Launch of groundbreaking interactive resource for teaching Judaism in schools
LONDON – (8 May 2008) – The Board of Deputies is pleased to announce the formal launch of Jewish Way of Life, a groundbreaking interactive CD-ROM which explores Judaism in Britain today through its traditions and culture.
This new resource for students and teachers, covering Jewish faith, practice and religion, is the first of its kind to be developed and distributed free-of-charge by a faith group to all schools across the UK.
More than two years in the making, the Jewish Way of Life CD-ROM project was developed in partnership with The Pears Foundation and the educational charity, World ORT.
Content is matched to the non-statutory National Framework for RE and meets the needs of Agreed Syllabuses. The resource is especially aimed at Key Stage 2 but much can readily be used at Key stages 1 and 3.
Through a series of short videos and interactive activities, students will have the opportunity to learn about Jewish life, beliefs, history, festivals, prayer, food, Jewish communities around the globe and much more. An important feature is the contribution made by Sarah and David, two Jewish children growing up in Britain.
The resource is also supported by a website guide www.jwol.org.uk designed to help teachers get the best use out of the CD-ROM.
The CD-ROM includes an introduction by Professor Lord Winston, whose late mother, Ruth Winston-Fox, spearheaded the original Jewish Way of Life exhibition in the 1980s. The current exhibition is a physical road show, which travels across the country educating communities about the Jewish faith.
This new CD-ROM will enable students to develop their understanding and appreciation of Judaism from within their own classrooms and with guidance and support from their teachers.
Commenting on this new educational resource, Professor Lord Winston said:
“The Jewish Way of Life CD-ROM uses state-of-the-art technology to present Judaism in a contemporary, vibrant and accessible way and will give students the opportunity to gain fresh insights into Judaism as a living faith and culture.”
Henry Grunwald QC, President of the Board of Deputies, commented:
“We at the Board are proud to have worked so closely with The Pears Foundation and ORT in making this important resource available to the wider UK public. While it is hard to imagine a CD introducing Judaism in a way that turns out to be as informative for adults as it is for Key Stage 2 children, the new Jewish Way of Life CD Rom successfully does both. It offers a comprehensive treatment of Jewish thought, ritual, life cycles and communal activity – at the same time as exploring the historical, religious and existential significance of Israel, touching on the role of belief, culture, ethics and geography in a remarkable way.”
Trevor Pears, Executive Chair of The Pears Foundation, commented:
“We are delighted to be launching this CD-ROM, which fills a clear gap in resources available for the teaching of contemporary Jewish life in the UK. We hope it will build on the growing body of work being done to promote a better understanding of the many and diverse communities and cultures of modern Britain.”
Robert Singer, World ORT Director General, said:
“This innovative CD-Rom is an engaging way to reach young people and break down the barriers of ignorance that can lead to intolerance and prejudice.”
The Jewish Way of Life teaching resource will be launched on 12th May 2008 at an event in Westminster hosted by The Pears Foundation. Speakers on the evening include Professor Lord Winston and Helen Williams, Director of Curriculum Division of the Department for Children, Schools and Families and Henry Grunwald QC, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
COPIES OF THE CD-ROM ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. CONTACT: winston.pickett@bod.org.uk
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Notes to Editors:
The Jewish Way of Life CD-ROM will be launched on 12th May 2008. Schools will be able to order their free copy by registering their details on The Jewish Way of Life Website at www.jwol.org.uk.
Board of Deputies of British Jews
The Board of Deputies of British Jews (registered charity no 1058107) established in 1760 and is the democratically elected official body representing the Jewish Community in the UK. It is involved in all matters affecting the Jewish Community - including community relations and interfaith activities, publishes a range of resources for use in Religious Education and is a member of the RE Council. www.bod.org.uk
World ORT
ORT is the world’s largest Jewish education and vocational training non-government organisation and has benefited more than 3 million people – Jewish and non-Jewish – in 100 countries since its foundation in 1880.
ORT’s mission is to work for the advancement of Jewish people through training and education; to provide communities wherever they are, with the skills and knowledge necessary to cope with the complexities and uncertainties of their environment; and to foster economic self-sufficiency, mobility and a sense of identity through use of state-of-the-art technology.
Through International Cooperation programmes, ORT supports non-sectarian economic and social development in under-developed parts of the world, with vocational training and the provision of technical assistance. www.ort.org
The Pears Foundation
The Pears Foundation (registered charity no 1009195) seeks to act as a catalyst to empower individuals, particularly young people, to become confident and active members of their community and country, by promoting positive identity based on education, social action and volunteering. It invested over £6 million in charitable causes in 2007/8. www.pearsfoundation.org.uk
For further information about the Jewish Way of Life CD-ROM please contact Carolyn Rozenberg, project manager for The Pears Foundation on E: caroasher@aol.com T: 020 8950 1567 M: 0779 3370 209
The Board of Deputies is the representative body of the British Jewish Community.
For more information, please contact Winston Pickett, Director of Communications:
Tel: 0207 543-5400 Mobile: 07932 075 625, E-mail Winston.Pickett@BoD.org.uk