MATERIALS
Poster board (or some kind of big,
white paper) - 2 sheets for each small group of about 10-15 people
Markers (assortment of colors for
each group)
TIMELINE
0:00 - 0:05 Introduction
Split into groups.
Give directions: Each group is to
draw one Jew on each poster board - one Jew of the past (whatever they
interpret past to mean) and one Jew of the present day. In the drawing they
should incorporate all aspects about what the Jew looks like, how s/he leads
his/her life, and anything else that they feel is specific to that Jew. Groups
should feel free to be as stereotypical as they wish. Everything drawn on the
page must have a reason for being there so individuals should be discussing
why they draw what they draw with the group. Groups may include key words in
their drawing if they feel that it is necessary, but if possible, they should
think of creative ways to visually interpret their ideas.
0:05 - 0:20 Drawing
Draw the Jews in groups
0:20 - 0:40 Sharing
Share drawings with the larger group
describing why they depicted the Jews as they did.
As a big group we will examine
patterns that occurred, and why we think this happened, and in what ways have
Jews and the lives they lead changed over the years.
Pop the big question: Based on the
ideas expressed in the drawings and in the discussions, do you feel that
Judaism in can be best characterized as a race, an ethnicity, a culture, or a
religion? Does Judaism in the past fit a different characterization than
Judaism in the present day? If so, why might this be so?
0:40
- 0:55 Small Group Discussion
Go back into small groups and talk
about the questions. Groups should feel free to add to or change their
pictures based on new ideas discussed as a group. Be prepared to articulate
the feelings of the small group with the larger group.
0:55 - 1:10 Wrap Up
Each small group shares ideas with
the big group once more, and how they may have changed their pictures.
(Possibly take some sort of a vote with everyone voting individually about
what they feel in response to the questions.)
Wrap up briefly with what we learned
from this discussion and what our own results / views might show.
Program written by
Amy Goldsmith and Larissa Wohl
for the No'ar Hadash North American Teen Kallah, November 2004.
