Jewish Heritage Month continues to be recognized at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) during the month of May.
The Canadian Jewish Heritage Act, which was passed in May 2018, is also recognized by the Province of Ontario by the passing of the Jewish Heritage Month Act, 2012. As stated in the Jewish Heritage Month Act, 2012, “May is a significant month for the Jewish Canadian community. Israeli Independence Day (Yom ha-Atzmaut) and Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom ha-Shoah) frequently occur in May, as do various Jewish artistic and cultural events.”
The TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Committee (JHC) is made up of close to 350 staff across every level of the system as well as Trustees.
Since its inception in 2015, JHC activities have always been focused on teaching & learning in celebration of Jewish heritage and culture – impactful, innovative, and inspirational work with students in fighting antisemitism, and all forms of hate.
This year, the Jewish Heritage Committee is focussing on students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 using the book The Mouse Who Danced the Hora by Pamela Mayer, illustrated by Christine Davenier, to teach our youngest students about diversity and equity through Jewish wedding traditions, and learning to dance the Hora.
And on May 6th, we are supporting Liberation75’s free event for Grade 4-12 students – Student Holocaust Education Day Symposium.
The Jewish Heritage Committee is proud to support the Board’s Holocaust curriculum and have hosted events such as, the “One-Book Event” – To Hope and Back by author Kathy Kacer with the author herself for Grade 6 students, to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 26, 2024.
Last month we supported Liberation75’s Teacher Professional Development Day - Navigating Challenging Stories: Strategies for Teaching About the Holocaust and Antisemitism in Your Grade 6 Classroom.
Click here for our Jewish Heritage Month poster with more information about TDSB Jewish Heritage Month.
For daily announcements and other resources, please visit the JHC website.
We continually update the website as we learn of new resources.
We invite you to follow Jewish Heritage Month @TDSB_JH.
