Imagine a Jewish State - Session 03 - The Founding of the State of Israel
Brief
In this session, the chanichim will begin to apply what they have discussed and learned in the past two sessions. They’ve studied Biblical texts that form the basis for the Jewish connection to the Land of Israel, and they have become acquainted with the ongoing ties that bind Jews to Israel. Finally, they have read some of Herzl’s thoughts on the importance of a sovereign Jewish entity. Now it’s the group’s turn to determine what they think a Jewish state should be all about.
Equipment
Resource: Appendix VI (either 1 copy per/chanich/a, or 1 copy to be hung up around the room)
Paper
Pens
Activity length: 45 minutes
Age Groups
Elementary, Middle School
Topics
Zionism
Not Shabbat Apropriate
Download for Printing
Program
The madrich/a should begin a whole group dialogue that encourages chanichim to think about what they believe are the most important attributes they would want to see in Israel if they were designing the State.
The brainstorming part of this session can be conducted by the entire group or by dividing the group into chevrutas of two or three.
After a short brainstorming session, the madrich/a should explain that the chanichim are now going to be taking part in an extensive brainstorming session about what the ideal State of Israel would like in their opinion.
The madrich/a may opt to distribute Appendix VI to each chanich/a and review it briefly with the chanichim before sending them off to work on their own or in chevrutot.
The madrich/a could also write each bullet point from Appendix VI on big sheets of paper and hang them around the room or area where the session is taking place.
If the chanichim are using Appendix VI, they should use the bullet points to guide their conversation about the state as they envision it. What kind of state do they want to see? Is religion important? How about the rights of minorities? Is there an official religion? An official language? What matters most? What is expendable? They should write down their answers and thoughts that come out of the discussion.
If the bullet points have been hung up, the chanichim should walk around and write down their own thoughts to each of the questions on the big sheets of paper.
After chanichim have brainstormed, representatives from each group will present their thoughts to the assembled larger group, looking for overlap and discrepancies.
The madrich/a should keep track of suggestions and visions, and chanichim should be encouraged to comment on ideas and elements as they are posted.
Sikkum discussion points:
All of us have different ideas about what matters most in a Jewish state. How can we ensure that we create a community that includes everyone?
Remember that the people who built the Jewish state came from many different backgrounds and cultures. Stress the challenge of helping them maintain their own identity while joining together around a central idea.
End by urging chanichim to reflect on the achievements of Israel in its short existence. From a group of people who had little in common, they have evolved into a strong country with a distinct culture and so much more.
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