Lesson Plan

Myth: Jews Killed Jesus

Poster of Mel Gibson’s "The Passion of the Christ”

Poster of The Passion of the Christ, Mel Gibson’s controversial film, which was called a religious classic by some, while others claimed it promoted antisemitism.

GRADE LEVEL: High School

COMMON CORE STANDARDS: Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening, Language

SEL STANDARDS*: Self Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness

About this Lesson Plan

Part of a series of lessons, students will examine seven of the most common antisemitic myths. For each myth, students will use ADL’s Antisemitism Uncovered resource to examine its history and historical context. Students will analyze historical and contemporary examples of each myth to understand its impact of antisemitism on the Jewish community and society at large.

This lesson will examine the myth that the Jewish people are collectively responsible for the death of Jesus Christ.

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will understand the definitions of antisemitism, myth and trope and their connection.
  • Students will examine the myth that the Jewish people are collectively responsible for the death of Jesus Christ.
  • Students will analyze the impact of contemporary and historical examples of the antisemitic myth that the Jews killed Jesus Christ.
  • Students will recognize the connection between antisemitism and other forms of hate, bias and oppression.

*Based on CASEL's SEL Framework

Other Lessons in This Series