Our Connections To Israel

High School Yom Iyun
December 15, 2023

Our inaugural Yom Iyum (Day of Learning) is focused on our Connections to Israel. In today’s world, it is imperative that our students understand their own relationship with the State of Israel, its history, society, culture and politics. As American Jews, we are guided by our core value Ahavat Yisrael (Love of Israel), and our Yom Iyun will help strengthen that bond. 

We are excited to offer 15 unique workshops led by faculty and student facilitators:

Israel Unplugged: Exploring the Nation's Pop Culture and Music 
Join us for a fun-filled dive into the heart of Israel's music scene.
This is a chance to take part in an engaging activity with the tunes and trends that shape Israeli life. From Mizrahi melodies to the catchy beats of today's chart-toppers, you'll experience it all. We'll chat about famous artists, see how global vibes influence local sounds, and maybe even groove to a live tune or two. Whether you're already grooving to Israeli hits or just curious, this is your chance on a musical journey like no other. Let's celebrate the rhythm and the soul of Israeli pop culture together!

A Century of Zionist Peace Proposals
Starting in 1925, leading Zionists began efforts to reconcile the conflicting needs of Jews and Arabs in their shared homeland. We will learn about Brit Shalom, a bi-nationalist organization founded more than 20 years before the State of Israel was born, and then at various Israeli proposals to make peace, which were tragically rejected by the Palestinians.

Modern Spaces, Ancient Streets
How does one build a new structure, building or house in one of the oldest cities in the world? In this session we will learn about how architecture in Israel has navigated the aesthetic and logistical challenges of constructing modern spaces on ancient streets. This session will also include time for hands-on creation!

Sports and Jewish Society
Do you love Israel? Do you love sports? In this session, we will discuss the role of Jewish athletes as role models both within their sport and in the outside world, and the experience of attending popular sporting events in Israel. Students will hold a Fantasy Jewish Baseball player draft and debate who has the best team based on player statistics.

The Rules of War - How to be Human in an Inhuman Situation
Students will examine the reasons behind and the meanings of the "rules of war," including an exploration of the Geneva Conventions and what it means to commit crimes against humanity.

The Camp David Accords: Israel & Egypt; Past Present and Future
In 1978, Israel and Egypt, two countries that had been at war for decades, began a process to restore relations and build peace. This session will explore the history of those accords, the role the US played in the process, and the ways in which the Camp David Accords led to the relation we see today.

To Be Good Americans: The U.S./Israel Relationship
American Jewish people occupy a unique and sometimes complicated space. For centuries, Jewish people have been accused of "dual loyalties;" often with deadly consequences. Justice Louis Brandeis, the first Jewish member of the Supreme Court, grappled with this and poetically concluded that being a proud American and a proud Zionist were not only compatible but fit together. He said “To be good Americans, we must be better Jews, and to be better Jews, we must become Zionists.“ This session will explore the foundations of the relationship between the United States and Israel from British Mandate Palestine up to today.

Israel: The Ultimate Start-up Hub
Though just over 70 years old, Israel is known world-wide as the “Start-up Nation.” It has more start-up companies per capita than any other country. Some argue that Israel's challenges have contributed to its emergence as a massive leader in the hi-tech industry. In this session, students will explore some of Israel's most impressive achievements, hone their entrepreneurial skills by creating an elevator pitch for an Israeli invention, and discuss the global impact of Israel's technological success.

Bridging the Gap: Connecting Jewish Communities in 2024 and Beyond
In the year 2023, Jews in Israel and Jews around the world—specifically in North America—often live very different lives. What are some of the things we can do to bring those two communities together? In this session we will explore the different tools for strengthening those relationships.

Breaking Boundaries: Social Issues in Israeli Society
Join us for a thought-provoking session that delves into Israel's diverse social landscape, as we explore two compelling aspects of its society: LGBTQ+ rights and the Women of the Wall movement. This session invites you to examine the intricate intersection of gender, religion, and human rights in the Israeli context. We'll engage in a meaningful dialogue about the challenges and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community and the courageous Women of the Wall who are advocating for gender equality in religious spaces. Through personal stories, expert insights, and discussions, this session will shed light on the evolving social fabric of Israel and the ongoing struggles for inclusion, diversity, and justice.

Behind the Headlines: Understanding the Current Israel War in Gaza
In the midst of complex and often sensationalized news reports, join us for an enlightening session that delves deeper into the heart of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict in 2023. In this session we will peel back the layers of this multifaceted crisis, examining its historical context, geopolitical factors, humanitarian implications, and the key questions that surround it. Whether you're seeking to gain a comprehensive perspective or looking for answers to pressing questions, this session promises to be a vital exploration of one of the world's most pressing conflicts.

The Ethics of Combat: Confronting Moral Dilemmas in the IDF
Every soldier in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) begins their training with an introduction to the spiritual 10 Commandments of the IDF. Being a soldier in Israel means having to make unfair ethical decisions in a moment’s notice, and this codex is meant to be a guide. For example, how does someone keep their own humanity when faced with deciding the fate of others? In this session, students will be presented with hypothetical scenarios that an IDF soldier might face and have a thoughtful conversation about how they might approach these tough moral decisions.

Hayehudim Bayim Skit Workshop: Unleashing Creativity through Israeli TV
Embark on an exciting cultural exploration with our "Hayehudim Bayim Skit Workshop." In this session, students will enjoy watching selected skits of the popular Israeli TV show "Hayehudim Bayim" (The Jews Are Coming) before diving into a hands-on creative experience. Inspired by the show's humor, characters, and cultural nuances, participants will collaborate to craft their own entertaining skits. Join us for a dynamic blend of entertainment, cultural discovery, and creative expression—where the screen comes to life through your imagination!

Anti-Semitism and Anti-Zionism on US College Campuses
The Hamas attack on October 7 and the ensuing war in Gaza have triggered heated responses on US university campuses. Why is there so much anti-Israel rhetoric?  Is it anti-Zionism?  Anti-Semitism? What are the limits of free speech on campus?  What should they be?  Most importantly, what should you expect and how might you want to respond?  We'll explore these issues in an interactive session jointly led by a 12th grade teacher and student.

Slow Down, Let's Understand....and Then Advocate
In this session, we will learn how to critically analyze information, check our own biases, and then educate others so we can meaningfully advocate.

Keynote Speaker
Dr. Benjamin Mann
Chief Planning Officer
Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey