Israel Resources
Need a Program Idea?
It's great to think of new USY Israel programs to implement within your chapter but there are many that
have already been done successfully. Here are explanations of many different Israel programs so check them
out for some ideas. Don't be afraid to make changes to help fit your chapter's needs.
Israel Programs:
Name:
Israel Monopoly
Goal/Objective:
To spread information and knowledge of Israel and of USY Israel Pilgrimage trips; to teach USYers about
different cities and places in Israel.
Materials:
Photo-copied and cut-out Israeli shekalim, large piece of paper, markers, crayons, Pilgrimage packets,
Israeli food, notebook paper, pens, and dice.
Amount of People:
15-20 maximum
Description/Directions:
Draw a life size Israeli monopoly game on an incredibly large piece of art paper that can be found at any
store selling art supplies or at your school. Make sure you include different stops, places in Israel, and
reasons for moving forward or behind in the game. Photo copy Israeli shekalim in bill form and cut them
out to be divided among the USYers. Divide the USYers into teams of 4-5. Each team will roll the dice and
play the game according to regular Monopoly rules, which can be explained and adapted from any regular
Monopoly set. Throughout the game, USYers can snack on Bissli, Bamba, and any other Israeli food you can
find.
After the game, hold an informational session about Pilgrimage while you have everyone's attention and
distribute pamphlets and fliers, which can be ordered from the USY office. If time permits, give USYers
notebook paper and allow then to each write their own letter to the Kotel to be placed in the wall the
next time someone in the group travels to Israel.
This program is geared for a smaller group. Encourage chapters to take part in this or have this
program be a late-night HeChalutzim program.
Name:
Israel Style Iron Chef
Goal/Objective:
To introduce USYers to the delicious types of Israeli food!
Materials:
- Any ingredients that are necessary to make 3 items of Israeli food (we suggest falafel, Israeli salad,
and hummus).
- Prizes for winners (be creative!)
Amount of People:
There should be 1 announcer, 2-3 teams of two USYers who will participate in the cooking, and 3 judges
(the judges can be adults such as your Rabbi or youth director!) You can have as many USYers you want
attend, watch, and place bets.
Description/Directions:
First, the announcer should introduce the event like the TV show. In teams of two (2-3 teams), the USYers
will cook the 3 chosen items. While the rest of the USYers are watching, they can place bets on which
team they wanted to win. They could bet $1 for one raffle ticket or $5 for six tickets. After they cook
the items, the judges determine who the winners are. All of the bets for the winning team will be put into
a raffle, and you can use the raffle to give out prizes. Also, you can incorporate Tikun Olam by donating
part of the money raised by bets. Overall, the program is a fun taste of Israeli food!
Advice:
The program in itself probably takes about 1 1/2 hours. It might be a good idea to combine it with a
social program, or as part of a weekend retreat.
Name:
Israel Bingo
Goal/Objective:
teach about Israel (culture, history, music, cities, people)
Materials:
Bingo boards that spell out Yisrael
Amount of People:
At least 5 playing with one calling
Description/Directions:
Set up bingo board using Yisrael (the letters Yud, Sin, Resh, Aleph, and Lamed) at the top and then
instead of numbers use different words relating to Israel. Each column can have its own theme, such as:
culture, history, famous people, food, music, cities, etc. See example of part of a board below.
Advice:
Instead of saying each word, read out a clue about it so that USYers can learn more about Israel during
the game. Also, have Israeli products as prizes such as t-shirts, key chains, Israeli chocolate (yum!),
etc.
Name:
Ben Yehudah Street/Israeli Shuk
Goal/Objective:
To bring Israel to people in the community, to teach about Israeli culture on Ben Yehuda, and to help the
Israeli economy.
Materials Needed:
Tables, large room, many different products, publicity, signs for each station, Hebrew bargaining
vocabulary, fake shekalim, food.
Amount of People:
As many as possible.
Description/Directions:
Recreate Ben Yehuda Street in the auditorium of your shul, a JCC or any other communal location. Since it
is a hard time for people to go to Israel right now, this event is a great way to bring Israel back to us.
