This document is an ABC book about Israel that was created by second grade students. It uses Hebrew, Arabic, and English words to describe different letters and the corresponding people, places, animals, holidays, and other aspects of Israeli culture. For each letter, 1-3 short facts or terms related to Israel are provided in the main languages of the country. The book touches on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as it relates to Israeli history and society.

1. The ABC's of Israel created by Room 8 2 nd Grade, Asa C. Adams School Orono, Me December 2008

2. Shalom is a Hebrew greeting. Marhaba is an Arabic greeting. Hello is an English greeting. These are the 3 main languages of Israel. This ABC book will use Hebrew, Arabic, and English words.

3. A is for: Arabic ~ one of 3 main languages of Israel Arbah ~ the number 4 in Hebrew Arbaa ~ the number 4 in Arabic Afikoman ~ is a piece of matza hidden during the Passover Seder as part of a game.

4. B is for: Bethlehem ~ a city in Israel. Christian people believe that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

5. C is for: Chutzpah ~ a Hebrew word for nerve like an attitude Challah ~ a kind of Jewish bread that is usually braided.

6. D is for: Desert ~ more than half of Israel is a desert. Dead Sea ~ is the deepest, salt water lake in the world. It is 8.6 times saltier than the ocean.

7. E is for: English ~ one of 3 main languages used in Israel Esair ~ Hebrew word for 10

8. F is for: Four Questions ~ On Passover, 4 questions are asked and answered as a way to remember why it is celebrated

9. G is for: Gelt ~ a Hebrew word for money, at Hannukkah, children get candy gelt Gaza ~ a city that was once part of Israel but was given to the Palestines in 2005

10. H is for: Humans ~ Humans have lived in Israel for over 3,000 years Hanukkah ~ a Jewish holiday about the miracle of the lights

11. I is for: Israel ~ became a modern country in 1948 Id al-fitr ~ is the feast at the end of Ramadan, a Muslim holiday Ibex ~ a wild goat that lives in Israel

12. J is for: Jerusalem ~ the capital city of Israel. It is over 3,000 years old.

13. K is for: Kibbutz ~ a place where everyone works together and lives together like a giant family. The work is usually a farm or a small factory. Kaif ~ means “how” in Arabic

14. L is for: Lion ~ is a symbol of Israel Latkes ~ potato pancakes, a Jewish food La ~ means “no” in Arabic

15. M is for: Menorah ~ a candle holder for either seven or nine candles used in the Jewish religion Mishmish ~ hebrew word for apricot Matzah ~ is a crunchy munchy cracker eaten instead of bread during Passover

16. N is for: Negev Desert ~ This desert takes up more than half of Israel. It is very dry. Between June and October it doesn't rain at all!

17. O is for: Ostrich ~ a bird that lives in Israel.

18. P is for: Passover ~ a Jewish holiday to celebrate when they escaped from Egyptian slavery

19. Q is for Quran ~ this is the holy book of Islam Qahwa ~ is the Arabic word for coffee

20. R is for: Ramadan ~ a Muslim holiday to celebrate the Quran. During the day, Muslims fast to learn patience, sacrifice, and humility.

21. S is for: Sitti ~ this means “Grandma” in Arabic Seder ~ is a feast in Hebrew Shabat Shalom ~ means “Peace in the Home” in Hebrew

22. T is for: al Thalatha ~ means “Tuesday” in Arabic Tzedakah ~ means to give money to the poor in Hebrew

23. U is for: Umna ~ the mother of Mohammed. Mohammed is a prophet of God in the Muslim religion.

24. V is for: Vav ~ is a letter in the Hebrew alphabet

25. W is for: White oryx ~ this is an animal that lives in Israel.

26. X is for: X ~ X is sometimes used as an abbreviation for the word, “Christ”. Christian is one of three main religions of Israel

27. Y is for: Young volunteers come from all over the world to work in Israel.

28. Z is for: Zayda ~ means “Grandfather” in Hebrew