Am Yisrael

Grades 1-3

Goal:       1. to begin to teach the meaning of the term Or Lagoyim= the Jewish people as a nation have an obligation to act together in a way that presents the positive lessons of Judaism such as compassion, justice and charity to people who are not Jewish so the world as a whole can become a better place.

2. to teach the chaninchim/ot that by working together as a group (as a nation) one can have greater influence and impact than by acting alone Grades 4-8

Goal:  to begin to teach the meaning of the term Or Lagoyim= the Jewish people have an obligation to create a society that reflects the high moral standards of truth, honesty, compassion and justice that Judaism teaches, and this society should be a model for and influence all the nations of the world.

To discuss why our tnua is named after Rabbi Akiva, to review the meaning

behind Bnei Akiva rites and rituals.

The chanichim should understand the meaning of their shevet Lavi – that we should act like lions by being strong morally in our personal lives, and by fighting back and being strong as a nation.

Background:  Chaluziut is loosely translated as “pioneering” but we will see how the definition can be sharpened.

Goals:The chanichim will be able to define what Chaluziut is.   They will compare the original definition given in Tanach to how modern Zionisim defines “the Chalutz.”  Different characteristics of “the Chalutz” should be discussed.  Does being a Chalutz describe one aspect of life, or is it a philosophy of life?  To what extent are we Chaluzim?  The chanichim will also be able to give examples of individual Chaluzim who have impacted

Israel.

The Sticker Song: A Peulah based on the Bumper Sticker song by HaDag Nachash.

Goal: Through discussing the different bumper stickers portrayed in the song, and their underlying messages, the hanikhim will come to a greater understanding of the divides between different groups in Israeli society today.