When people enter the room have them exchange their money for fake shekalim. Overprice the items at the
Shuk so that people can use a list of Hebrew words they will receive at the entrance to "bargain" with the
vendors. Play Israeli music or try to hire an Israeli performer of your own if possible. Sell items such
as cookies, bracelets, jewelry, candy, a variety of clothing, key chains, magnets, bumper stickers, Naot
shoes, Kippot, CD's, and Israeli food (Falafel, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, Shwarma, Pita, Bamba). In
addition, prepare a station where USYers can receive information about USY trips and it might be fun to
also include a station where people can dance to Israeli music. Have areas where people can do SA/TO
projects for people in Israel. Examples include making kits of food and toiletries for Israeli soldiers,
making bracelets for Israeli children in hospitals, making cards for families of terror victims, signing
petitions, making wall hangings for Israeli hospitals. Try your hardest to get actual vendors to come to
your Shuk by talking to the head of your local Jewish Federation and Shaliach. If obtaining the
merchandise becomes a major issue, change the theme of your program into a more SA/TO-Israel program where
the emphasis is placed on making items and gifts for Israelis instead of buying merchandise.
Advice:
Works great at a convention during a dance or a program with a lot of people.
Name:
Online Israel Scavenger Hunt
Goal/Objective:
To teach USYers trivia and information about Israel.
Materials Needed:
Internet access, chat room.
Amount of People:
Unlimited
Description/Directions:
This is a program designed to be done at home. It is an interactive online chapter meeting. Chapter
members sign online and are invited to a chat room. The Moderator (IA VP) sends out the rules to the
entire group in the chat room. Then the IA sends out the questions. The members have to search the
internet to get the answers to the questions (the questions can be grouped by section such as "Wars" or
"Sports"). When they find an answer they instant message the IA with the answer and the website it was
found on. The first three people who finish with correct answers and web sites used to get the answers are
given Israel prizes.
Here are some sample questions for the scavenger hunt:
- The first Israeli song ever to win the popular Eurovision contest was ------------ by ------------ in
the year ------------.
- The team to win the most national basketball championships in Israel is ------------.
- The Likud party holds ------------ in the Knesset.
- There are ------------ Arab members in Israel's Knesset.
- The first Israeli Air Force (IAF) plane was ------------ obtained in ------------.
- In ------------ Israel prevented ------------ from obtaining nuclear weapons by bombing the
------------ weapons plant.
Name:
Israeli Taboo
Goal/Objective:
To test people's knowledge of Israel in a competitive but fun game.
Materials Needed:
Mock Taboo set
Amount of People:
Unlimited
Description/Directions:
Taboo is a game where a person is holding a card and has to describe the topic of his card without using
key words or saying the topic itself. Divide the region or chapter up into groups of about 3-6 people.
Make up lists of topics relating to Israel that teammates will have to find out by guessing, along with
words that describe the Israeli topic that should not be uttered. If you have a taboo set, then it's
pretty self-explanatory. Just set it up exactly like taboo. Example: the word is "Bedouin". The list of
words that should not be uttered is "Arab", "Donkey", "Camel", "Tent", and "Nomad".
Name:
Israeli Progressive Dinner
Goal/Objective:
To give USYers a more in-depth understanding of the different cultures within Israel (through food!) in a
fun and delicious manner.
Materials:
Food and houses
Amount of People:
Smaller is better (under 30)
Description/Directions:
With this program, you teach USYers about different cultures within Israel through eating different types
of Israeli food. The chapter should go from house to house during the night, sampling different kinds of
Israeli food at each stop (about 3-4 houses in total). Each house can represent a different culture within
Israel. One house can be about the Bedouins, where you teach about Bedouin culture and serve tea and
cookies. A second house can be about the Yemenite Jews, where you serve traditional Yemenite food and
teach about their process of immigration and role in Israeli society. Other examples of cultures/food to
use: traditional European Ashkenazi, Moroccan, Druze, Ethiopian, etc.
The purpose of the program is to teach USYers about the many cultures that exist within Israeli society
and also serve them delicious food that corresponds with what you are teaching!
