Lesson Plan - Student Worksheet - Bibliography/Resources EPISODE: 1 "Something From Nothing: The Shumiatcher Saga" Directed by David Paperny SYNOPSIS Judah and Chasia Shumiatcher were Russian Jews who emigrated to Canada in the early 1900s. This film explores the historical, cultural, and economic evolution of the Shumiatchers and their descendants and the important economic and cultural contributions this Jewish family has made to Canada. KEY IDEAS The reasons behind Russian Jewish emigration The contribution of Jewish immigrants to Canada The success of the Shumiatcher Family KEY TERMS Torah Scroll Synagogue Kosher Yiddish Pogroms OBJECTIVES To understand the contributing factors of Jewish emigration from Russia To appreciate the contributions Jewish immigrants have made to the cultural and economic evolution of Canada To develop an awareness of basic Jewish customs STUDENT ACTIVITIES Develop a time chart showing significant events relating to Jewish immigration to Canada. Begin your timeline in 1750. Create a genealogy chart for the Shumiatchers, starting with Judah and Chasia. Wherever possible, indicate the type of occupation their descendants had/have. Create a map showing the geographical dispersion of the Shumiatchers family from their arrival in Canada to today. Using an organizer like the one below, compare the lifestyle and values of Jewish families as portrayed by the Shumiatchers with that of your own family. CRITERIA SHUMIATCHERS MY FAMILY General Beliefs Vocation Religion [Chart] Role of Parents Role of Grandparents Work Ethic Choose one of the following people and prepare a three minute biographical presentation. Be sure to focus on their contribution to Canadian society. Dave Barrett Samuel Bronfman Leonard Cohen Garth Drabinsky Barbara Frum Herb Gray Lorne Greene A. M. Klein Irving Layton Stephen Lewis Peter C. Newman Morris Shumiatcher, through the Smithbilt Hat Company, created a symbol that has come to represent western Canadian hospitality -- the white cowboy hat or Stetson. Identify positive qualities or characteristics that in some way make a statement about your community. Develop a symbol that can be easily associated with these qualities, using paper and pastels or coloured pencils. Prepare a three minute presentation about these important characteristics. Write a brief report explaining the basic beliefs and customs of Orthodox Judaism. Some things you may want to consider in your report are: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Purim, Passover, Shavuot, Hannukah Explain the following Jewish customs: Why do Jews put stones on the grave when visiting a gravesite? What happens on the Sabbath? What is an Orthodox Jewish wedding like? Top of Page