The Fabric of Freedom: Constitutional Thinking and the Jewish American Experience

How do the Constitution’s enduring principles take shape in the lived experiences of diverse communities across America? This session invites educators to explore that question through a dual lens. Participants will engage with the National Constitution Center’s nonpartisan, primary source-driven approach to examining religious liberty, while also tracing the rich and evolving story of Jewish life in America in partnership with the Institute for Curriculum Services (ICS). Together, these perspectives offer a deeper understanding of how constitutional ideals are interpreted, experienced, and carried forward across generations. Part 1: Constitutional Thinking & Storytelling with the National Constitution Center (NCC) The NCC will demonstrate how to bring the First Amendment to life through two core pillars of its educational framework: Historical Foundations through Storytelling and Constitutional Thinking Skills. Grounded in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, participants will: