Holiday Programs - HaNegev

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

HANEGEV HOLIDAY PROGRAM BANK Created by HaNegev’s Regional and Sub-Regional Boards 2013-2014 Compiled by Lili Brown, HaNegev Regional Rel/Ed VP 2013-2014

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

2013-2014 Holiday Calendar 5773-5774 Shavuot Sunset of May 14, 2013 to sunset of May 16, 2013 Tisha B’Av Sunset of July 14, 2013 to sunset of July 15, 2013 Rosh HaShanah Sunset of September 4, 2013 to sunset of September 6, 2013 Yom Kippur Sunset of September 13, 2013 (Kol Nidre) to sunset of September 14, 2013 Sukkot Sunset of September 18, 2013 to sunset of September 25, 2013 Work not permitted sunset of September 18 to sunset of September 20 Shemini Atzeret Sunset of September 25, 2013 to sunset of September 26, 2013 Simchat Torah Nightfall of September 26, 2013 to sunset of September 27, 2013 Hanukkah Sunset of November 27, 2013 to sunset of December 5, 2013 Asara B’Tevet (minor Fast Day) Sunrise of December 13, 2013 to sunset of December 13, 2013 Tu B’Shevat January 16, 2014 Ta’anit Esther (minor Fast Day) Sunrise of March 13, 2014 to sunset of March 13, 2014 Purim March 16, 2014 Passover Sunset of April 14, 2014 to sunset of April 22, 2014 Work not permitted sunset of April 14 to sunset of April 16 Work not permitted sunset of April 20 to sunset of April 22 Yom HaShoah April 28, 2014 Yom HaZikaron May 5, 2014 Yom Ha’atzmaut May 6, 2014 Key: Lag B’Omer Work permitted May 18, 2014 Work not permitted Yom Yerushalayim Mix holidays May 28, 2014

Hakuna Matata Musical Chairs Holiday: Rosh Hashanah

Submitted/Created by: Talia Fetner

Length: 1 hour

Overview / Summary of Program: Rosh Hashanah is one of the most holy holidays on the Jewish calendar as we are celebrating the Jewish New Year. On Rosh Hashanah, we eat some symbolic foods, including a round challah, which symbolizes the circle of life and the cycle of the New Year. This program plays on both aspects. Hakuna Matata musical chairs is a super fun social program to celebrate the coming of a new year. It is a giant game of musical chairs but to the soundtrack of The Lion King. Showing that it really is a circle of life, and like the challah, the game is played in a circle. When walking around in a circle around the chairs, most people typically dance when playing the average musical chairs; since this game is inspired by The Lion King, players should crawl or leap around the chairs like their favorite animal. When the winner is crowed he is the king of the jungle. Finish event with decorating cupcakes to celebrate the New Year and explain it goes along with the round theme. Have a ferROSHious Hashanah!

Supplies Needed: •

A lot of chairs

•

The soundtrack to The Lion King

•

Cupcakes

•

Cupcake decorating materials

Step-by-Step Instructions: 1. Welcome USYers to the event. 2. Explain to USYers that Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and that we eat round challah to symbolize the circle of life and the cycle of each Jewish New Year. 3. Arrange chairs into a big circle in the middle of the room. 4. Explain the rules of Hakuna Matata Musical Chairs. Play musical chairs with Lion King soundtrack.

5. Crown the winner (King of the jungle). 6. Celebrate the New Year by decorating cupcakes (going along with round theme). 7. Have an amazing new year!

Special notes to make the program successful: •

This is meant to be a really fun social program! Use this program to bond with your chapter and celebrate the New Year like it should be celebrated! You can get really into The Lion King theme! Maybe turn the room into an African safari!

•

You can also bake round challot as a chapter to bring home what they’ve learned about the cycle of the Jewish New Year. Be sure to explain why certain things to added to the round challah (i.e raisins for sweet year, etc).

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Forgiveness 101 Holiday: Yom Kippur

Submitted/Created by: Marisa Lefton

Length: 1 hour

Overview / Summary of program: Yom Kippur is all about G-d forgiving us for the sins that we have committed throughout the year. This program explains how sometimes there is no answer for when we won’t need to ask forgiveness and explains how important forgiveness is. The chapter will be split into four teams and each team will get lose-lose situations and have to explain how they would handle them best. Supplies needed: • Scenarios • Excited and energetic USYers Step by Step Instructions: 1. As the USYers come in the room, assign them to one corner of the room (these will be the four teams). 2. Have the youth director come out and act like he is hosting a TV show. 3. Every team will be given a scenario and they will come to the front of the room and explain how they would react to that scenario. 4. This would happen 4 or 5 times. 5. Examples of a lose-lose scenario: -When you are driving would you swerve out of the way not to hit a dog even though it would endanger your life. -If you and your best friend are locked in house during a hurricane; decide survival plan for both of you. -If you were on a boat with your family and it was sinking would you give a family member your life vest even though you can swim and they can’t? 6. The USYers would have to answer these questions/scenarios in a way that they would think G-d would most likely forgive them.

Special notes to make the program successful: Before everyone leaves have your Youth Director explain the importance on forgiveness in a chapter environment and why second chances are important within your chapter’s dynamic. !

Sukkot Scavenger Hut Holiday: Sukkot

Submitted/Created by: Jenna Levine

Length: 1.5 hours

Program at a Glance: Arrive at home or synagogue Perform a Scavenger Hunt that allows participants to observe the customs and mitzvot of Sukkot while having fun! Customs include: Learning about Arbah HaMinim (aka the four species) !

