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Seventh Graders Discuss Cultural, Social, and Moral Issues in Fictional Trial through JCAT Program
Throughout the fall semester, seventh grade Judaic studies students have been participating in a unique and innovative program, Jewish Court of All Time (JCAT). In partnership with the University of Michigan, University of Cincinnati, and The Davidson School of Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary, JCAT is an exercise in empathy and imagination, as well as critical thinking. The program empowers students to delve into history by assuming the roles of iconic figures and debating moral dilemmas, while interacting with a large cast of their middle school peers from Jewish day schools throughout North America. This week, seventh graders had the opportunity to introduce themselves via Skype to the program's co-creators and discuss JCAT with them.
“The students truly love becoming another persona and taking on a case and interacting as that persona,” says Judaic studies teacher Jody Bloom. “This program gives them the opportunity to be whoever they wish to be.”
This year’s trial centers around whether or not Israel is responsible for the refugees who illegally entered the country. Brandeis students were well represented throughout the trial; while Brandeis students comprised only 8 percent of the characters participating, they made up 20 percent of the 25 justices (as selected by all of the participants to represent everyone and determine a decision). Characters from our Brandeis seventh grade included Winston Churchill, Zeus, Peeta Mellark, John Lennon, and Albus Dumbledore.
“I think the fact that everybody in the simulation was a historical or literary figure enriched the quality of conversation,” says seventh grader Max B. Adds student Jenna S., “I really enjoyed JCAT and thought it was interesting and thought-provoking. When everybody is a character or historical figure, then almost nobody is a stranger.” MORE PHOTOS
