In a heartfelt initiative, volunteers gathered at Temple Emanu-El in Helena to assemble educational kits centered on combating hate. Spearheaded by the Montana Jewish Project, this effort aims to enlighten students through a lesson plan titled “Standing Up to Hate.”
The lesson, lasting between 50 to 90 minutes, is inspired by a significant event from 1993 in Billings. During that time, a Jewish family faced an attack when neo-Nazis hurled a brick through their window where a menorah was displayed. This incident occurred amidst a wave of violence targeting various minority communities in the area. In a show of solidarity, many locals placed paper menorahs in their windows, joining together regardless of their religious affiliations.
In addition to a book recounting the Billings incident, the educational package includes discussion prompts, activities, and links to further resources. According to Rebecca Stanfel, the executive director of the Montana Jewish Project, the kits are in high demand, with 50 produced annually. Requests have poured in from cities and towns throughout Montana, as educators seek to engage their students with these materials.
“It’s really important to our mission to not only anchor and build Jewish community life, but to do education and outreach,” Stanfel noted. “The curriculum is not about anti-semitism, specifically, it’s about not bullying.”
The lesson has been well-received by teachers, who express enthusiasm for its content. Each kit also includes a Dreidel game set, adding a hands-on element to the educational experience. Volunteers have ensured the adaptability of the curriculum for diverse classroom settings, catering to various age groups.
Kaelie Giffel, the event coordinator for the Montana Jewish Project, highlighted the eagerness of educators: “It’s just really nice to see the sorts of curiosity in the comments from teachers that are requesting these boxes because they’re so excited about the opportunity,” she said. “They’re writing these mini essays where they’re like, ‘I’m going to teach all of my students about these things.’ And I’m like, wow, that’s actually so cool.”
The initiative has drawn support from beyond the Jewish community as well. Kathy Chambers, affiliated with the First Presbyterian Church in Helena and a former educator, praised the project’s value to teachers. “It’s invaluable,” Chambers remarked. “As a teacher there’s so many things to do and if someone can make it easier for you, that’s great.”
