Curated OER
Number the Stars
In this Language Arts activity, students read a quote from the book Number the Stars about Ellen's necklace. Students also read a description of the meaning of the Star of David.
Curated OER
Belief Systems of the Silk Roads
Students review, compare, and contrast belief systems of the Silk Roads. They analyze primary texts of sacred and philosophical writings. Finally, students recognize the rich diversity of belief systems along the Silk Roads.
Curated OER
How Many Wives?
Students explore how religious texts are often used to establish cultural norms and rules of behavior. Through research and discussion, students explain how religious texts can be open to interpretation. Students can apply their research...
Curated OER
Islamic Roots of Judaeo-Christian Culture
High schoolers discuss the stereotypes associated with the major religions of the world. Using primary sources, they summarize the information and role play various roles to the class. They participate in a debate between the different...
Jewish Museum
Jewish Museum: The Dead Sea Scrolls: Mysteries of the Ancient World
View this special online exhibition showing at the Jewish Museum that explores the discovery of the ancient Dead Sea scrolls in 1947 providing much information "about the development of early Judaism and Christianity". The exhibit...
Schools of California Online Resources for Education
Schools of California Online: The Ancient Hebrews
The virtual museum investigates the ancient Hebrews. Topics examined are the land, the common people, the Exodus, beliefs, archaeology, and artifacts. A glossary and additional links are included.
Other
Al Islam: Slavery in Ancient Times
This resource gives a history of slavery from pre-Islamic Times and its continuation under Islam.
American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise
Jewish Virtual Library: Judasim
This resource presents a wealth of information regarding the Jewish religion. Content ranges from ancient Jewish history to holidays and festivals, to the importance of the synagogue.
Other
Catholic Encyclopedia: Pharisees
This resource presents a detailed history of the development of the Pharisees, a politico-religious sect of ancient Judaism.
New Advent
Catholic Encyclopedia: Pharisees
This site from The New Advent extensively delves into the historical and religious significance of the politico-religious sect of ancient Judaism known as Pharisaism. Please note that ?The Catholic Encyclopedia? is a historic reference...
University of Chicago
University of Chicago Library: Teaching the Middle East: Exporter of Religion
Learning module considers the significance of the Middle East as a center of religious origins and beliefs. Essays and illustrative materials follow the development of the religious traditions of the region, from the polytheistic animism...
Other
Intro to the Ancient Essenes & the Modern Essene Church
Discusses sources on the Essenes (Philo and Josephus). Also discusses Enoch, founder of the Essenes, the Essenes relationship to Christianity, and their beliefs.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: World History: 600 Bce 600 Ce Second Wave Civilizations
We have 2 resources from here but should be cross-checked against embedded videos.
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Medieval Sourcebook: Race and Slavery in the Middle East
This site from the Modern History Sourcebook of Fordham University provides a thorough discussion of the existence of slavery in early times giving the types of people who were taken as slaves and the work they performed. There were also...
Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Religious Tolerance: Christian History
This site provides an interpretation of early Christian history as seen by religious liberals and historians. Includes Pauline Christianity, Jewish Christianity, and Gnostic Christianity. Details early movements by each branch to revolt...
PBS
Pbs: Simon Schama: The Story of the Jews: Explore the Diaspora: Visual Timeline
A timeline beginning in 587 B.C.E. when the Jews are exiled into Babylonia through persecution under the Roman Empire on through the Crusades, World War II up to the construction of the "Separation Wall." This thorough resource follows...
Other
Chaver: The Mishnah
This research site from Chaver.com describes the Mishnah in-depth: "The Art of Writing the Oral Tradition," "The Decalog as Wisdom Literature," and "Woven Texts: Literary Form in Ancient Hebrew Legal Codes."
Other
Prayerbook: The Letter of Paul to the Romans
Details about Paul's letter to the Christian community at Rome, which centers on the relationship between Judaism and Christianity.
PBS
Pbs Frontline: Letters of Pliny the Younger & Emperor Trajan
The actual letters written between Pliny and the Emperor about the issue of early Christianity. It was the first time the Romans recognized the religion as separate from Judaism.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: A View of Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and its largest city in both population and area. Located in the Judean Mountains, between the Mediterranean Sea and the northern tip of the Dead Sea, modern Jerusalem has grown up outside the Old City....
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Geographic Spread and Development of Christianity (Lesson Plans)
Find two lesson plans designed to accompany the PBS documentary "Peter and Paul and the Christian Revolution" that are particularly well suited to the study of the spread of Christianity. Young scholars will research Christianity,...