The four species: lulav (part of a date tree), etrog (lemon-like citrus fruit), aravah (willow tree bracnhes), hadass (myrtle tree leaves)

!

Lawful origins in the Talmud; use them in ritual Sukkot observance

!

They are to be waved on everyday of Sukkot

!

Visit Wikipedia page on The Four Species for more information on how to wave/which blessings to recite: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Species

Decorate a Sukkah Eat in a Sukkah After each activity, give the participants the clue for the next activity and have them try to guess what it’s about before moving on to the next activity

Supplies Needed: Etrog and Lulav (including all the Arbah Minim, which are etrog, lulav, hadas, and aravot) Music Player or IPod Speakers Arts and Crafts Supplies Sukkah with Table and Chairs inside Food, of course (examples of Sukkot foods: dates, grapes, zucchini, Israeli Salad…it’s a harvest holiday so keep it fresh!)

Scavenger Hunt Activities: 1. Start by playing the classic “pass the fruit under your chin” but with an Etrog to warm up the crowd! Then give the clue for the next activity. 2. Move to a different location with Music Player or IPod Speakers and Arbah Minim. Explain to the participants about the custom of “The Four Kinds” and that another custom of Sukkot is to fill the synagogues and streets with song, music, and dance until the wee hours of the morning.

Participants will split up and create an interpretive dance or song about how the best friendship of the Arbah Minim came to be (encourage them to get very creative!) a. Clue: What’s yellow, green, and leafy all around? Go shake your booty left, right, up, and down! 3. Move to the next location with the Arts and Crafts supplies. Participants will make personalized and fun decorations for the Sukkah such as paper chains or other ideas that can be found by searching “sukkah decorating ideas” on Pinterest. a. Clue: Cut, snip, glue, and draw. Doctor your hut so that it will drop a jaw! 4. What is a USY event without food? The next activity is more performing a mitzvah. The easiest mitzvah of Sukkot is to sit and eat in the Sukkot. Bring kosher snacks and have a little oneg in the Sukkah! Also, you can hang up the decorations you made previously! a. Clue: What’s puts most Americans in a good mood? Sit in the hut, eat, and schmooze! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Dancing with the Torah Holiday: Simchat Torah

Submitted/Created by: Hanna Shapiro

Length: 1-1.5 hours

Overview / Summary of Program: Chapter members will be split up into groups and each group will have to come up with dance moves and sing along to celebrate the Simchat Torah tradition of dancing with the Torah. Each group will perform their music video, which will then be recorded and posted on social media websites to be seen throughout the region.


Video camera

•

Torah

•

Props (hats, necklaces, glasses)

•

Prize for winner (of your choosing)

Step-by-Step instructions (be specific): 1. Split USYers up into even groups (if possible). 2. Explain to them that each group will have to come up with their own dance routine that they can use to put together a music video. The music video must include props to wear, a Torah, dance moves, and lyrics. 3. Give each group 30 minutes to come up with their dance moves and song to go along with it having to do with Simchat Torah. 4. Note: The lyrics must be something about Simchat Torah, but you can use a song’s beat and just change up the words to make it pertain to Simchat Torah. 5. Once the 30 minutes are up, allow each group to perform one at a time with the torah. 6. Record each music video. 7. Decide which music video and lyrics were the best and give the best group a prize!

Special Notes to make the program successful: •

Provide things that they can use in their lyrics

•

Facilitate the groups

Attach the nuts and bolts of the program here " Things that the USYers can use as lyrics pertaining to Simchat Torah

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

•

Torah

•

Unraveling

•

Dancing

•

Beginning

•

End

•

Rejoicing with the Torah

•

Torah scrolls

•

Carry

•

Waving flags

Kristallnacht Holiday: Kristallnacht

Submitted/Created by: Sam Book

Length: 45 minutes

Overview / Summary of Program: Kristallnacht, or The Night of Broken Glass, symbolizes for many in the Jewish community as the beginning of the Holocaust. If you’re reading this program, chances are you have been talked into doing a program that commemorates the Holocaust, probably not the highest topic on your list, but this, I promise, will be a meaningful event for all involved. This is an educational program that works to teach USYers of the hardships leading up to and resulting from the Kristallnacht. It is a pretty somber program, but a memorable one for sure. This program also requires full board participation.


Printed pictures of the Kristallnacht aftermath (including burned buildings, broken windows, newspaper responses, etc. Google is a good source for this)

•

Blank sheets of printer paper

•

Writing Utensils

•

Yellow “JUDE” paper stars

•

Black war paint (face paint)

•

Small Water Guns

•

Flash Lights (Ask USYers to bring from home; Cell phones CANNOT act as flashlight)

•

Many rooms or a single long hallway in which to hold separate stations

•

Information for stations 1-3 (Attached)

Step-by-Step Instructions (be specific): 1. Preparation: There will be 4 stations throughout this program, and there should be two leaders placed at each station. The lights will be out at every station requiring all to use their flashlights and to give an eerie feeling to the event. Station 1 will be the initial staging, Station two, will involve the Nazi escalation, Station 3 will be the destruction, and Station 4 will be the release and the final collection room. a. Station 1. Here USYers are educated on the happenings and anti-Semitic prejudices surrounding the beginning of the Nazi regime. They are given each a yellow JUDE