Name:
Israel Hay Ride
Goal/Objective:
To incorporate a bit of Israel into a fun social program
Materials:
A place for a hay ride, materials for a bonfire
Amount of People:
Unlimited
Description/Directions:
Take your chapter on a hayride and to a bonfire, and add an Israeli twist! There are many ways that Israel
can be incorporated into your hayride. Buy Israel bandanas (or get them made), with an Israeli flag on
them or another Israel-related design, and give them out to all of the participants. Sing and teach
different and new Israeli songs to everyone there. Eat Israeli food - yum! Lead a discussion about current
events in Israel around the bonfire. Ask someone who recently went to Israel to speak at the bonfire about
their experiences and connection to Israel. Use your own creativity and come up with other ways to make
your hayride and bonfire Israel centered.
Name:
Mock Knesset
Goal/Objective:
Teach about how the Knesset works in passing laws and the views on the different political parties
Materials:
Background on how laws are passed, the different political parties, current issues
Amount of People:
At least 25
Description/Directions:
Divide people up into different political parties and explain how the Knesset works, the pass out the
issues to be debated and the different parties views on them, then simulate the meeting.
Advice:
Make sure you do extensive research on the topic so that you can answer any questions
Name:
"Let's Talk" Talk Show
Goal/Objective:
To learn more about the different perspectives and sides that encompasses many of the issues in modern
Israeli society.
Materials:
Costumes for the talk show guests and host, chairs, a table, and food.
Amount of People:
Large group
Descriptions/Directions:
Have four-six USYers become panelists with the chapter/regional IA VP as the talk show host. Each panelist
will represent a different perspective of Israeli society and they will discuss a certain issue (Ex:
Should Orthodox Jews have to serve in the army, or what should the role of the Arab-Israeli be in Israeli
society?). An orthodox male, a secular university student, an obedient Tzahal officer, and an Israeli
Arab. The host will mediate as each discusses his/her opinions. Questions from the audience may be taken.
Do not waste any time with this program because USYers must remain interested if they are going to remain
quiet but involved. Be prepared and know exactly how the program is going to run. Don't forget to pre-pick
the panelists so that they know how to represent their opinions and answer questions.
Name:
Israeli Flag Contest
Goal/Objective:
To familiarize USYers/ Kadimanicks with the significance of Israel's flag in a fun and interactive manner
Materials:
Candies
Amount of People:
Unlimited (Probably better with less people/for a chapter program)
Description/Directions:
Divide everyone into small groups (of no more than 5 people). Each group should be given different candies
and asked to recreate the Israeli flag using the candy. You can either ask them to depict the actual
Israeli flag with their candy design, or make it more exciting and ask them to create a new flag for
Israel. You should force them to be creative - don't make it too easy! Then, have the groups come together
and each one can present their flag to everyone else. At the end, you can choose a winning group if you
want. Either at the beginning or the end, you should take the opportunity to discuss/talk about the
history of the Israeli flag - how it was decided upon and its significance for Israel and the Jewish
people.
Advice:
This program would work well for either USY or Kadima
Name:
Blue and White Day
Goal/Objective:
Celebrate Israel by the use of blue and white (the colors of the Israeli flag)
Materials:
Blue and white everything - paper, icing, baked goods, T-shirts, markers, nail polish etc.
Amount of People:
At least 5
Description/Directions:
Have USYers make blue and white cookies, T-shirts, etc.
Advice:
Give a prize to the most creative of each category
Name:
Life-sized Poster of a Scenic Spot in Israel
Goal/Objective:
Teach about a certain place in Israel and make some T.O. money
Materials:
One or more blown up picture of a spot in Israel
Amount of People:
---
Description/Directions:
Take pictures in front of poster and sell for T.O.
Advice:
Don't do this as a separate event - use to enhance another program, or during a dance
Name:
Ein Gedi/Water Park
Goal/Objective:
Teach about the water situation in Israel
Materials:
Background info about the recent drought and the water resources in Israel, water park entrance tickets
Amount of People:
---
Description/Directions:
On bus ride to water park explain the water situation and then go to the water park "Ein Gedi" for a day
of fun
Advice:
Great program to get Kadimanicks and everyone to come to
Name:
Maccabi Games
Goal/Objective:
Simulate the actual Maccabi games, but with more variety of activities
Materials:
Judges, relay race materials, sports equipment, trivia questions, copies of ruach cheers
Amount of People:
At least 30
Description/Directions:
First, have a short program in groups where you introduce what the Maccabi games are, and how they're a
part of Israel. Divide kids up into teams and have them compete for points in relays, sports, dance,
trivia, cheers, and capture the flag. You can incorporate the spirit of Israel into this program by having
USYers employ different skills to get from the Galilee to the Negev. For example, in Tel-Aviv, name the
Prime Minister, in Jerusalem sing Hatikvah, in Ein Gedi have a water balloon toss, etc.
