Learning with the National Library of Israel

Water: Can’t Live Without It

Water is an indispensable resource whose significance has always been central for the Jewish people. Due to both geographical and political factors, Israel’s dependence on water cannot be understated. Throughout history, even before the establishment of the state, Israel placed real importance on water—on its conservation, its purity, and its source. 
The National Library of Israel contains resources from the last hundred years that convey the centrality of water in Israeli’s history. An examination of these resources shows us what was done in the past and helps us to assess what needs to be done in the future. 
This activity about water in Israel can be taught in Jewish Studies lessons in the weeks running up to Sukkot or Shavuot or in general lessons about Israel.
Teachers of Geography can use this lesson when teaching about arid regions, the Middle East, global water resources, or sustainability.
Likewise, Science teachers can use it when teaching about the importance of water to life on earth. 
Most of the posters used from the NLI’s collections are written in easy Hebrew and could therefore be used by Hebrew teachers teaching about Israel

 

 

Stage 1 – Source Analysis (for teaching before Sukkot)

 

This activity opens with analysis of a photograph from the NLI collections. 
If you are using this activity without connection to Sukkot, we suggest that you start from Stage Two.

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Festival of Water, Kibbutz Ginegar, 1942

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The photograph shows kindergarten children and their teacher during the Festival of Water. 
The Festival of Water is celebrated at Shavuot and Sukkot. Kibbutzim used to celebrate this festival at Sukkot in order to revive the Simchat Beit Hashoeva tradition from Temple times. This tradition took place during chol hamoed, the intermediate days of Sukkot, when water from the local springs was brought into the Temple. It continued all night and as stated in  the Talmud (Tractate Sukkah 51a-53a): 

“Whoever has not seen a Simchat Beit Hashoeva has never seen joy in his life.”

Due to its location in the Middle East with its hot climate, water has always played a central role to life in the Land of Israel. From early in the twentieth century, kibbutzim were established as agricultural societies, and water was therefore a key factor in their livelihood and success. Today, Israel’s economy is based more on industry, commerce, and technology than agriculture, but Israel still has to cope with its existence in a dry region. As a result of this reality, Israel has become a leading country in water conservation technologies.

The Role of Water in the Jewish Festivals
Water plays a central part in Judaism, in particular in the celebration of festivals. One of Sukkot’s most festive traditions was known as Simchat Beit Hashoevah, the Celebration of Water Drawing, when water was poured over the altar of the Temple in a special ceremony. This ritual was celebrated with music, dancing, and singing all night long. Every morning of Sukkot at daybreak, a group of Levites and priests went down to the Shiloach stream and drew fresh water to be poured on the altar after the daily morning sacrifice. 
Since the early twentieth century, it has been customary in Israel for children to play games with water at Shavuot. Shavuot is the festival commemorating the giving of the Torah; the Torah, like water, signifies the source of all life. 
Water also plays a significant role during Pesach: there is water on the Seder Plate; during the Seder we retell the story of the Exodus and the parting of the Red Sea which allowed the Children of Israel to cross to safety; and we pray for dew to help the crops grow during the dry summer months.

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Discussion Points

Observation

• Who is in the picture?

• What are they wearing? 

• Where are they?

• When was the picture taken?

 

Reading Between the Lines

• Why are the children wearing white clothes?

• What do you think is the special occasion?

• At what time of year is this activitytaking place?

• Why does it take place at this time of year?
   

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Stage 2 – General Discussion about Water

 

Stage two entails a general discussion about the role of water in our lives.

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Discussion Point

• Where does water come from?

• How does it get to our taps?

• Why is water important in our lives? 

• What are the different uses of water?

• Before the Industrial Revolution (and still today in developing countries), people lived close to water sources and were very dependent on the availability of water.
  Why was water so crucial in those times?

• In developed countries, where the economy is not based on agriculture, people also inhabit areas that are not so abundant with water.
  How is this possible?

• What are the uses of  water in developed countries besides agriculture?

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Suggested Links

• Top five reasons why water is important to our everyday life, Water Technology 

• Water, La Leva - Association for freedom of choice and free information 

• Water—The Most Important Liquid on Earth,  English Online 

• Global Issues: Water, United Nations

 

 

Stage 3 - Discussion about Water in Israel

 

Stage three opens with a discussion of Israel’s water resources.
Israel, like all other countries, needs water for agriculture, industry, and domestic use. However, Israel has challenges providing water to its citizens.

At this stage, it is important to deal with the following questions:

• Why is water so important in Israel?

• What are Israel’s water sources? 

• What effect does Israel’s geographical location have on its access to water?

 

Links to Information about Water in Israel

• Water supply and sanitation in Israel, Wikipedia

• Water resources of Israel, Geological Survey of Israel

• Israel’s chronic water problem, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Israel’s chronic water problem, Jewish Virtual Library

• How Israel is solving the global water crisis, The Tower

• Innovations overcoming water scarcity, OECD Observer

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Activity

Take a look at the following three photographs and analyse them using the following questions:

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Discussion Points

• Describe what you see in the pictures.

• What challenges do people who live in these areas face?

• Why do you think people choose to live in these areas?

• How does the government help communities in these areas?

• Could you imagine living there? Why? Why not?

• Can you find pictures of towns in the Negev desert? 

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Stage 4 - How has Israel attempted to solve its water problems?

 

As previously discussed, Israel has few natural water sources but as the famous quote says: “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Israel has, nonetheless, become a global leader on water conservation and technology.

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• Divide your class into groups.

• Each group will receive one of the following primary sources and answer the discussion points provided

• Each group will then present their primary source and demonstrate how Israel has overcome its water shortage.

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Note – the resources are of different levels; some are mainly images while others are high level texts. We suggest that you choose the resources according to the students’ levels.

Stage 5 – Summary

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Suggested Discussion Points

• Over the years, how has Israel tried to solve its water problems?

• From what you have seen, do you think water conservation is part of the Israeli national consciousness? 

• What is the state of Israel’s water supply at the moment? 
  Look for information about water sources in Israel today and conservation technology. 

• All Middle Eastern countries face problems in their water supply and quality. 
  What technology could Israel share with other countries in the region? 

• How could this help those countries?

• Does Israel already help other countries in the region?

• Do you think more joint projects could help promote peace in the region? Why? Why not?

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Stage Five – Group Presentations

• The groups will now create a presentation, video clip, poster, article, or exhibition on the subject of “Water in Israel” focusing on one of the following topics (or others of your choosing):

  • A geographical survey of Israel’s water sources

  • A history of Israel’s water sources

  • The reasons why water is important in Israel

  • The steps Israel has taken to deal with its water problem

  • Your suggestions for dealing with Israel’s water problem

  • The wider implications of solving Israel’s water problem

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Links to Information about Water in Israel

• Water supply and sanitation in Israel, Wikipedia

• Water resources of Israel, Geological Survey of Israel

• Israel’s chronic water problem, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Israel’s chronic water problem, Jewish Virtual Library

• How Israel is solving the global water crisis, The Tower

• Innovations overcoming water scarcity, OECD Observer

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We invite you to send us your creations at education.uk@nli.org.il and we will upload the best to our website.

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