This resource was created in partnership with Unpacked for Educators.
This resource delves into the complex journey of incorporating Israel into our Jewish identity through the lens of innovation. It explores the challenge of balancing tradition and modernity in understanding Israel, prompting reflection on messages received in the past and how they align with our evolving beliefs. The activity involves creating vision boards to show this integration and encourage deep thinking. Drawing wisdom from “Fiddler on the Roof,” the resource addresses when established customs can bend and when they must evolve. Participants commit to deepening their understanding of Israel and personalizing their perspectives, ultimately striving to balance tradition and innovation authentically in their Jewish identity. Your vision board should demonstrate your interpretation of all the different messages you've received about Israel. A vision board is a visual representation of images, words, and symbols that are meaningful to you. Be creative and use free-flowing associations. The images and words you use can be abstract and do not have to directly connect to Israel.
Facilitator frames the clip by reading the following:
The 1971 movie “Fiddler on the Roof” (based on the story by Sholom Aleichem) tells the story of Tevye, a Jewish peasant living a traditional life in pre-revolutionary Russia, and his three daughters. His daughters move from traditional practices to more modern and open ones. While Tevye begrudgingly accepts the choices of his first two daughters, he is not able to reconcile himself to his youngest daughter’s decisions. His reaction unfolds as follows (in the scene...).Facilitator reads to summarize:
In this resource, we explored the concept of balancing tradition and innovation when it comes to incorporating the diverse messages we have received about Israel. How can we retain the aspects of our understanding of Israel that still hold personal significance while integrating new perspectives into our Jewish identity authentically?
As the famous line from the film suggests, “without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.” However, it’s the willingness to embrace this uncertainty that enables us to strike a balance between old and new ideas, constructing an identity that respects our history while remaining true to our present selves. While this task may not be easy, it remains a vital one as we continue to evolve and shape our Jewish identity.
Facilitator prompts the group:
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