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Curriculum resource for the exhibition California Dreaming: Jewish Life in the Bay Area from the Gold Rush to the Present, on view Nov 17, 2011–Apr 28, 2013 at The Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco.

These lessons provide a streamlined overview of Bay Area Jewish history for teachers. Students will understand how the Bay Area Jewish community is unique and what events and situations led to the development and continuation of the community’s pioneering character, learn to analyze primary sources to uncover historical information, and connect the exhibition content (and the Bay Area Jewish experience) to themselves and their own communities.

about this resource

This curriculum guide provides lesson plans exploring the unique character of the Bay Area Jewish community, its origins during the Gold Rush and its continued pioneering spirit. It contains resources for analyzing primary source documents and activities designed to help students connect this history to their own communities. Additionally, the guide includes a streamlined overview of Bay Area Jewish history for teachers.

Contents

  • Curriculum Goals

  • About This Curriculum Resource Guide

  • Introduction to California Dreaming

  • Background Information for Teachers

  • Lesson 1: What Is a Community? What Is a Jewish Community? Where and What Is the Bay Area Jewish Community?

  • Lesson 2: The Pioneering Spirit and the Gold Rush

  • Lesson 3: Local Jewish History and My Community

  • Moses at Half Dome: Looking at the Windows of Congregation Sherith Israel

  • Appendix

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supporters

California Dreaming: Jewish Life in the Bay Area From the Gold Rush to the Present was organized by The Contemporary Jewish Museum with leading support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Jim Joseph Foundation. Presenting partners include the Gaia Fund and Osterweis Capital Management. Major support comes from the Estate of Sidney and Vivian Konigsberg. Supporting sponsors include Levi Strauss & Co., The Donald and Carole Chaiken Foundation, Catherine and James Koshland, and Alison Gelb Pincus and Mark Pincus. Additional generous support comes from Dana Corvin and Harris Weinberg, Robin Reiner and Fred Isaac from the Frederick J. Isaac Philanthropic Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay, Randall E. Laroche and David G. Laudon, Ruth and Don Seiler, and Barclay and Sharon Simpson.

The Koret and Taube Foundations are the lead supporters of the 2012–13 exhibition season.

School and Teacher Programs are made possible by Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Additional leadership support is provided by the Hearst Foundations. the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, and the Morris Stulsaft Foundation.