Jewish and Democratic State

Goals:

• Students will understand the challenges that arise from Israel viewing itself as both a Jewish and democratic state.
• Students will understand the debates that exist in Israel over religion and state though the example of transportation on Shabbat.
• Students will appreciate the diverse nature of Israeli society.

Essential Questions:

1. How can Israel balance being both a Jewish and democratic state?
2. How can the State of Israel balance the needs of both its secular and religious citizens?

Big Ideas:

1. Israel views itself as being both a Jewish and democratic State.
2. Many secular and Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Israelis disagree on many matters of religion and state (ex: public transportation on Shabbat).