… a series of photographs by an Israeli photographer of her diverse extended Israeli family add to the Jewish identity of a young college student in New York, London or Quebec?
We think so.
Omanoot Education - Israel through Art Education
Omanoot Education, a nonprofit organization based in Israel, provides educators with tools for exploring Israel through music, film and visual arts. Omanoot Education opens the door to Israeli culture by offering
lesson plans to download as well as specially tailored itineraries for groups traveling in Israel. The lesson plans focus predominately on works available on Omanoot.com, making it easy and inexpensive for educators to incorporate Israeli arts into their classrooms. In addition, they are written with enough background information so that teachers can use the arts as a teaching tool without extensive preexisting knowledge about the work or the artist.
Omanoot Education’s distinctive approach lies in the establishment of personal connections with Israeli artists. Not only do these artists contribute to the writing of the Lesson Plans, but they also conduct interactive workshops and offer private art programming for our arTrips. By taking advantage of the artistic resources available in Israel and now on Omanoot.com, Omanoot Education brings the Israeli arts community’s diverse and nuanced perspective on important Jewish and Israel issues into the classroom.
Over time it is our hope that this area evolves into a vibrant community of educators who have a personal or professional interest in Israel Education. Join our
Facebook community to stay updated and to get more involved.
"I highly recommend Omanoot.com to the bookmark list of any Jewish professional who knows the value of the arts to make deep connections and lasting impressions."
Support Israeli art and culture – Forward to a colleague, download and use a lesson plan, create a lesson plan, add our “button” to your Facebook page or blog.
Workshops, Training and Seminars
Contact us to tailor a workshop, seminar, movie screening or teacher training in Israel or abroad. There are unlimited possibilities.
* Timing and resources will need to be discussed as these are done on a case by case basis.
Here are just a few suggestions for ways to bring Omanoot Education into your community:
- Jewish Day Schools – Formal and Informal Education Universities (Academic departments with Jewish Studies, Israel Studies, or Religion/ Spirituality)
- Hebrew Lessons / Ulpan
- English Teachers in Israel
- Synagogue Adult Education and Young Adult programs
- Jewish Summer Camps
- Synagogue Book Clubs
- Birthright/Taglit programs including Israel trips as well as Birthright Next
- Israeli movie nights at community center or synagogue
Frequently Asked Questions about Omanoot Education
>> What are Omanoot lesson plans?
Omanoot lesson plans use Israeli films, music, visual artworks and literature, which are found on Omanoot.com, as springboards to create awesome educational experiences in traditional and alternative educational settings. All lesson plans found on Omanoot are written by professional educators with extensive backgrounds in teaching Israel through art.
Check back often as we are updating the lesson plan section frequently. If you are an educator interested in teaching Israel through the arts, if you have a lesson plan or if you would like to get involved with Omanoot Education please contact us.
>> Who developed the Lesson plans? All lesson plans found on Omanoot are written by professional educators with extensive backgrounds in teaching Israel through art. Our lesson plans are developed by educators primarily from Israel and the United States. The lesson plans are put through a rigorous pedagogical and editorial review, refined and then posted in the “
Lesson Plans” section of the
website.
>> What if I have an idea for a lesson plan?
We are always excited to work with educators from all over who have an interest in Israeli art and culture. Email us at
info@omanoot.com for more information on guidelines and compensation. Please note we do not accept blind submissions. If you are interested in writing a lesson plan for Omanoot Education please contact us ahead of time. Writers are typically paid a flat fee for an approved lesson plan. All approved submissions become the sole property of Omanoot Education.
>> I don’t have an extensive background in Israeli studies. How much extra preparation will I need? None. Each lesson plan is ready to download, review and introduce to your students. They come with an extensive appendix that helps give context to the lesson. These are intended to be self-contained units that free up your time while providing a quality and engaging experience for your students or group of adult learners.
Web sources are also cited in the event that you would like to learn more on your own.
>> Who is the intended audience for these lesson plans?
The lesson plans can be used in an informal or formal educational setting for a variety of ages and backgrounds. Each lesson plan lists the appropriate audience for these lesson plans. Most of the lesson plans can be tailored to a variety of audiences. The typical range would be junior high students through adult education at a local synagogue or community center.
>> When I download a lesson plan what can I expect?
You will receive a pdf file that is ready to print out and review before introducing to your students. The film, literature, music or art connected with the lesson plan is a separate fee and download. Your Lesson Plan .pdf is an extensive educator’s guide including the following (in most cases): how to introduce the lesson, appendix with any cultural or historical context needed, links to relevant videos or other online resources, approaches for different levels of students, and suggested activities and questions that will ensure your students get the most out of this unique experience.
>> Does Omanoot Education have any specific religious or political affiliations or sponsorships?
No. Part of our mission statement is to provide a stage not for Israel’s political or religious leaders, but for its creative leaders: its storytellers, its musician and filmmakers, its poets, and its artists. Israeli art is a powerful, nuanced way to learn about this fascinating country, and Omanoot makes this art accessible. We remain open and committed to a variety of viewpoints.
>> Why download and use Omanoot lesson plans?
There are many free resources on the web, using our lesson plans you are assured of the following:
- Quality, all-inclusive lesson plans that save you time
- Unique approach to Israel education
- Pedagogically rigorous lesson plans with detailed instruction
- Supporting Israeli culture and art through your purchase
- Formal or informal educational tool that is sure to connect with a variety of students
>> Still have a question?