paper star, and directed to give up all watches and cell phones they have on their person. b. Station 2: Here USYers are told the hostilities around Germany and annexed Austria are escalating, and they now have to watch they’re backs for anti-Semitic violence. The USYers are given black face paint and told to stay vigilant. As the USYers leave the station, station leaders squirt them from behind with small water guns, being careful not to get too carried away. c. Station 3: Here USYers will hear information accounting the atrocities, and be read excerpts from American newspapers of the Kristallnacht. They will also each be given a piece of paper and a writing utensil and told to think of single adjective that defines them in the face of hardship (but not to write it yet). d. The release: Here, the lights are turned off and pictures of the Kristallnacht’s aftermath are posted around the room. They are directed to use their flashlights In order to view the photos, and, following viewing all of the photos, are directed to write the single adjective they thought of and a brief explanation as to why they chose this adjective. Group discussion will begin once all USYers in a specific group have completed the viewing, and their writings. Collective discussion will begin once all groups are done individually discussing. 2. Number your USYers one, two, or three, and tell them that their number is the group they will be participating in. Once groups are formed, dismiss all board members except the program leader to their stations. Release groups to station 1 while allowing a five-minute interval between each subsequent group. 3. As directed previously, station leaders will proceed with their assignments and repeat the procedure with each new group. Once no remaining groups are left to participate in your station, the two board members leading should make their way to the final station and prepare to direct the USYers to present their adjectives and explanations, and answer any questions for their corresponding group. (Corresponding groups are a follows: As group 1 of USYers has enters the final station, station 1 will be empty, so the board members from station 1 will proceed to the final station, and wait for the USYers of group 1 to finish their observations of the Kristallnacht pictures. etc.)

4. Once all group members have presented their adjectives and explanations to each other, all groups will convene together and the floor will open for group discussion.

Special notes to make the program successful: This program, in my personal experience, is good for lock-in nights, where the USYers can be emotionally impacted, but then bond throughout the night through their common emotional reaction. Everyone will be pretty emotionally riddled by the experience, so they should be given ample free time period in order to digest what they had just witnessed.

Station 1 Info: In the 1920s, most German Jews were fully integrated into German society as German citizens. They served in the German army and navy and contributed to every field of German science, business and culture. Conditions for the Jews began to change after the appointment of Adolf Hitler as Chancellor of Germany on 30 January 1933, and the assumption of power by Hitler after the Reichstag fire. From its inception, Hitler's regime moved quickly to introduce anti-Jewish policies. The 500,000 Jews in Germany, who accounted for only 0.76% of the overall population, were singled out by the Nazi propaganda machine as an enemy within who were responsible for Germany's defeat in the First World War and for its subsequent economic difficulties, such as the 1920s hyperinflation and Great Depression. Beginning in 1933, the German government enacted a series of anti-Jewish laws restricting the rights of German Jews to earn a living, to enjoy full citizenship and to gain education, including the Law for the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service, which forbade Jews to work in the civil service. The subsequent 1935 Nuremberg Laws stripped German Jews of their citizenship and forbade Jews to marry non-Jewish Germans.

Station 2 Info: The result of the Nuremberg Laws was the exclusion of Jews from German social and political life. Many sought asylum abroad; hundreds of thousands emigrated, but as Chaim Weizmann wrote in 1936, "The world seemed to be divided into two parts—those places where the Jews could not live and those where they could not enter." By 6 July 1938 more than 250,000 Jews had fled Germany and Austria, which had been annexed by Germany in March 1938; more than 300,000 German and Austrian Jews were still seeking refuge and asylum from oppression. As the number of Jews and Gypsies wanting to leave increased, the restrictions against them grew, with many countries tightening their rules for admission. By 1938, Germany "had entered a new radical phase in anti-Semitic activity." Some historians believe that the Nazi government had been contemplating a planned outbreak of violence against the Jews and were waiting for an appropriate provocation. In a 1997 interview, the German historian Hans Mommsen claimed that a major motive for the pogrom was the desire of the Gauleiters, or party leaders, of the Nazi Party to seize Jewish property and businesses.

Station 3 Info: The reaction of non-Jewish Germans to Kristallnacht was varied. Many spectators gathered on the scenes, most of them in silence. The local fire departments confined themselves to prevent the flames spreading to neighboring buildings. In Berlin, the police officer Wilhelm Krützfeld barred SA troopers from setting the New Synagogue on fire and received only a rebuke. The British historian Martin Gilbert believes that "many non-Jews resented the round up", his opinion being supported by German witness Dr. Arthur Flehinger who recalls seeing "people crying while watching from behind their curtains". The extent of the damage was so great that many Germans are said to have expressed their disapproval of it, and to have described it as senseless. In an article released for publication on the evening of 11 November, Joseph Goebbels, Reich Minister of Propaganda, ascribed the events of Kristallnacht to the "healthy instincts" of the German people. He went on to explain: "The German people are anti-Semitic. It has no desire to have its rights restricted or to be provoked in the future by parasites of the Jewish race." Eyewitness accounts show the general response: “They ripped up the belongings, the books, knocked over furniture, and shouted obscenities.” “Houses of worship burned down, vandalized, in every community in the country where people either participate or watch. There are reports of people destroying family heirlooms and committing many other acts of vandalism.

Maccabeats Holiday: Hanukkah

Submitted/Created by: Brandon Ginsberg

Length: 1 hour

Overview / Summary of program: USYers will learn about the tale of Hanukkah by creating their own song related to the events in the story. They will be split into even groups and given a fact sheet (provided below) about Hanukkah for guidance. They will then be given time to create and rehearse their song. Once completed, each group will present their song and USYers can vote for their favorite song by donating TO money to that group. The group with the most money raised will perform an encore.

Supplies needed: •

Instruments: guitars, pianos, small drums, recorder, clarinet, flute, etc.

•

Cups for TO money # remind USYers ahead of time that this is SA/TO-esque program they should bring TO money to!

