Over many years, Melitz has developed a strong and active relationship with the Israeli Ministry of Education, built upon a reputation for expertise in developing curriculum and programs focused on Jewish identity and values.  Melitz has created and written dozens of curricula on a variety of topics for use throughout Israeli schools.  These materials have been integrated into courses, seminars and workshops for students of all ages from across Israel. Recently, this partnership has developed three system-wide programs:

“Person to Person:  A Jewish Conversation on Democracy and Human Rights”

Through an examination of Jewish and liberal texts, this workshop awakens an awareness, understanding, and sensitivity to the values of human rights.  Students come away with an appreciation for the Jewish values and culture that underpin democracy in Israel.

“A Year of Learning”

This program provides a mechanism for airing questions about the Jewish (and individual’s) past, present and future as Bar Mitzvah age students explore their identity with the help of parents and teachers.  They learn about their families and their roots, and examine Judaism and modern Israeli culture through a combination of art, drama, music, and studies of classical and modern Jewish texts.  As they enter adulthood, they receive tools for understanding their Jewish past and taking ownership of their Jewish future.

“People and The World”

This year-long curriculum investigates the Jewish basis underpinning humanity’s responsibility for the environment, using concepts such as “tzedek” to explore our influence on the natural world around us.