Dilemmas of Our Time

Brief

The goal of this program is to incentivize dialogue around key issues related to Israel.

Equipment

• Menus featuring four different snack choices for each table.

• Dilemma menus and materials for each table.

• Snacks sufficient for four rounds of discussion.

• screen and speaker to show video clip (optional).

Activity length: 60-70 mins 

• Opening (5 minutes)

• Discussion rounds (45 mins)

• Optional video (5 mins)

• Sharing of impressions or afterthoughts (10 mins)

Age Groups

High School, Staff

Topics

Community, Culture, Politics, Zionism

Adaptable for Shabbat

Most of the program is discussion-based and therefore shabbat appropriate. There is an option for a video when the program is run not on Shabbat.

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Goals & Overview

1. Create a safe environment for open and respectful dialogue.

1. Discuss some of the key social, political, and moral dilemmas concerning Israel today.

Thought Questions / שאלות למחשבה

1. What is the best way to solve disagreements?

2. What role can/should American Jews have in shaping events in Israeli society?

3. How can the gaps between Israelis be bridged?

For the facilitator

Café Dilemma introduces chanichim to some of the complex debates taking place in Israeli society.  The goal is for chanichim to grasp the essence of the dispute, even if they can't be resolved.  A simulated cafe environment incentivizes dialogue.

Four current topics have been chosen to be debated.

1. Can Israel simultaneously be a Jewish and a Democratic state?

2. Should ultra orthodox Jews be conscripted into the IDF?

3. May public space in Tel Aviv hold gender segregated tefilot?  

4. Should Israel risk the lives of soldiers in order to recover bodies of fallen soldiers and citizens?

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Program

1. Divide into four sub-groups, ideally 8-10 participants each.

1. Introduction to the concept of Cafe Dilemma and 1-sentence presentation of topics (5 mins).

2. Discussion rounds (10 minutes each).

• Chanichim remain at their assigned tables.  

• At the beginning of each round, food is ordered for the table, which is delivered by a madrich/discussion facilitator.  Each facilitator should be familiar with all four topics. 

• With each round, a new discussion topic is introduced.

• If feasible, the facilitator can shuffle groups in between rounds to enable a varied perspective among chanichim.

3. After four rounds of discussion, invite chanichim to share their impressions.

4. If time permits, and if it’s not Shabbat, share Aner Sapira’s song.

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