•

Camera to record songs

•

Fact Sheets

Step-by-Step Instructions: 1. Begin by introducing the program and explaining what will happen. 2. Split the USYers into even groups (with about 4-5 people in each group). 3. Give each group own fact sheet. 4. Allow 20-30 minutes for the groups to create and rehearse their songs. 5. Have each group present their songs. 6. Collect votes as TO donations for each group. 7. The group with the most money raised will “win” and then perform an encore song of their choice.

Fact Sheet: Hanukkah, the "Festival of Lights," starts on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev and lasts for eight days and nights. In 2012, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 8. With blessings, games, and festive foods, Hanukkah celebrates the triumphs--both religious and military-of ancient Jewish heroes. The Hanukkah Story Nearly 2,200 years ago, the Greek-Syrian ruler Antiochus IV tried to force Greek culture upon peoples in his territory. Jews in Judea - now Israel- were forbidden their most important religious practices as well as study of the Torah. Although vastly outnumbered, religious Jews in the region took up arms to protect their community and their religion. Led by Mattathias the Hasmonean, and later his son Judah the Maccabee, the rebel armies became known as the Maccabees. After three years of fighting, in the year 3597, or about 165 B.C.E., the Maccabees victoriously reclaimed the temple on Jerusalem's Mount Moriah. Next they prepared the temple for rededication -- in Hebrew, Hanukkah means "dedication." In the temple they found only enough purified oil to kindle the temple light for a single day. But miraculously, the light continued to burn for eight days. The Hanukiah The lighting of the Hanukiah is the most important Hanukkah tradition. A menorah is a candlestand with nine branches. Usually eight candles - one for each day of Hanukkah - are of the same height, with a taller one in the middle, the shamash ("servant"), which is used to light the others. Each evening of Hanukkah, one more candle is lit, with a special blessing. The menorah symbolizes the burning light in the temple, as well as marking the eight days of the Hanukkah festival. Some say it also celebrates the light of freedom won by the Maccabees for the Jewish people. The Dreidel When the Syrians forbid study of the Torah, Jews who studied in secret kept spinning tops "sivivons, or dreidels"on hand. This way, if they were found studying, they could quickly pretend that they had only been playing. Outside of Israel, a dreidel has the Hebrew letters "nun," "gimel," "hay," and "shin" on its four sides. These letters stand for "Nes gadol haya sham," which means, "A great miracle happened there," referring to Israel. An Israeli dreidel has the letter "pay" rather than "shin." This stands for "poh," meaning "here"a great miracle happened here." The Hebrew letters also represent Yiddish words that tell how to play the dreidel game. Each player starts with the same amount of candies, chocolate coins (gelt), or other tokens, and puts one in a pot.

Tu B’Shevat Gardening Holiday: Tu B’Shevat

Subtmitted/Created by: Leah Givarz

Length: 2 hours

Overview / Summary of the program: Tu B’Shevat, meaning the 15th day of Shevat, is the New Year for the trees. So, why not celebrate?! Here’s a super fun and easy way for you and your chapter to celebrate the birthday of the trees!

Supplies needed: •

An open grass/dirt area around your synagogue

•

Flowers/plants

•

Water

•

Gardening equipment

•

(Recyclable) plastic bowls & spoons

•

Ice cream

•

Crushed oreos

•

Variety of fruit flavored toppings/candy/other ice cream toppings

Step-by-Step Instructions: 1. Warn your chapter to wear something that they won’t mind getting messy, and meet at a (previously approved and advertised) sunny section of grass/dirt around your synagogue or youth house. 2. Beautify the area with flowers or plants galore! *hint: make sure everything’s in season so it doesn’t die right away. 3. Then, go inside for an ice cream dirt sundae making contest! Split everyone up into groups of 2-4 each and have them make the craziest sundae (while still yummy) possible. *make sure there is at least one USYer in each group if Kadima is invited! 4. After they have had enough time, they must explain how each part of the sundae corresponds to the seven species of Tu B’Shevat: wheat, barley, grapes (vines), figs, pomegranates, olives and dates (honey). *pick ice cream toppings that will correlate 5. As everyone is eating their ice cream, have a laid back discussion about what we can do every day to show our love and appreciation for the nature that surrounds us.

6. Go trees!

Special notes to make the program successful: Before starting this project, make sure either the youth director or one of the USYers will be able to maintain (water and give plant food if called for) the Tu B’Shevat Garden after the program ends. Also, be careful of allergies when bringing in the different toppings for the sundaes! This may work very well as a joint Kadima-USY program for higher attendance. Remember to have fun and take lots of pictures! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Purim Beauty Pageant Holiday: Purim

Submitted/Created by: Serena Deutch

Length: 1 hour

Overview / Summary of Program: The story of Purim is very familiar. King Achashverosh was dissatisfied with Queen Vashti, so he held a pageant in Shushan to look for a new queen. In this program, USYers will put on a “Purim Pageant” to represent the search for the new queen, while also having fun and helping others.


Costumes/props

•

Baskets

•

Food

•

Macaroni and cheese boxes

Step-by-Step instructions (be specific): 1. First, USYers should bring costumes for themselves and others to wear. They should also be instructed that if they bring food donations for mishloach manot baskets, then the program will be free for them. 2. USYers will be split into small groups (can range from 3-5 depending on how many people there are). Each group will choose one person to be the “pageant candidate.” 3. The remaining members of the group will help find funny outfits for the candidate to wear in the pageant, and also choreograph/ plan/ brainstorm a talent act. 4. The pageant will have 3 parts. Everyone in the chapter will be in the audience as candidates put on the show. First will be the wardrobe contest, and each candidate can walk in to a song or just strut in their costume. 5. Next, there will be a talent portion and all candidates will have several minutes to perform any talent they choose. 6. The last portion is an onstage question, which can be anything ranging from “If you were a utensil, what would you be?” to “What would you like to do most to fix the world?” 7. If people in the audience do not like the answer to a question, they can use the macaroni boxes as “groggers” to drown out the response, until the candidate comes up with a better answer.

