Lesson

Israel and Its Neighbors: Society and Culture

Students learn about some of the cultural features of Jerusalem by exploring its holy sites and its market. Then students explore the cultural heritage of Jaffa. Finally, students research and create a travel brochure for a city in Lebanon, Syria, or Jordan.

Preview the Lesson Back to Southwest Asia and North Africa

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Overview

In this experience, students learn about some of the cultural features of Jerusalem by exploring its holy sites and its market. Then students explore the cultural heritage of Jaffa. Finally, students research and create a travel brochure for a city in Lebanon, Syria, or Jordan.

Objectives:

Identify different holy sites in Jerusalem.
Describe cultural heritage.

Jerusalem is a holy city for people of three religions: Jews, Christians, and Muslims. What is Jerusalem like today? How does it reflect the culture and society of that region of the world? In this experience, you’ll explore various aspects of Jerusalem. By the time you are finished with the experience, you may want to get an airplane ticket so you can go visit!

Objectives:

Identify different holy sites in Jerusalem.
Describe cultural heritage.

man serving food from a large platter in a restaurant

Falafel in Ramallah, Palestinian Territories

Let’s begin this experience by visiting the Mahane Yehuda Market. Watch the first few minutes of the video.

Describe the sights and sounds you observe in the video. What do you think it feels and smells like to walk through a Middle Eastern souk?

Post your answer

Discuss students’ impressions of the video tour of the Mahane Yehuda Market. This type of market—called a souk—is found throughout the Middle East and Asia.

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