Advice:
If you do this with more then one chapter then each chapter can be a different team
Name:
"Trip to Israel"
Goal/Objective:
To get USYers exited about going to Israel
Materials:
Food, plane tickets, music, arts and crafts Sheets, pillows, incense, etc.
Amount of People:
At least 15
Description/Directions:
Start by giving passports and plane tickets to participants, searching their luggage (purses), and
hoarding them into a room set up to look like a plane. Show a 10 minute movie segment (like the one that
tells you about flight safety info, or people on a trip to Israel) or teach ruach songs or do a skit. Once
you land in Israel take a tour from going to the Bedouin tents, making candles in Tzfat, the Kotel, food
and Mr. T's in Jerusalem, disco in Tel Aviv, etc.
Advice:
If you have a smaller group then do each activity as a group if a large group then have a few activities
running at once.
Name:
Bedouin Tent - A Night in the Negev!
Goal/Objective:
To inform USYers about the Bedouins, their existence, and role in Israeli society.
Materials:
Pillows, blankets, tents, Turkish coffee, tea, turkey shwarma, pita, falafel, boom box, Bedouin/Israeli
music, and informational packets.
Amount of People:
40 maximum.
Description/Directions:
Using the synagogue's social hall or a camp grounds if weather permits, set up a lounging area with a
large tent in the center while inside there will be lots of pillows and blankets. When everyone is
accommodated, serve Turkish coffee, pita, falafel, shwarma, and allow the USYers to shmooze for a while.
Play some Bedouin music or Israeli music to set the mood. Once dinner is finished and the Birkat HaMazon
is said, do a brief historical/cultural lesson about the Bedouins and their influence/place in Israeli
society. After the lesson, the night will be open to dancing, singing, and relaxing. USYers will sleep
over in the Bedouin tent. Include an Israeli movie if time and the situation permit and feel free to
incorporate other programs as well.
Name:
IDF Laser Tag
Goal/Objective:
To teach USYers about the Israel Defense Forces (Tzahal) in a fun and informative way
Materials:
A location to play laser tag, a former soldier, any objects necessary for IDF activities
Amount of People:
Unlimited (if there are many, break up into small groups for activities)
Description/Directions:
This program is an easy and fun way to bring Israel to your chapter social programming. Since the exciting
game of Laser Tag provides a fun way of fighting, this can easily be related to the army and the Israeli
Defense Forces (Tzahal)! You can do this if you are playing on teams by having each team represent a
position/army in a present or past Israel conflict. An even better way to integrate the IDF into laser tag
is by teaching or doing simulations for 5-10 minutes between laser tag games. Between games, you can do
different activities relating to the IDF, such as teaching about the origins of the Israeli army, doing a
simulation of army training, or having a former soldier speak to the USYers.
Advice:
Make sure that you focus not on the violence, but rather on the history and values of the IDF. Emphasize
how Israel's army is unique in its mission, and what the soldiers experience.
Name:
Israeli Jeopardy
Goal/Objective:
To inform USYers about aspects relating to Israel in a fun, interactive setting.
Materials Needed:
Questions, answers, chalkboard or poster board, Israeli chocolate bars, tables, and chairs.
Amount of People:
Unlimited
Description/Directions:
Prepare questions that include information regarding Israeli geography, government, the economy, and
current events. Have a poster board or chalkboard contain the list of categories with possible points
gained being anywhere from 100 to 500. Divide the USYers up into teams and have them seated at "answering
tables". Two USYers will run the game asking each team the questions, alternating evenly. When asked a
question, if a team is unsure of an answer, the question will be given to the next team in order, and if
that team does not know the answer, the fact will be read out loud. At the end of the game, reward the
winning team with Israeli chocolate bars.
Name:
Edible Israel
Goal/Objective:
To teach USYers about Israeli geography in a fun, creative way.
Materials Needed:
Disposable trays, large mat, ice cream, gloves, chocolate chips, different colored sprinkles, magic shell,
spoons, any other kind of appropriate food, books featuring Israeli geography, paper, and wax paper.
