Herzl & The Zionist Movement - Session 02 - The Founding of the State of Israel
Brief
Chanichim will encounter some key writings related to the place of Israel in the Jewish people’s lives and become acquainted with the history of the Modern Zionist movement.
Equipment
Appendix II (1 copy per chanich/a)
Appendix III (1 copy to hang up)
Appendix IV (1 copy for each chevruta)
Appendix V (1 copy for the madrich/a)
Pencils (1 for each chanich/a)
Activity length: 45 minutes
Age Groups
Elementary, Middle School
Topics
Zionism
Shabbat Apropriate
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Program
At the start of this session, the madrich/a should note that, despite God’s promise to Abraham, the Jews were exiled from the land of Israel in the year 70 CE and did not regain sovereignty for nearly 1,900 years, until May 14, 1948. In the interim, however, Jews around the world never let go of their connection to the Promised Land.
The madrich/a may comment that the siddur is filled with references to Israel and encourage the chanichim to focus on things they already know but may not have considered in this context. For instance:
When Jews pray, they face Jerusalem and the site of the Holy Temple.
At the end of the Pesach Seder, we say “Next Year in Jerusalem.” While we may take this for granted today, because any of us could get on an airplane and literally be in Jerusalem on the next day, much less next year, for many, many years this phrase reflected a heartfelt dream that seemed beyond fulfillment for all but the most determined Jews.
The madrich/a should note that this connection displayed itself in many ways. Among them: the 11th-12th century Spanish Jewish poet Yehuda Halevi wrote extensively about his love of Israel. One of his most famous works, “My Heart Is in the East,” is a classic poem.
The madrich/a should distribute the poem found in Appendix II, read and study it together.
The madrich/a should introduce an image of Theodor Herzl (Appendix III) and ask chanichim for their first thoughts when they see his picture and hear his name.
The madrich/a should divide the group into chevrutot or small groups and distribute Appendix IV (excerpts from Herzl’s famous book, The Jewish State.)
Chanichim should be instructed to read through the text and mark points that they find interesting or confusing.
The madrich/a should then lead a discussion about this unlikely “father of Modern Zionism,” based on the points that the chanichim bring up for discussion.
Please note that Appendix V is included in order to provide some background information to the madrich/a about Herzl.
Sikkum discussion points:
Does anyone of us feel a connection to Israel like that expressed by Yehuda HaLevi?
How would the world be different today if Herzl had not become the “father of Modern Zionism”?
Conclude by asking chanichim to ponder the tremendous changes in the world – and the Jewish world – since Herzl’s time. Remind them that nobody could have foreseen the Holocaust, but ask them to consider how the events of World War Two might have unfolded differently if Israel had existed then.
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