8. Judges can be the youth director, president, or any other special person. They will then choose a winner! This person can be crowned the “Purim Queen” of the USY chapter. 9. The rest of the time can be spent making mishloach manot baskets to be given out in the local community. Also, explain here the significance of the baskets and that they are a mitzvah on Purim. All of the macaroni and cheese boxes that were used as groggers can also be donated.

Special notes to make the program successful: As long as everyone is excited, both boys and girls can and should participate; the “queen” doesn’t necessarily need to be a girl. The winner can receive some sort of prize if you choose! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Search And Destroy (The Afikomen) Holiday: Passover

Submitted/Created by: Michael Roochvarg

Length: 1 hour

Overview/Summary: In an attempt to relive the sense of rushed feelings felt by the Jews when they were told that Pharaoh was setting them free, and also to enact the struggles between the Jews and the other Egyptians, a modern twist will be put on this classic story. Participants will be divided into two groups. One group will be the Egyptians and the other will be the Hebrews. (Groups will switch at the end and repeat entire process.) The Hebrews will be looking for Afikomen pieces hidden by the Egyptians while simultaneously trying to avoid the Egyptians’ wrath (their water balloons/water guns). The team that found more Afikomen pieces after the two rounds will be the winner.


Two boxes of matzah

•

Spool of yarn/string/rope

•

Water balloons/guns

•

A room where small objects can be hidden and the floor can get slightly moist

Step-by-Step Instructions: 1) The first thing that must be done is a brief retelling of the story of Passover, specifically the escape of the Jews from Egypt. 2) Divide everyone up into 2 groups. Group one is the Hebrews and Group 2 is the Egyptians. 3) Have the groups meet together and get super pumped--yay! Now the first task will be for the Egyptians to hide the pieces of Matzot. Pieces should be scattered throughout the playing field. The objective for the Hebrews is to find the Matzot (the Afikomen) without getting caught by the Egyptians. “Getting caught” is explained in the next step of instructions. 4) So while the Hebrews are trying to find the hidden Afikomen, the Egyptians do not want those Matzot to be uncovered because then that allows the Israelites to escape Egypt, whereas otherwise they would not have enough food and could not escape. So in order for the Egyptians to try and stop the Israelites from finding the hidden Afikomen pieces, they will chase after them with water balloons and or water guns--the catch is that similar to a threelegged race, Egyptians must be paired up and tied around the ankles so as to impede their

mobility and make the overall task easier on the Hebrews (because who really liked the Ancient Egyptians anyways). 5) Once the Afikomen pieces are hidden and the Egyptians’ ankles are tied up, the game is ready to start. The Israelites get 30 minutes to find as many afikomen pieces as they can. Once time runs out. the teams switch. The team that was the Israelites in the first round must now switch to the Egyptian side and rehide the Afikomen pieces (in different places obviously). The process is the same and the winning team is the one that finds the most Afikomen pieces.

May the Odds Be Ever In Your Favor, May the Force Be With You, and May you find what you are looking for. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Yom HaZikaron Challenge Holiday: Yom HaZikaron

Submitted/Created by: Logan Miller

Length: 1.5 – 2 hours

Overview / Summary of Program: This is somewhat a serious event but it should still be fun, but taken seriously. Three teams go through an obstacle course on a field or in an open area in their synagogues and at each station there is a fact about each of the wars that Israel had to fight to keep their country and each fact is also a riddle that leads them to the next riddle. Also, they must do another army-like exercise to get to their next clue such as push ups, sit ups, jumping jacks, walking in a straight line silently, etc. The winner is the first team to find the Israeli Flag, which will then lead into Israeli dancing.


Army Clothes (USYers to wear before entering program)

•

Water

•

Face paint

•

Israeli flag

•

Falafel materials – Israeli salad, pita, hummus, etc

Step-by-Step instructions (be specific): 1. Each team will be split up into groups of 4-5 and will be given a clue about one of the wars israel fought to stay a strong country. 2. They will then have to do a task such as push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, crawling, or walking in a straight and silent line, monitored by an older USYer or staff (facts & tasks attached below). 3. After they complete that text one person reads the next clue and does what the clue says. 4. This continues for each team until one team comes to an Israeli Flag at the finishing point, which is an Israeli Flag. 5. Once all teams have met up at the finishing point, they will then be treated by an Israeli Dance Party and Falafel with Pita.

Special notes to make the program successful:

•

USYers should be aware that this is Yom HaZikaron, a memorial holiday, so they should take it seriously.

•

I also belive that this could be so much more meaningful, fun, and energetic is if it turns into a joint chapter program because there would be more staff to watch the groups perform their tasks and more USYers will meet more USYers and make friends.

•

Depending on the amount of people that are going the program should cost about $5- $10. Ask around to see who already owns an Israeli flag and other conventional items.

Facts & Tasks: Fact: The first strikes of the six-day-war happened on June 5th, 1967 by the Israeli Air Force. The entire war only lasted 132 hours and 30 minutes, (less than 6 days). The fighting with Egyptian forces only lasted 4 days, while fighting with Jordanian forces lasted 3 days. Task 1: Six people on your team must make an Israeli Symbol (Jewish Star/ Menorah/ etc.) and then another group member must take a pic.

