Zionism and Me

Brief

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.

Equipment

Screen for showing video, poster board or jumbo post-it note, small sheets of paper or note cards and envelopes sufficient for each camper.

Activity length: 45-60 minutes

• Opening (5-10 minutes)

• View video: The True Origins of Zionism (10 minutes)

• Small group discussion (15-20 minutes)

• Individual reflection and writing (10-15 minutes)

Age Groups

Middle School, High School

Topics

Politics, Community

Topics

Adaptable for Shabbat

Since the core of the program is the video, it is not adaptable for Shabbat.

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Goals & Overview

1. Impart information about the history and origins of Zionism.

2. Engage campers in a discussion of the place of Zionism in Jewish history.

3. Enable campers to begin formulating their personal views of Zionism..

Thought Questions / שאלות למחשבה

1. Do you consider yourself to be a Zionist?

2. How do you feel when you hear the word Zionism?

3. Has your view of Zionism changed or evolved since October 7?

4. Can you be Jewish without being a Zionist?

For the facilitator

Zionism is fundamental to Judaism.  Despite its importance and its place in Jewish history, especially in the past 150 years, Zionism is seen by some as controversial.  For some, a relationship to Zionism comes naturally and is strong and vibrant.  Others have a more complicated relationship to the State of Israel.  This program is designed as a beginning step in the process of formulating and clarifying one’s relationship to Zionism and the State of Israel.

Program

1. The facilitator introduces the session, explains that the purpose of the activity is to begin the process of formulating and clarifying one’s views of Zionism and the State of Israel.

2. The facilitator asks campers to share any information or facts they know about Zionism.

3. The video is shown to campers.

4. At the conclusion of the video, the facilitator divides the group into smaller discussion groups.  Use the resource “Small Group Discussion Trigger Questions.”

5. The facilitator should move between groups to ensure they are focused.

6. When the facilitator senses that small groups discussion has run its course, campers should be invited to write a personal reflection.  Use the resource: “Personal Reflection Trigger Questions.”

7. The facilitator may consider collecting campers’ reflections and placing them in envelopes.  Campers can revisit their reflections at the end of the summer.

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