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Coalition for Jewish Learning

Educator Resources

Explore a collection of downloadable lesson plans and educational resources focused on Jewish holidays and Jewish life.

Holiday & Jewish Life Educator Resources

Jewish holidays provide structure, meaning, and connection throughout the Jewish year. These lesson plans and videos help educators teach the traditions, values, and themes of each holiday through engaging lessons that encourage reflection, discussion, and community-building in the classroom.

View General Holiday & Jewish Life Resources

Engaging, classroom-ready lesson plans and activities that help students explore Rosh Hashanah through reflection, hands-on learning, and meaningful discussion, making the holiday relevant and accessible for all learners.

Classroom-ready lesson plans and activities that guide students through the themes of Yom Kippur, reflection, responsibility, forgiveness, and personal growth, through thoughtful discussion and age-appropriate learning experiences.

Classroom-ready lesson plans and activities that explore themes of gratitude, joy, community, and Torah learning through hands-on experiences and engaging, student-centered lessons.

Classroom-ready lesson plans and activities that help educators teach the themes of Hanukkah, light, resilience, and Jewish identity, through engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences.

Tu B’Shvat is the Jewish new year for trees. It is a time to celebrate the natural world, reflect on our connection to the environment, and appreciate the growth, renewal, and sustenance that trees bring to our lives.

Purim is a festive celebration of courage and community. It is a time to retell the story of Esther, rejoice with costumes and treats, and embrace the joy, resilience, and unity at the heart of Jewish life.

Passover is the Jewish festival of freedom. It is a time to retell the Exodus story, gather for the seder, and reflect on the journey from oppression to liberation while celebrating the values that continue to guide us today.

Shavuot is the festival that celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It is a time to reflect on Jewish learning, embrace the responsibilities of our tradition, and gather in community to honor the values that shape our shared Jewish life.

Shabbat is the weekly day of rest and renewal. It is a time to pause from the demands of daily life, gather with loved ones, and embrace the peace, reflection, and connection that sustain Jewish community and spirit.

Holiday & Jewish LIfe Educator Resources

Jewish holidays provide structure, meaning, and connection throughout the Jewish year. These lesson plans and videos help educators teach the traditions, values, and themes of each holiday through engaging lessons that encourage reflection, discussion, and community-building in the classroom.

View General Holiday & Jewish Life Resources

Educator-ready resources that support Hebrew learning through accessible lessons, vocabulary-building activities, and meaningful connections to Jewish culture and daily life.

Educator-ready lesson plans and activities that bring Torah learning to life, helping students explore Jewish texts, values, and traditions through thoughtful discussion and engaging, age-appropriate study.

Classroom-ready resources that help educators teach about Israel with nuance and confidence, exploring its history, culture, and modern society through engaging, age-appropriate lessons and activities.

Connect

Portrait
  • Tziporah Altman-Shafer
  • Vice President, Jewish Communal Life & Learning
  • Email | Phone
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Portrait

Tziporah Altman-Shafer

  • Vice President, Jewish Communal Life & Learning
  • Email | Phone

Tziporah (Tzipi) Altman-Shafer is the Vice President of Jewish Communal Life and Learning. She is responsible for overseeing the Israel Center. She works with lay leaders in determining all Israel and Overseas allocations for Federation. Her responsibilities include directing the Coalition for Jewish Learning, providing support to all our local Jewish schools and educators, and overseeing the Planning Department, which is responsible for all local allocations. 

Tzipi grew up in Milwaukee and has been working in Jewish Education since 1987. She has a bachelor’s degree in Jewish Studies and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a master’s degree in Jewish Education from the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies. Before coming to MJF in 2015, she worked at summer camps, supplementary schools, and day schools (including six schools in Milwaukee). She has been a teacher, a family educator, and  director of education and worked with children of all ages. 

Portrait
  • Nicole Boico
  • Associate Director, Coalition for Jewish Learning
  • Email | Phone
Read Bio
Portrait

Nicole Boico

  • Associate Director, Coalition for Jewish Learning
  • Email | Phone

At the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, Nicole Boico partners closely with colleagues, educators, and community leaders to strengthen Jewish education across the Milwaukee community. In her role as Associate Director of the Coalition for Jewish Learning, she contributes to shaping educational strategy, supporting partner agencies, and leading initiatives that empower and uplift educators, including professional development, teacher mentoring, and community recognition programs such as the Salute to Jewish Educators. Drawing on over 15 years of combined experience in Jewish education and special education, Nicole is especially committed to helping schools create inclusive learning environments that meet the needs of all learners and reflect Jewish values. 

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband, Ilan, and their three children, Mila, Moses, and Asher. She loves traveling, shopping, singing karaoke, and curling up with a good book.