Amount of People:
10-15
Description/Directions:
Divide USYers up into 2 groups, each group given a disposable tray, a tub of ice cream, various other
sweet foods, spoons, and a magic shell. They will draw a map of Israel onto paper, then put wax paper over
that and begin to build the form of Israel out of ice cream. The chips represent mountains, blue sprinkles
will be water, orange sprinkles will be the desert, gray sprinkles will be disputed territory, and the
magic shell would just be for fun. Do not hesitate to use different kinds of foods. Once the landscapes
are laid down, the teams will have to locate several cities with toothpicks labeled as cities. If the
teams are stumped, books should be provided to give them hints. Have fun with this program! Remind USYers
to bring crummy clothes because there will be the chance they may get dirty.
Name:
Model Kotel
Goal/Objective:
To give USYers the opportunity to send letters to the Kotel at each convention.
Materials:
Large Kotel
Amount of People:
Unlimited
Description/Directions:
Make a model Kotel for your region by preparing a large stand made out of PVC tubing while a large
decorated cloth will be hung over to be the actual Kotel. The cloth makes a sealed pocket, and has slits
in it so that when USYers put their notes into the Kotel. Then, when someone in the region leaves for
Israel, the notes will be collected so that this USYer can fulfill the mitzvah of putting our notes in the
Kotel. It travels easily and may come on the bus with you to conventions.
Advice:
When you do a program using this model Kotel, it's a great opportunity to talk about the history and
significance of the Kotel, how it was reclaimed, etc.
Name:
Israel Karaoke Night
Goal/Objective:
To get USYers to become more familiar with all of the amazing Israeli music out there!
Materials:
A karaoke machine, words to Israeli songs
Amount of People:
Unlimited
Description/Directions:
All you need to do is rent a karaoke machine and get words to popular Israeli songs. Since not all USYers
know Israeli songs, it might work well to include both English and Israeli songs in your karaoke night.
But be sure to sing lots of Israeli songs and of course teach the songs to USYers!
Advice:
If you want to add an educational component to the program, you can include songs that have historical
value and teach USYers about the meaning behind them.
Name:
Israel Lounge Night
Goal/Objective:
To let USYers shmooze while soaking in many aspects of Israel's unique culture
Materials:
Depends on which options below you choose...
Amount of People:
Unlimited
Description/Directions:
Themed lounge nights are always fun, and even more enjoyable when the theme is Israel! This is a great way
to incorporate Israel into programming in a fun and social setting, in addition to the more serious Israel
discussions and news updates. The possibilities for Israel lounge nights are endless- here are a few:
- Decorate your lounge nights with Israeli signs, stickers, and posters!
- Make an edible Israel - create a map of Israel with ice cream, have USYers mark different cities and
landmarks with toppings, and finish by eating your creation!
- Eat Israeli food- falafel, Bisli, Israeli candy, etc...
- Set your lounge night fee at $10 for each USYer in attendance to become a member of HeChalutzim,
USY's Israel club!
- Teach Israeli dancing and songs
- Play either traditional or new popular Israeli music during the lounge night
- Watch an Israeli movie, a movie about Israel, or a Hebrew movie - watch something fun, a great
possibility is to watch Toy Story or another animated movie in Hebrew! (Hint: find a movie with English
subtitles, and/or a movie that USYers are familiar with.)
- Create a simulation of Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem, including food, activities, art booths, etc.
Advice:
This is a perfect opportunity to combine many programs into one - choose any of the above options or other
programs that are in this packet, and make them part of your lounge night!
Other Ideas for fun Israel programs:
- Have an Israeli dancing lesson.
- Choreograph a dance to a popular Israeli song; teach the dance to the Hebrew school, your chapter,
etc.
- Incorporate a section of Israeli dancing into your chapter, sub-regional, and regional dances.
- Paint a mural of different sites in and emotions toward Israel.
- Hold a weekend convention in which you simulate a kibbutz life style.
- Have a "Misada" - Israeli Restaurant - create a Hebrew menu, put prices in Shekels, teach basic
Hebrew food/restaurant terms, serve yummy Israeli food (falafel, shwarma, hummus, Bisli, Bamba, pita,
choko-spread, kinder eggs, schnitzel, Prigat juice).
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