Junior Certificate Jewish Studies

Welcome to the Junior Certificate Jewish Studies Website.  Jewish Studies is a new subject in the junior cycle.  In the rationale for the syllabus, the subject relates to the area of social, political, and environmental education.  Jewish Studies contributes to the students’ growing understanding of the social, cultural and religious forces that have shaped the world they live in.

Below is a link, with educational resources on the Holocaust,
to the International School of Holocaust Studies, Yad Vashem, Israel.
http://www1.yadvashem.org/yv/en/education/educational_materials/january27_2012.asp

The Jewish Studies syllabus seeks to promote an understanding and appreciation of different beliefs, peoples and cultures and a tolerance and respect for the values and beliefs of all.  In the context of an increasingly diverse culture, it is important that young people have an understanding of a variety of cultural and religious traditions encountered not just in Ireland but in Europe and the wider world. 

Download the Jewish Studies Syllabus

Jewish Studies also contributes to the development of skills used in a variety of subjects, such as historical and literary investigation, working with evidence, information processing, argumentation, critical thinking and analysis.    Jewish Studies has cross-curricular links with subjects including Civics, Social and Political Education, Religious Education, and History. You will notice in the Teacher’s Section of the website, that the links to sections of other syllabi are outlined. 

We are anxious that there would be as much engagement as possible in the development of resources and in creating a vibrant virtual learning environment for all who access this site.  It is in this context that we invite you to contribute any resources, photographs, samples of work, questions, helpful links, or anything which would assist in teaching and learning.  We welcome, particularly, educators, students, members of the Jewish community, anyone who would like to join a virtual learning environment connected to a vibrant, rich and historic tradition.

Louise O’Sullivan IBVM
Coordinator of Junior Certificate Jewish Studies

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Jewish Studies CPD Workshops 2012

There are two CPD days coming up in the Dublin West Education Centre which we would like to bring to your attention. These days are being run for the new Junior Certificate Jewish Studies Syllabus.  This is a national syllabus which can be viewed on the DES website.

While your school may not offer the syllabus as an examination for the Junior Certificate, you may be interested to know that there are cross-curricular links between Jewish Studies and CSPE, RE, and History.  These links are outlined on the adjoining sheets.  The two CPD days, taking place next term, address areas common to these syllabi. 

CPD Day 1

Workshop Topic: The Irish Jewish Communities and the Jewish Home

The first CPD day for Jewish Studies took place on Wednesday, 18th January in the Dublin West Education Centre. 
For feedback on the CPD day please Download a note from the Coordinator

Below are some images from the first CPD day

CPD Day 2

Workshop Topic: Sacredness in the Jewish Faith
Holy Places
Date: 14 March 2012
Time: 09.30 - 16.00
Venue: Dublin West Education Centre
Download Application Form

To reserve a place on the CPD workshop/s please complete and return the application form (download above)
to Dublin West Education Centre. 
Please email Doireann Quinn if you require any further information.

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Possible Junior Certificate Syllabus Crossovers

Study Visit to Berlin For teachers and educators
10-13 April2012

Download Poster with Information

Jewish Studies Resource Page

Click here to access the Junior Certificate Jewish Studies Resource Page

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