Fact: The 1948 Israeli War spanned from November 1947- July 1949 and it Started as 6 months of civil war between Jewish and Arab militias at the end of the British Mandate of Palestine and turned into a regular war after the declaration of independence of Israel and the intervention of several Arab armies. Task 2: The members in your group must do 5 push-ups then 20 jumping jacks…and fast. The task must be done in under 40 seconds or you must all do it again.

Fact: The Suez Crises took place in October 1956 and it was A military attack on Egypt by Britain, France, and Israel, beginning on 29 October 1956, with the intention to occupy the Sinai Peninsula and to take over the Suez Canal. The attack followed Egypt's decision of 26 July 1956 to nationalize the Suez Canal after the withdrawal of an offer by Britain and the United States to fund the building of the Aswan Dam. Task 3: You must all stand in a circle holding hands with someone random in the circle which you will them untangle each other without letting go of the other persons hands.

Fact: The Yom Kippur War was fought from October 6-26, 1973 by a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria against Israel as a way of recapturing part of the territories, which they lost to the Israelis back in the Six-Day War. The territories included the city of Jerusalem. The war began with a

surprise joint attack by Egypt and Syria on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. Egypt and Syria crossed the cease-fire lines in the Sinai and Golan Heights, respectively. Task 4: Sing the Israeli National Anthem.

Fact: The Gaza War was a three-week armed conflict between Israel and Hamas during the winter of 2008–2009. In an escalation of the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel responded to ongoing rocket fire from the Gaza Strip with military force in an action titled "Operation Cast Lead". Israel opened the attack with a surprise air strike on December 27, 2008. Israel's stated aim was to stop such rocket fire from and the import of arms into Gaza. Task 5: Sing and dance to a famous Israeli song of your choice. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Israel@65 Holiday: Yom Haatzmaut

Submitted/Created by: Gabby Deutch

Length: 1 hour and

15 minutes (about)

Overview / Summary of Program: Birthday party for Israel (Yom Ha’atzmaut) - like a big birthday party! Lots of activities that are Israel-centric and teach about Israel.


Food: see below

•

Decorations: streamers, blue and white tablecloths & silverware, any fun birthday decorations from Party City

•

Israeli flag(s)

•

Israeli candy

•

Bamba/other classic Israeli snacks

•

Big map of Israel

•

Enough chairs for musical chairs

•

Speakers & iPod playing Israeli music

•

Sugar cookies in the shape of Star of David

•

Supplies to decorate cookies: blue and white frosting, sprinkles, M&Ms, etc

•

Mud masks (can be purchased at Target and other similar stores)

•

Party favors: see below

Step-by-Step instructions (be specific): 1) At a previous program (two weeks before) give out invitations to all members of the chapter (like at a birthday party): •Personalized w/ name on the front of the envelope •Inside: “Israel’s having a party - you’re invited! (Time, date, location, etc.) 2) Room set-up: •Hang Israeli flag in the front of the room

•Blue and white streamers hanging from the ceiling •Israeli music playing in the background 3) Food: •If possible, get food from a local kosher restaurant (preferably pita and falafel, but pizza will do just fine!) •Have bowls of Israeli candy and snacks (ex. Bamba) around the room 4) When everyone gets to the program and has eaten, someone goes in front of the room and gives a brief history of Israel’s independence (the following can be altered): •In late 19th century, 1st aliyah occurred - mainly migrants from Russia, escaping Czarist rule and the persecution that came with it •1897 - First Zionist Congress held by Herzl - Zionism grew •Early 20th century - first Kibbutzim, Tel Aviv created, British Balfour Declaration declaring right of Jews to create national homeland in Palestine •Moshav (communal villages) set up - these were basis of war of independence •Aliyot from Eastern Europe (Russia, Poland), and Western Europe throughout and after the Holocaust (British tried to limit immigration) •1941 - Palmach, underground fighting unit of Haganah (army), set up •Statehood gained in 1947 UN vote (w/ Arab state, which they did not accept) •May 14, 1948 - British Mandate goes ended, state of Israel declared 5) Different party games set up around the room (with an Israeli twist): •Pin the Tail on the Donkey (Pin the landmark on Israel) - Person is given an Israeli landmark (city, Dead Sea, Masada, Negev desert, etc.) and, after being turned in circles while wearing a blindfold, must put it in the correct location on a map of Israel •Musical Chairs - Played just like the usual version of the game, except the music played is all Israeli

•Dessert - Decorate cookies (in shape of Star of David) with blue and white frosting, blue and white sprinkles, blue and white M&Ms, etc. •Dead Sea Experience - When people go to the Dead Sea, they enjoy the feeling of floating and being covered in mud! Get mud masks from a local drug store, and have small groups of people doing this at a time to get the feel of being at the Dead Sea. 6) Party favors: Bags filled with maze games (in the shape of Stars of David), blue and white sunglasses, pieces of Israeli candy Special notes to make the program successful: This program should be done at a time around Yom Ha’atzmaut, which in 2014 falls on May 6th. Make sure the atmosphere of the program really feels like a birthday party - it’s to celebrate Israel! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Yerushalayim Shel... ...!" #$!"%&$ Holiday: Yom Yerushalayim

Submitted/Created by: Lili Brown

Length: 1 hour

Overview / Summary of the Program: Yom Yerushalayim, though a day celebrating of the city of Jerusalem, has a double-sided history. A popular song in USY and in Jewish communities worldwide is Naomi Shemer’s Jersualem of Gold (!"# $% &'$%()'), which captures the beauty and signifance of both Jerusalem and Yom Yerushalayim. USYers will write their own songs about Jerusalem after learning about the gains and consequences Yom Yerushalayim brought. Based on Shemer’s model, they will begin the song with “Jerusalem of…” and fill in the blank with a word that symbolizes something new they gleaned from discussing the events and effects of the day. The program will begin with the discussion of a short history of the day in 1967 and then the USYers will analyze and discuss three songs that together represent the controversy of Yom Yerushalayim before composing their own songs.


