Study of the Ancient Hebrew Alphabet, Culture and Thought

http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/index.html

Rating: 2, High!

Description: This scholarly site by the Hebrew Research Center offers articles and clearly written explanations of ancient Hebrew language, poetry, culture, dress. A look at their different concept of time and much more that will help learners understand the unique ideas and history of the ancient Hebrews. Standard 6.3.1

Resource Type: Secondary Text.

Graphics content: Low.

Resource ID: 3691

The Hebrew Creation Narrative (Genesis 1-3)

http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~wldciv/world_civ_reader/world_civ_reader_1/hebrew_creation.html

Rating: 2, High!

Description: A primary element of religions and beliefs is to answer such questions as "Who are we as a people?" "How did we originate?" and "Why do we die?" Created by Jews and adopted by Christians, the creation stories in Genesis have had not only religious significance but wide cultural influence. It was about a century and a half ago that scholars first noted that Genesis seemed to contain two distinct creation stories, using different names for the creator (translated here as "God" and "the Lord"), with different emphases (physical vs. moral issues), and even a different order of creation (plants before humans, plants after humans). The first narrative states themes typical of mature Judaism: the creator is the sole ruler of the universe, and even in the process of creation he has provided the foundation for the Jewish sabbath. The concept of the divine word of God was to be a central concept of Judaism, later adopted by both Christianity and Islam. Standard 6.3.2

Comments: This text is linked to explanatory explanations and definitions. This Biblical passage is an excerpt from Reading About the World, Volume 1, edited by Paul Brians, Mary Gallwey, Douglas Hughes, Azfar Hussain, Richard Law, Michael Myers Michael Neville,

Resource Type: Primary Source Text.

Graphics content: Low.

Resource ID: 3026

The Hebrew Religion

http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/HEBREWS/HEBREWS.HTM

Rating: 2, High!

Description: Select Contents under Browse. This is a unit of study from the World Civilizations Project of Richard Hooker. Topics include: Pre-Mosaic Religion; Monolatry and Monotheism; The Prophetic Revolution; Post-Exilic Religion; and The Torah Standard 6.3.2

Comments: This is pretty advanced for grade 6 but is academically solid information.

Resource Type: Secondary Text.

Graphics content: Low.

Resource ID: 3027

Three Religions: One God

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/globalconnections/mideast/themes/religion/index.html#history_of_judaism

Rating: 2, High!

Description: Three of the world's major religions -- the monotheist traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam -- were all born in the Middle East and are all inextricably linked to one another. While there have been differences among these religions, there was a rich cultural interchange between Jews, Christians, and Muslims that took place in Islamic Spain and other places over centuries. This site has historical information, a description of basic beliefs, and a discussion of cultural influences in each religion. Standard 6.3.1, 6.3.2, 6.7.6, 7.1.1, 7.2.2 and 7.2.3

Resource Type: Secondary Text.

Graphics content: Low.

Resource ID: 3792

Uncle Eli's Haggadah: Index

http://www.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/Uncle_Eli/Eli.html

Rating: 2, High!

Description: Uncle Eli

Comments: The music is loud at this site so it is best to use earphones if accessed in class.

Resource Type: Secondary Text.

Graphics content: High.

Resource ID: 3273

Essentials of Judaism

http://regentsprep.org/Regents/global/themes/beliefsystems/judaism.cfm

Rating: 3, Medium.

Description: This site by the New York State High School Regents Exam Prep Center outlines the basic beliefs of Judaism. Standard 6.3.1 and 6.3.2

Comments: There are links to locations with more information about the religion.

Resource Type: Secondary Text.

Graphics content: Low.

Resource ID: 1118

King David

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04642b.htm

Rating: 3, Medium.

Description: This is an encyclopedia biography of King David of the Israelites from the Catholic Encyclopedia. Standard 6.3.3

Comments: The reading is pretty dense for sixth graders.

Resource Type: Secondary Text.

Graphics content: Low.

Resource ID: 1892

Story of Abraham, from the Hebrew Bible

http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~wldciv/world_civ_reader/world_civ_reader_1/abraham.html

Rating: 3, Medium.

Description: When the Jews tried to explain that the Land of Israel was theirs by divine right though they acknowledged that their ancestors had not originated there, they pointed to the promise made to Abraham (originally from the Neobabylonian city of Ur). Although the modern Zionist movement was largely non-religious, the idea of the "promised land" has had a powerful influence in creating and maintaining the modern state of Israel. This same story also tells of the origin of another people, the offspring of Ishmael, whom Muslims identify as the Arabs. Both religions therefore trace their origins back to Abraham, and both hold the land of Israel sacred, though neither accepts the other's claims. Standard 6.3.3 and 10.9.6

Comments: This is a critical document for understanding the issues in the Middle East.

Resource Type: Primary Source Text.

Graphics content: Low.

Resource ID: 2860

The Ten Commandments

http://www.us-israel.org/jsource/Judaism/command.html

Rating: 3, Medium.

Description: The Ten Commandments of the ancient Hebrews is one of the key foundational documents of Western Civilization. Standard 6.3.1, 6.3.2

Comments: Compare these laws with the Sermon on the Mount and the Last Sermon of Mohammed to get an insight into the similarities and differences among three of the world's major religions.

Resource Type: Primary Source Text.

Graphics content: Low.

Resource ID: 3092