Second Shabbat
Shabbat concluded our week of "Jews as Global Citizens" and began exploring our new theme, "Our Relationship with Israel as Social Activists". This sudden change of topics as focused us on an underlying tension in our JAM community--how to balance personal priorities as Jews and teens with social obligations. Do my priorities as a Jew outweigh global priorities on a scale of responsibility to humanity?
In order to prepare to answer these questions throughout the next week, we first had a relaxing Shabbat. Rachel G. inspired us all with her holy words of wisdom on Friday night, and the Ruach (spirit) Committee outdid themselves with song and dance. The next day started off with visits to local synagogues (BTW, the DC Minyan, a traditional egalitarian group, received rave reviews!), and then we had free time to enjoy Shabbat together in small groups. During free time, I learned how to play Texas Hold 'Em (using candy of course!), and although Adam G. may have a future if Jewish education doesn't work out, Erica, Dan, Billy, and Ben should keep their day jobs-LOL!
Our afternoon activity took our friendships to the next level. We engaged in trust activities, which involved free falling backwards into a partner's hands. We all left further bonded, if a little bruised.
By the end of Shabbat, the day had shifted full throttle to Israel. We learned about Israel's history through interactive assignments, one of which was "Paper Bag Dramatics." Using only the materials in a paper bag, we had to act out the life stories of Israeli figures. For example, Naomi's group skillfully acted out the life of Golda Meir, using only a lemon gum drop, a nickel, a piece of paper, and a watch. Thank you to Lani for planning such an amusing, but educational Shabbat program.
After a touching Havdallah led by Adam A, Max L, and Sara F, the FUN Committee presented
an Israeli Fair to give a taste of Israel to all of us. We had Bedouin guest visitors, Jamal and Ishmael (aka Jon W and Charlie T), in a creatively constructed tent (thank you Robert!), where one could enjoy tea and pin the tail on the camel. There was a gaga court that Daniel H and Jesse dominated (you were close Brianne, you were so close!). A trivia contest led to pies in the face for some unfortunate counselors. There was make your own mezzuzah and face painting. All in all, we each unleashed the piece of Israel that lies inside every Jew's heart and now we feel ready to contemplate the balancing of our obligation as Jews and Global Citizens.
-IlanaIn order to prepare to answer these questions throughout the next week, we first had a relaxing Shabbat. Rachel G. inspired us all with her holy words of wisdom on Friday night, and the Ruach (spirit) Committee outdid themselves with song and dance. The next day started off with visits to local synagogues (BTW, the DC Minyan, a traditional egalitarian group, received rave reviews!), and then we had free time to enjoy Shabbat together in small groups. During free time, I learned how to play Texas Hold 'Em (using candy of course!), and although Adam G. may have a future if Jewish education doesn't work out, Erica, Dan, Billy, and Ben should keep their day jobs-LOL!
Our afternoon activity took our friendships to the next level. We engaged in trust activities, which involved free falling backwards into a partner's hands. We all left further bonded, if a little bruised.
By the end of Shabbat, the day had shifted full throttle to Israel. We learned about Israel's history through interactive assignments, one of which was "Paper Bag Dramatics." Using only the materials in a paper bag, we had to act out the life stories of Israeli figures. For example, Naomi's group skillfully acted out the life of Golda Meir, using only a lemon gum drop, a nickel, a piece of paper, and a watch. Thank you to Lani for planning such an amusing, but educational Shabbat program.
After a touching Havdallah led by Adam A, Max L, and Sara F, the FUN Committee presented
an Israeli Fair to give a taste of Israel to all of us. We had Bedouin guest visitors, Jamal and Ishmael (aka Jon W and Charlie T), in a creatively constructed tent (thank you Robert!), where one could enjoy tea and pin the tail on the camel. There was a gaga court that Daniel H and Jesse dominated (you were close Brianne, you were so close!). A trivia contest led to pies in the face for some unfortunate counselors. There was make your own mezzuzah and face painting. All in all, we each unleashed the piece of Israel that lies inside every Jew's heart and now we feel ready to contemplate the balancing of our obligation as Jews and Global Citizens.JAMer '07
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