Sheets of paper (each pre-headlined with “Jerusalem Of…”; provide enough for each group to have one)

•

Pens

•

Song sheets (provided below)

•

Brief history sheet to read off (provided below)

Step-by-Step Instructions: 1. Explain to USYers what Yom Yerushalayim is by reading off the brief history sheet. 2. Introduce the three songs as a transition into the controversy of the day. Pass around the three songs to each USYer. 3. Discuss the songs as a group. Some discussion questions:

a. Jerusalem of Gold: What are some characteristics of Jerusalem that you recognize in the song? Is Jerusalem a city of gold because of what it represents to the Jews only? Is all that shines gold? b. Jerusalem of Iron: How does this song (feel free to directly quote) relate to the history of Yom Yerushalayim? What is the biggest contrast between this song and Jerusalem of Gold? Separately, what do gold and iron signify most to you? c. Three Brothers: Do you agree or know of examples that embody the conflict depicted in the song? How are the results of Yom Yerushalayim related to the conflict described in the song? Does every major gain also come with some consequences? 4. After your group discussion has finished, divide the USYers into smaller groups that will compose their own songs based on the word they choose to finish the title “Jerusalem Of…” 5. Have each group read off their finished title. 6. Wrap-up the program on a positive note; Jerusalem is ours and that is something we should be thankful for, but every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Same holds true in the case of the history of Israel!


If you can get audio versions of each of the songs, include it! Making a program multi-sensory is always a winner.

•

The songs essentially should represent controversy and beauty, as that is what Jerusalem as a city represents.

Links to print out songs: http://www.hebrewsongs.com/song-yerushalayimshelzahav.htm http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/d/david_wilcox/three_brothers.html http://www.hebrewsongs.com/song-yerushalayimshelbarzel.htm

Brief history to read off: When Israel was established in 1948, the UN Partition Plan deemed Jerusalem a city because there was too much conflict surrounding the city between the Jewish and Arab communities. Conflict over Jerusalem’s neutrality and occupation escalated until the Six Day War, which broke out in 1967. Israel fought against a coalition of Egyptian, Syrian, and Jordanian forces, but Israel emerged victorious and gained a substantially large amount of land – including control of East Jerusalem, where the Old City is located. Israel regained control of Jerusalem on June 7, 1967 (28th of Iyyar 5727), and that day was

immediately deemed the national Israeli holiday of Yom Yerushalayim. The day is often celebrated in Israel with a large parade in Jerusalem and lots of Israeli-nationalistic festivities take place across the country. Though this day was monumental in our history and a day celebrating Jewish pride, a result of us re-gaining Jerusalem is the continuation of much tension between Israel and its neighbors and is the root of many of major modern conflicts in Israel.

Lag B’Omer Field Day! Holiday: Lag B’Omer

Submitted/Created by: Emily Slavkin

Length: 2 hours

Program at a Glance: •

Arrive at park

•

Have picnic

•

Split group into two teams for the field day activities

•

Do field day activities

•

Go home

Supplies Needed:

•

2 cans of shaving cream

•

1 volleyball

•

Pack of popsicle sticks

•

Volleyball net

•

Pack of rod pretzels

•

1 kickball

•

Multiple packs of Fruit-Roll Ups

•

4 cones (for bases in Krazy Kickball)

(focus on orange/red/yellow

•

1 rope for tug of war

flavor) •

Field Day activities: •

Balloons

!

Tug of war: Each team will play tug of war three times. The first time is everyone on both sides. The second time will be just girls from each team. The third time will be just boys from each team. Whichever team wins the most times wins.

•

Volleyball: Each team will play volleyball against each other. Play 3 rounds. Whichever team wins 2 out of 3 wins. Play up to 10 points per round.

•

Krazy Kickball: Regular kickball with a twist! The two teams will play kickball against each other. One will be kicking first and one in the outfield. When each team is kicking they need one pitcher and one catcher. (Should rotate each inning) Play up to 3 outs per inning and play up to 8-10 innings. Whichever team has the most runs at the end of the innings will win. On the way to each base, the kicker does a different activity. o First base: sing the HaMotzi o Second base: Hop scotch (alternate between hopping on one foot then two) o Third base: Jumping jacks

o Home plate: Alternate between screaming the number 33 in English and Hebrew (sloshim v’shalosh); this is because Lag B’Omer means the 33rd day of the Omer! •

It’s Time To Shave: Something you’re not permitted to do during the Omer is shave. To commemorate the one day during the Omer when you can, the USYers will compete in a shaving balloons competition. Cover balloons in shaving cream and see who from each team can “shave off” the balloon fastest using popsicle sticks. Do multiple rounds.

•

Edible bonfire: Israelis celebrate Lag B’Omer culturally by lighting bonfires on beaches. To bring that tradition to America, end the Field Day competition with a yummy edible bonfire treat. Instruct the USYers to create a “log base” with the pretzels and then wrap the pretzels with the orange/red/yellow Fruit Roll-ups. Eat up!

