Integrating the Arts and Judaic Studies: Benefits and Challenges of Theme-Based Arts Integration

A research paper submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Master of Teaching Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of TorontoStudents at Jewish schools often find the Judaic studies component irrelevant and boring, due to the complexity of the texts that are studied and the uninspiring manner in which they are taught. The arts at Jewish schools, meanwhile, are often neglected or considered a luxury, due to the time constraints posed by a dual Jewish and secular curriculum. This qualitative research study explores the strategies, benefits and challenges of creating a curriculum that integrates the arts with Judaic studies at a Jewish day school. The findings reveal that the integration of the arts and Judaic studies at one particular Jewish school enhances students’ understanding of Judaic texts, differentiated instruction and assessment possibilities, and student engagement in Judaic studies courses. The process of planning arts integration requires a time-consuming combination of collaboration and meaningful integration choices, but is well worth the effort