Inquiries Filed Under:

Ancient Hebrews

About the inquiry

This 2016 Inquiry Challenge winner leads students through an investigation of ancient Hebrew history and Judaism by using various sources that consider the historical and theological foundations, as well as issues related to geography and place. By investigating the compelling question, students examine the history of the ancient Hebrew people, the principles that form the foundation of Judaic thought, the connection of history and religion to Israel, and the geographic variance in religious practices. By completing this inquiry, students begin to understand issues revolving around the factors that help to form a people’s identity, as well as the fluidity of defining a group within any predetermined criteria.

Compelling Question

What Defines a People?

Staging Question

Students create a graphic organizer where they show the factors (i.e., places, ideas, beliefs.) that are a part of their identities.

Supporting Question

Who were the ancient Hebrews?

Formative Tasks

Complete a graphic organizer identifying and describing major figures and beliefs in Hebrew history.

Sources

Source A: Ted-Ed, “World Religions” Source B: Jewish Virtual Library timeline Source C: “Religion: Three Religions, One God”

Supporting Question

What are the principles of Judaism?

Formative Tasks

Add the principles of Judaism to the graphic organizer.

Sources

Sources from SQ1 Source A: Maimonides’ 13 Principles of Belief Source B: “Jewish Beliefs” Source C: BBC Bitesize – GCSE, “Judaism”

Supporting Question

How do the beliefs and history of Judaism connect to Israel?

Formative Tasks

Write 1-2 paragraphs describing how Israel connects to the beliefs and history of Judaism and the Hebrew people.

Sources

Sources from SQ1 and SQ2 Source A: SHOW, Mapping Worlds Source B: Video Jerusalem: Sacred and Contentious Source C: Lyrics to Israeli National Anthem

Supporting Question

How do religious practices vary among different populations within Judaism?

Formative Tasks

Make a claim supported by evidence about the different ways Judaism is practiced among different populations.

Sources

Source A: Description of Passover Source B: Images of Passover Traditions

Summative Performance Task

Argument: What defines a people? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical and contemporary sources while acknowledging competing views.

Extension: Conduct a Socratic dialogue that addresses the compelling question.

Taking Informed Action

No data found.

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