Magen David and Me

Brief

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.

Equipment

• The David card kit, consisting of 40 printed cards depicting a variety of illustrations of the star of David - positive, negative, and thought-provoking. The kit includes five illustrations inspired by the events of October 7th.  Each kit has a facilitator's guide in Hebrew and English. The kit is obtainable from the Rosh Chinuch.

• Materials to create a personalized Jewish star (paper, markers)

Activity length: 35-50 minutes

• Facilitator introduction (5 minutes)

• Campers view cards which are either mounted on walls or on the floor (10 mins)

• Rounds of discussion based on framing questions (10 mins each round)

• Personal Jewish star creation (15 minutes)

Age Groups

Elementary, Middle School, High School, Staff

Topics

Zionism

Topics

Adaptable for Shabbat

The peulah is adaptable for Shabbat if the personal Jewish star creation is eliminated. 

Download for Printing

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Goals & Overview

1. Initiate thoughtful discussion and reflection on the issues of Jewish identity, Zionist identity and Peoplehood.

2. Discuss how one’s relationship to Judaism and Zionism may have changed or evolved after Oct 7.

3. Encourage artistic expression of one’s Jewish and Zionist identity.

Thought Questions / שאלות למחשבה

1. What do you feel when you see the Star of David?

2. What is the most important thing to you about being Jewish?

3. What might cause you to feel close to Israel?

For the facilitator

The Star of David is an enduring symbol of Jewish identity.  Not only is it featured on the flag of the State of Israel, but Jews often wear a Star of David as a pendant to express their sense of belonging to the Jewish people, or during times of crisis.  This program makes creative use of the Star of David by presenting a wide variety of depictions of the Magen David.  Viewing these various depictions is intended to encourage campers to think reflectively about their Jewish and Zionist identity.  The intention of the program is not to steer campers toward a specific conclusion or fixed idea about their Jewish or Zionist identity.  The facilitator must make room for campers to express themselves freely.

Program

1. The facilitator introduces the session, explains that the purpose of the activity is to explore one’s Jewish and Zionist identity.

2. The facilitator can:

1. Explain that the Star of David is an important and central Jewish symbol.

2. Ask campers where they have seen the symbol, if they have worn one or know someone who does.

3. Ask campers what the symbol means to them.  

3. Having placed the set of cards around the room (or on the floor), the facilitator invites campers to view the cards with a specific focus.  

1. First round: “Me and my relationship to Judaism”

2. Second round: “Me and my relationship to Israel”

4. Each round of viewing the cards should take approximately 10 minutes.

5. Prior to each round, the facilitator should ask campers to choose 1-2 cards that they gravitate toward or find especially interesting or meaningful.

6. After each round, ask campers to come together as a group to share their impressions of the cards.

7. After both rounds have been completed, and if time permits (and if it’s a weekday), distribute materials and invite campers to create their own Star of David.  Campers can be asked to share their thoughts behind their artistic choices.

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