Lesson Planning

• PowerPoint Presentation: Background and facts about October 7th Massacre (UnitedEd)

• Eight Modern Day Heroes of October 7: AJC

• Write letters of support to Israeli soldiers: StandWithUs - Letters Campaign

• Israeli History & Culture: Alef Bet Games

  
  

Guidance for Difficult Conversations

• How to Talk to Children about the Israel-Gaza War: Healthychildren.org

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How will you incorporate these Jewish values into your classroom or home as we approach this solemn anniversary? Share your thoughts and ideas with others in the comments below.

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