JDC Launches Global Jewish Responsibility Curriculum for Middle Schools

Program focusing on needs of Jewish communities abroad to debut in tri-state religious schools

New York---The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee today announced that it is launching Just Like Henry, an education project designed to encourage children in grades 5 through 7 to take a global view when it comes to understanding their responsibilities as members of the extended Jewish family.

The project's name refers to Henry Morgenthau, an early-20th century Jewish philanthropist who helped form JDC through his efforts to aid needy Jews in Palestine during WWII. Just Like Henry is an education piece that can supplement a broader curriculum or as a stand-alone piece teachers can use to reinforce the message of one global Jewish people and the responsibility Jews have for one another.

The curriculum consists of six parts, the story of Morgenthau and JDC; thoughts and questions to help integrate material; suggested class projects; a description of various countries and regions where JDC operates today as well as a discussion of the most urgent needs in those places; opportunities for classes and individuals to help address those needs via existing programs; FAQs relating to supporting global relief, rescue and renewel programs and tools to assist students in getting started.

As part of the launch JDC has developed an advisory board comprised of Jewish educators from 12 synagogue schools in Manhattan, suburban New York and New Jersey. By the end of June, JDC hopes to have piloted the program in most of these 12 schools.

"We expect that Just Like Henry will hit the mark in terms of reinforcing the message that being Jewish means assuming a responsibility for the well-being of not only to your friends and neighbors but to Jews in other parts of the world who are less fortunate," said Abby Pitkowsky, JDC's director of Jewish education, global programs. "This was created in response to inquiries from parents, youth and educators who have been looking to connect with JDC programs. This program ties JDC's history to its mission and the current work we're doing to fulfill this mission.

"We think students will come away with a better understanding of their role as Jews and also with a set of practical tools they can use to fulfill their role."