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Shavuot Carols Sing-a-Long Holiday: Shavuot

Submitted/Created by: Written by Stan Beiner; adapted by Erin Beiner

Length: Til’ the voices run out

Overview / Summary of Program: People often just know Shavuot as that holiday when we eat a lot of dairy. While everyone loves a good bagel and some fancy cheese, it’s time to start celebrating the receiving of the 10 commandments through song!

Supplies needed: Song sheets, USYers, and your voices!

Step-by-Step Instructions: 1. Gather everyone in a room, give a brief explanation about Shavuot and pass out the sheets. 2. Can sing all together, have one person take a solo, or divide USYers into different groups and have them present their song to the group.

(Carrols found below)

Shavuot Carols! Good Tithings (We wish you a Merry…)

Silent Hill (Silent Night)

We wish you a happy Shavuoth 3x

Har Sinai

As Omer concludes

Mountain alone

Good tithings we bring to Temple we show

Moses waits

Shavuoth’s the happiest time that we know

Light is shone Prince of Egypt

Zman Matan (Dashing through the Snow)

On the hill

Thrashing through the wheat

Thunder is raging

With an oxen driven cart

But voices are still

Harvest is complete

Ten Commandments

The holiday can start

He brings them home Peace Shalom Shalom

Shavuoth has arrived The festival so sweet

Deck Bimas (Deck the Halls)

Everybody shouts

Deck bimas

It’s time to not eat meat

With lots of flowers Throw in lots of fruit

Oh Z-man Matan

To show our thanks

Torah Time

Tis the season to be jolly

Tickle my sweet tooth

Falla lala la la la la la

Bring out all the dairy treats And chant Megillat Ruth

Now Shavuot is upon us Falla lala la la la la la Eat a blintz and New York cheesecake Falla lala la la la la la

Dairy Days (Jingle Bells) Dairy days, Dairy Days Dairy all the way Of what fun it is to be milchdik all the day Dairy Days Dairy Days Dairy all the way Shavuoth is a festive time, our very favorite day Dashing out to shul to stay up all the night Walking home at two is always such a fright Reading Ruth real fast So Uncle Bob won’t sleep Of What fun Shavuoth is Depriving us of sleep

12 Days of Shavuoth? (12 Days of Xmas) On Erev Shavuoth, Moses gave to me The Torah for all the world to see On the morning of Shavuoth, Moses gave to me Two No Doze tablets And the Torah for all the world to see On the second night of Shavuoth, Moses gave to me Three Cheese knishes Two No Doze tablets And the Torah for all the world to see On the second morn of Shavuoth, Moses gave to me Four ice cream dishes

Dairy Days…

Three cheese knishes Two No Doze tablets

David’s Coming to Town

And the Torah for all the world to see

(Santa Claus is Coming to Town)

On the second night of Shavuoth

You better not pout, you better not sigh

Moses said to me: WHY SECOND DAY?

You better not kvetch

Israel now’s alive

I’m telling you why

Everyone tells time

Dovid Melech’s coming to town

And we have the Torah for the world to see

Ruth is his great grandma

Copyright 2013 © Stan Beiner

And Boaz great grandpa Without them no moshiach Would come to save us all You better not pout, you better not sigh You better not kvetch I’m telling you why Dovid Melech’s coming to town He’s checking his list, he’s checking it twice Wants to find out if the world’s being nice Dovid Melech’s coming to town.

Additional Rel/Ed Resource: Haiton Tweets Submitted/Created by: Evan Gruda and Lili Brown

Length: 1 hour

Overview / Summary of Program: To best combine the basics of Rel/Ed and Comm, we are taking advantage of a huge social media at our disposal: Twitter. Twitter is a great forum for keeping up with the lives of the people you know, but also for keeping up with what’s happening across the globe. A key area of Rel/Ed is secular education and knowledge of global issues, and many of us owe basic awareness of some current issues to the 140 characters we read on our Twitter feeds each day. USYers will look at popular stories in newspapers (iton is Hebrew for newspaper) and then create their own Twitter “account” as the news source called Haiton (our regional newspaper). After reading and discussing the issues, USYers will create 140 tweets about each article that they think best embodies the issue presented and what will best grab the attention of their “followers”.


5-6 articles (can pull from a variety of sources)

•

Posters (one for each article)

•

Writing utensils

•

Internet access

Step-by-Step Instructions (be specific): 1. As USYers arrive to the program break them up into groups. The amount of groups will depend on the amount of USYers and articles being used. 2. Tell each group to make up a name for their twitter account. Examples could be HaIton Review; make sure the account includes “haiton” or “iton” to tie it best to both Rel/Ed and Comm.

3. Give each group 1-2 articles to start reading and discussing. Have someone help out with the discussions in each group to get the ideas flowing. 4. Next give each group a poster board for each article they have. Tell them to come up with a tweet (that means under 140 characters) that explains the article. Explain that the tweet should best embody what the issue is in the article and should look like a tweet that would prompt them to read the article. 5. USYers may decide to be creative when writing down the tweets by using colorful markers and include drawings. Don’t forget to use a hashtag or two! 6. After all the groups are done, have each group show their tweets and explain their articles. 7. Have a group discussion about each article and why it is so important.


Based on whenever this program is used, choose articles that pertain most to current events. Twitter and our world are ever-updating places!

•

Also choose topics that you think will be in the best interest of your USYers. Examples can include: o

Affirmative action programs in college admissions

o

Acts done by famous people (avoid tabloids, but for example, often New York Times does profiles of celebrities in their Sunday Review section of the paper. It’s always fun to read about the real-life of a character you see on a show!)

•

The discussion aspect of the program will most likely work best in a smaller environment. Best for use as a chapter program during a weekly lounge night.

•

Always a good idea to have some snacks in case anyone gets hungry.