Kol+HaLev-+All+Community+Program+3


 * OUTLINE OF ALL-COMMUNITY PROGRAM #3**
 * THE MACCABBEES WRESTLE WITH HELLENISM**
 * WE WRESTLE WITH ASSIMILATION**
 * DECEMBER 2, 2006**

1) The story of Chanukah from a Reconstructionist perspective 2)  Figure out who Kaplan would identify with; a Maccabbee or a Hellenist 3) Examine what it means for us as Jews today to live as Americans and Jews 4)  Differentiate b/n acculturation and assimilation and evaluate the pros and cons 5) Discuss how to figure out the boundary b/n living in two societies and losing ones minority identity to the majority..
 * GOAL:** The goal of the program is to explore
 * MATERIALS:** lots of Greek appetizers, a “schtick” by Jeff and Steve, film “The Tribe”, laptop computer, extension cord, projector, medals, puzzles, crayons or markers, blocks, spoons and balls, bow and arrows, sheets, talllotot, kippot, Israeli skirts, black hat, wigs, Havdalah set, plates, cups, drinks, napkins, pretzels, cheese nips, chex cereal, bowls, pitchers, kool-aide, tablecloths, 40 chairs, 4 tables

6:00-6:30 Cocktail “hour” 6:30-6:50 “schtick” by Jeff and Steve of challenges of being a Greek Jew of that time 6:50-7:10 Viewing of “The Tribe” 7:10-7:45 Parallel groups Deb: children 4th grade and below Steve: young people 5th grade and above, their parents, and other adults Jeff- adults only 7:45-7:50 Kool aide vs. Chex Mix demonstration 7:50-8:15 Card Activity in mixed age groupings 8:15- 8:45 preparing for the Toga Fashion Show- how to best integrate Jewish Clothing with the toga 8:45-9:00 Presentations and Judging 9:00-10:00 Havdalah, more eating, and schmoozing.
 * TIME TABLE:**

6:00-6:30 Cocktail “hour” Participants arrive and partake of hor deovres and socialize 6:30-6:50 “schtick” by Jeff and Steve of challenges of being a Greek Jew of that time Jeff and Steve will present a parody that will bring up questions of which was the better path to follow to be a Maccabbee or a Hellenist Jew. Discussion Questions for entire group: 1. Why do you think we are taught that the Maccabbees are the heroes of the Chanukah story? 2. What present day group of Jews might the Maccabeees be compared to? 3. Who would Kaplan identify with and why? 4. What types of Hellenist activities/ things could Jews of that time partake of that would not be in conflict with Judaism (for example, wear Greek clothing, take Greek names, etc.) 5. What types of Hellenist activities would “cross the line” and be in conflict with Judaism. 6. Today, as Jews do we sometimes “cross that line” and in trying to be American, actually cross into Christianity. (ex; perhaps Valentines day or trick or treating). 6:50-7:10 Viewing of “The Tribe” DVD Select participants will be given cards and are to watch for how the film depicts what is on their card 7:10-7:45 Parallel group A. Students 4th grade and younger with Deb. Deb will talk about times when to be American it seems we cross the line into Xtianity such as school “holiday” concerts. Discuss that during the time of the Chanukah story there were Jews who did some Greek things and some Jewish things, belonged to both societies. For instance, had Greek names, wore Greek clothing, and participated in Olympics Greek sporting events. Introduce mini-Olympics (3 games) 1) Relay race with blocks- 2 teams, each member of the team must line up and in turn run to the other side and place their block to build a Greek wall. 2) Ball on spoon run from one side to the other with a ball on a spoon 3) Build a human pyramid Every child then gets medal, and then have them make a puzzle what it means to be American and Jewish B. Older Students and adults with Steve and Jeff Discussion Questions 1) Is being American and Jewish the same as being Hellenist and Jewish? 2) What is the one thing, tradition that connects you the most to Judaism? 3) Are these things necessarily religious? Or are they ethnic or something else? 4) What does it mean to be Jewish? 5) When the creator of Barbie died, her obituary I not mention her Jewishness, what does that say? 6) Have those with cards; share what the movie said about the topic on their card. 7:45-7:50 Kool aide vs. Chex Mix demonstration Rabbi Mills with the help of the younger students will mix the chex mix and lemonade and explain the significance of both 7:50-8:15 Card Activity in mixed age groupings Rabbi Estelle will reiterate that it is ok to be part of larger culture as long as it does not go ageist Judaism. Today sometimes the lines b/n being American and Xtian cross and then it is more difficult to be American Jew without crossing over into Xtinity- similar to the Hellenists that the Maccabees really reactd to. Have younger children join their parent’s group. In the two groups, give each a selection of cards. Ask group to identify the one that is religiously Jewish, religious Xtian, both but respectful of the different traditions, both but mixing the traditions. Have group share how they feel about each category. 8:15- 8:45 preparing for the Toga Fashion Show Subdivide each of the two groups into 3 for a total of six groups. With the selection of Jewish and Greek paraphnalia, clothing, have each group choose a model(s) to represent them in the fashion show. Dress them in the best Toga/Jewish fashion combination. 8:45-9:00 Fashion Show and Judging 9:00-10:00 Havdalah, more eating, and schmoozing.
 * METHOD**: