In this introductory discussion, chanichim will share their impressions and understanding of Israel as they explore the geography of the country and the reasons it holds a special place for Jews around the world.

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.

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.

Provide a broad overview of the waves of Jewish immigration to Palestine between the end of the 19th century and the middle of the 20th century. Rather than provide a detailed history of each wave, the madrich/a should try to prompt chanichim to envision the circumstances that prompted European Jews to leave their homes at various times between 1882 and the 1940s, and to begin to understand the reality they faced in Palestine.

Develop awareness of the international support for Israel’s establishment and the founders’ readiness to compromise in the name of peace. Foster discussion about the importance of security, peace, and international acceptance. Help chanichim try to think in the mindset of Jews (and others) in the late 1940s. 

Acquaint chanichim with the tenets of the Declaration of Independence and help them understand the significance of what was achieved on May 14, 1948.

Create an opportunity for chanichim to talk about the personal significance they attribute to Israel, the commitment and attachment they feel for the state, and how they benefit from its existence. Challenge chanichim who profess a feeling of attachment to do more to express or act on that attachment.  Designed to sum up the core sessions in this unit on the establishment of the State of Israel, this session should encourage chanichim to revisit the subject of what Israel means to them.

This activity can be a standalone activity or part of a larger Yom Meyuhad program. The goal is to provide a fun, challenging opportunity for chanichim to experience something that parallels the efforts of pre-State Zionists who were willing to risk everything to break through the British blockade of the Homeland.

Whether you’re the first or the tenth member of your family to come to Camp Ramah, you surely have some ideas about this place and the experiences it offers. Like any place or any thing, you like some aspects and might be less enthusiastic about some others. Now you have a chance to fashion a Jewish community the way you think it should be.