Unit 3: LIVING WITH HOPE IN ETHIOPIA

MY FAMILY
THE BETA ISRAEL CURRICULUM

LIVING WITH HOPE IN ETHIOPIA

Having explained the centrality of hope in Judaism, teachers should review some elements of the Beta Israel’s history (drawing on Unit 2 lesson for reference). Among these lessons, teachers should remind students that the Beta Israel experienced severe anti-Semitism, religious persecution, and the repercussions of famine due restrictions on land ownership. Teachers should then ask their students:

Knowing how much the Beta Israel suffered over the course of 2,500 years in Ethiopia, how do you think the concept of “hope” helped invigorate and protect their physical and spiritual survival?

 Students should offer responses which will preferably emphasize the role of hope in Judaism as well as relate to specific challenges faced by the Beta Israel throughout history.