Year Levels: 5–9

Be the Light is a two-hour workshop for students developed by the Jewish Museum of Australia: Gandel Centre of Judaica. Led by Jewish young adult facilitators, the program invites students to explore their own identities while learning about Jewish history, culture and tradition.

Through discussion, storytelling and a guided Museum visit, including the St Kilda Hebrew Congregation, students gain a deeper understanding of inclusion, belonging and how to respond to antisemitism and racism. Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum’s Intercultural Capability and Civics & Citizenship (Levels 5–10), Be the Light provides a strong foundation for and complements Holocaust studies. 

Empower your students to Be the Light and champion respect and understanding in their schools and communities. 

Includes: Museum tour, synagogue visit and facilitated discussion.
Duration: 2 hours .
Cost: $15 per student.
Group size: Maximum 26 students .

Learning Objectives

• Recognise and respect diverse cultural identities and perspectives (VCICCB009, VCICCD011).
• Examine how inclusion and belonging contribute to cohesive communities (VCICCD012, VCCCC026).
• Identify the impacts of racism and antisemitism and ways to respond (VCICCD012, VCCCC027).
• Explore personal values and civic responsibilities in a multicultural society (VCICCB009, VCCCC024).
• Develop skills to engage in respectful dialogue across cultural differences (VCICCD012, VCCCC025).
• Reflect on how personal identity is shaped by culture, history and community (VCICCB009, VCICCB010).

Program Outline    

1. Welcome and introduction.
2. Cultural exchange activity.
3. Presentation by young adult facilitators.
4. Interactive Museum exploration and visit to synagogue.
5. Addressing antisemitism and prejudice.
6. Becoming upstanders, group discussion and workshop.
7. Reflection and closing.

We are committed to ensuring that all students have access to this program. If the cost presents a challenge, please contact the Museum to discuss assistance. 

Image: Marie-Louise Skibbe