This unit will offer an introduction to the Israeli political system and an overview of the current leadership. Through simulation activities and the study of current political developments as well as traditional Jewish texts, the unit will focus on how Israeli leadership may take shape in the near future.  The unit is adaptable for younger chanichim.

This activity aims to expose campers to the rich diversity of Israeli society. We will discuss the advantages and challenges that arise when a society is composed of different groups with unique identities and visions for Israel's future.

The goal of this program is to share personal Israel-related experiences and stories. Suggestions to encourage sharing and listening in a respectful and non-judgmental environment appear at the end.

The goal of this 6-session program is to provide an understanding of the politics of a united Jerusalem.

The objective of this activity is to introduce chanicim to the history and meaning of Hatikva, Israel’s national anthem.

In this session we will use examples of Israeli and Palestinian maps to explore and compare how national narratives are captured. As we listen to the stories these different maps tell, we will discover new ways to engage campers, counselors, and staff in a pluralistic approach to discussing Israel and the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

The goal of this program is to introduce campers to the dichotomy of Israel as both a Jewish and Democratic state, and engage campers in dialogue about how Jewish and democratic values can be synthesized.

The goal of this program is to share personal Israel-related experiences and stories. The appendix contains four methods to encourage sharing and listening in a respectful and non-judgmental environment.

The goal of this program is to create a non-judgemental and safe environment for campers to discuss and articulate their views on Israel.

This activity explores the meaning and purpose of slogans, with a particular focus on the slogans that have emerged in Israel after October 7.

This program introduces campers to the idea of what makes a hero, especially in the context of the events of October 7 and its aftermath.

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

The goal of this program is to help campers with the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel, including the values it embodies. 

The goal of this program is to share personal Israel-related experiences and stories. Suggestions to encourage sharing and listening in a respectful and non-judgmental environment appear at the end.

The essence of this peulah is to spark reflection and discussion about Jewish identity, Israel and Peoplehood through various depictions of the Star of David.

The goal of this program is to engage campers in a discussion about the connection between Zionism and Judaism, the place of Zionism in Jewish history, and the meaning of Zionism for each of them personally.

The objective of this activity is to introduce chanicim to the history and meaning of Hatikva, Israel’s national anthem.

This activity is designed for an entire edah. It is designed to be utilized in conjunction with the “Israeli Politics: Is There Future Leadership?” unit, but could also be utilized as a stand alone peulat erev or as a component of a Yom Meyuchad.

Through this program campers will be introduced to the call-up protocol of Tsav 8 used by the IDF for urgent situations.  Tsav 8 will be used to engage campers in a broader discussion about what a person feels is worth fighting for.

This program introduces campers to the idea of what makes a hero, especially in the context of the events of October 7 and its aftermath.

The objective of this activity is to introduce chanicim to the history and meaning of Hatikva, Israel’s national anthem.

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.