Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King is known as the leader of nonviolent activism in the civil rights movement. In 1976, the Jewish National Fund planted 39 trees in Israel in honor of the 39 years of Dr. King’s life. See below for lesson plans and discussion topics for commemorating MLK Day in Jewish schools. 

 

DISCUSSION TOPICS
  • Compare and contrast the experiences of the Jewish struggle for freedom in Egypt versus the African American struggle in the United States. Note the commonalities: slavery and injustice, communal leadership, rulers’ opposition, etc.
  • Discuss the devastating effects that racism, intolerance, and bigotry have had on the Jewish community and the African American community.
  • Discuss the Jewish contribution to the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Discuss various minority groups in the United States and their struggles to fight racism and intolerance versus their positive contributions to society.

    LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES

    Martin Luther King Jr. Day – This lesson plan was created to help students make connections between the civil rights movement, Jewish values, and the struggle for Soviet Jewry. By The Refusenik Project.
    MLK and the Jewish Community – This lesson plan describes Martin Luther King Jr.’s contribution to society and explores how the Jewish tradition shares his dreams for social justice.
    Tikkun Olam and MLK– This lesson plan is designed to help young students connect the concept of tikkun olam to Martin Luther King Jr. By the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.
    Instant Lessons for MLK Day – These free lesson plans and worksheets will prompt discussion and help lead students to a better understanding of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. By Behrman House.
    Prophets, Posters, and Poetry – This lesson plan aims to acquaint students with prophets they may be unfamiliar with. Classes 4 through 8 ask students to reflect on the connection between Dr. King and the prophet Micah. By Boulder JCC & Joshua Fallik.
    “I Have a Dream” Talmud Page – This page and study guide connects Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech to various Talmudic sources. By Rabbi Avi Weinstein for the 2001 Charlotte and Jack J. Spitzer B’nai B’rith Hillel Forum on Public Policy.
    MLK and the Jewish Community: Shared Dreams – This lesson plan describes Martin Luther King Jr.’s contribution to society and explores how his dreams for social justice are shared by the Jewish tradition. By the Bureau of Jewish Education of Orange County.
    Living the Legacy: A Jewish Social Justice Education Project – This collection of 24 lessons guides educators in teaching about Jews and social justice movements through the use of primary sources. By Jewish Women’s Archive.
    Timeline: MLK and the Jews – A timeline of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s relationship with the Jewish community in the 1960s. By The Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
    Teaching Children About Tikkun Olam on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – This collection of activities teaches the concept of repairing the world and honoring Dr. King’s legacy. By PJ Library.

     

    VIDEOS

    MLK on Jews, Israel, Zionism – This video compilation of MLK interviews and recordings demonstrates Martin Luther King Jr.’s views on the Jewish people and Israel’s right to exist. By KosherTube.
    MLK Day Speech – Dr. Susannah Heschel, whose father marched with Dr. King, speaks to students at Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston about the compelling events of that time. By SSDS Boston.
    MLK’s Jewish Connection – This video explains Martin Luther King Jr.’s connection to the Jewish community in the fight for civil rights. By Unpacked.
    Shed a Little Light: MLK Jr. Day – This video was produced in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. By the Maccabeats and Naturally 7.


    Have anything to add to the list? Contact us at content@lookstein.org.