By Tamara Mann Tweel

Deep Dive on Principle: Kohi v'otzem yadi.

By Rivka Press Schwartz

Deep Dive on Principle: Kohi v'otzem yadi.

by Michael G. Holzman

Deep Dive on Principle: Dina d'malchuta dina

by Charles E. Savenor

Deep Dive on Principle: Makhloket l'shem shamayim

By Alon Shalev

Deep Dive on Principle: Mipnei darkhei shalom

When we (if we?) teach civics in our schools, we generally take one of two approaches: civics as a body of knowledge, or civics as a set of practices in conversations across lines of difference. In the former category, we teach our students about the founding documents or principles such as checks and balances and the rule of law; in the latter, we ask them to engage in civil discourse, consider others’ perspectives and values, and avoid getting stuck in conversational ruts of mutual refusal-to-listen.

A series of texts from traditional sources to align with the “Principles of American Jewish Civics,” along with tagging of key terms and discussion questions for each text, which will allow educators and leaders to bring additional Jewish wisdom and grounding into their applications of the Principles document.

A practical guide for using American civic holidays as school-wide and communal opportunities for civic learning. The guide provides pedagogical materials, program ideas, and curricular enhancements that help schools create shared civic language and formative learning moments, with resources tied to Veterans Day, Presidents Day, and Independence Day as part of the lead-up to America at 250.

Here, you’ll find links to other excellent American Jewish Civics resources created by leading Jewish educational organizations.

by Tamara Mann Tweel

A historical and ethical reflection on Jewish investment in American public education, tracing the values that motivated this engagement and asking what they demand in today’s debates over the future of the Department of Education.

By Jon A. Levisohn

This essay offers a concise and accessible argument for treating civic learning as a core communal investment. It distills five principles of American Jewish civic education and situates them within the context of democratic fragility.