Knowing Judaism: A UCEI Course for High School Students

What does “kosher” mean? When did Jews first arrive in Italy? What role did they play in the Risorgimento? The new UCEI project for high schools answers these questions and many more. Designed to help students discover Jewish history and culture, the project aims to make them “potential promoters of this heritage.” The initiative is part of the European program DEJA (Digital Education about Jews and Antisemitism), which is active in five countries to prevent antisemitism through education (www.italia.dejaproject.com).

Led by Michelle Nahum Sembira and Raffaella Di Castro, the course “Understanding Jews and Judaism” addresses four thematic areas: the religious and cultural aspects of Judaism; the two-thousand-year presence of Jews in Italy; stories of cultural contamination; and tools for recognizing and dismantling anti-Jewish prejudices. “We aim to raise awareness of entrenched hostility,” the UCEI emphasizes.

Once this phase is complete, students can choose between two training classes offered by Formazione Scuola Lavoro, allowing students to alternate classroom activity with training in institutions or businesses. The Bon Appetit — Beteavonprogram asks students to create a menu inspired by Italian-Jewish cuisine that adheres to kashrut rules. In the Travel Design course, students plan an educational trip dedicated to the area’s Jewish heritage. Each course includes group work. A training seminar with accreditation is also planned for teachers. The UCEI concludes, “This program provides an opportunity to bring knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a participatory approach to the classroom while introducing students to a reality spanning the entire history of Italy.”