Holiday History, a new initiative by Jewish history educator Yosef Shaffer, is set to revolutionize the way we learn and teach about Jewish holidays. The project aims to empower educators and shluchim with comprehensive materials and tools to help teach the “backstory” of the Yamim Tovim – from Biblical ones like Pesach to Chassidishe ones like 19 Kislev.
The mission of Holiday History is to enrich the appreciation and knowledge of these holidays, how they came about, and their relevance to this very day. The program includes maps, diagrams, photographs, and even audio versions. Educators will be able to order complete packages that include an Instructor’s Guide, handouts, and PowerPoint presentations. Phone support will be provided for every aspect of the program.
Shaffer, who has been teaching Jewish history for years, understands that there is a need for improved learning and teaching methods in this area. “There is so much excellent content out there, but there seems to be room for improvement in how we learn and teach our history. Some of us learned these stories as kids and never really updated our understanding. There is such a rich tapestry of relevance and meaning interwoven in these sacred days, just waiting to be discovered.”
Shluchim who subscribe to Shaffer’s weekly sermons had voiced a desire for enhanced tools to teach our history. Holiday History is the result. The courses are designed to be suitable for any audience, regardless of their background.
The first course, Exploring the Exodus, is on the history surrounding Pesach. It discusses questions like: do we know what Pharoah looked like? (The answer might surprise you). How do I find Goshen on a map? And, of course, the age-old quest for outside evidence of Yetzias Mitzrayim. It will also explore the sources of the Haggadah as well as interesting and varied minhagim of the Seder through the ages.
“The word “sippur” embodies more than just a narrative; it conveys a sense of lucidity, of crystal-clear comprehension. Thus, the mitzvah “l’saper” – to tell the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim – entails a constant exploration, an unending journey into the heart of its meaning, unearthing fresh insights and renewed relevance with each step.
This is, after all, the tale of our origin, the story of stories. It is one that we are instructed to never stop telling.
V’chol hamarbeh harei zeh meshubach.”
To order the course or for more information, please contact:
917.836.8472
[email protected]
I get his weekly sermons and it’s an insight into the parsha like you’ve never heard before!
As a Shliach I received his sermons and I very much enjoyed it. Refreshing and very inspiring.
I subscribe to Yosef Shaffer’s weekly sermons and they are always a breath of fresh air linking contemporary matters with each week’s parsha while synthesizing classical hashkafik perspectives with classical literary thinkers…