Important note regarding the copying of programmes

Aims / Objectives :
Aim:
- To explain what the Diaspora means.
- To educate the chanichim on the Liberal stand point on the Diaspora.
- To stimulate thought processes and choice making about the Diaspora (i.e. take a stand)

Trigger :
Trigger:
- Sit the chanichim in a circle and hand out pens and questionnaires asking about a time they went away (sheet attached).
- Tell them they can find their own space to do so if they wish or just stay where they are.
- Ask them to really think about their answers carefully. – 10 mins

Main part of the programme :
Method:
- Now split the chanichim into pre-prepared groups (5 groups of six) by giving them each a number, 1-6, while they are quietly (hopefully) filling out their questionnaires. – 5 mins
- Once in groups ( 1 madrich per group) ask the chanichim if they have any idea what Diaspora means – they will probably say no or be wrong.
- Tell them that it comes from the ancient Greek and literally means “ the spreading of seeds”
- Explain that these days, in terms of Jews, Diaspora means Jews who do not live in Israel; therefore we are all Diaspora Jews.
- Tell them that there are two different opinions today about the Diaspora
o The first (this is what LJY believes) is that by “spreading his seed”, or the jewish people all over the world, god is spreading the holiness, teaching others about Judaism and learning from others in turn. –This means different cultures of Judaism, different forms of prayer and less anticemitism. – Like (Ashknazi and Seffadi)

o The second is that the holy land (Israel) makes you wise and holy and that all jews living out of Israel should want and try to move there – this means intense spirituality and segregation from anticemites.
- Ask them what they think and ask chanichim if they go to a Jewish school or a secular one. What are the pros and cons of both types of school?
- Explain the similarities between this and the Diaspora
- Make sure they are absorbing this info by testing them along the way.
- Make the connection with them that if you call Israel the homeland, then we as Diaspora Jews are away from home. – But is this a bad thing?– 10-15 mins
- No get out the questionaires discuss the answers the chanichim gave and why. Make sure everyone is getting a say.
- After this, reinforce to the chanichim the connection between Israel and home verbally – 15 mins

Conclusion :
Sikkum:
- Give them all a handful of grass seeds and take them don to the fields. Tell them they must choose to plant their seeds either all in one patch or spread them out.
- They are now free to go!- 15 mins (incl walk down to field)

Resources:
None

Notes:
None