Hands-on Workshops from Federation’s Community Shlichim

Growing up as a small child, I was privileged to have many meaningful conversations with my great grandmother (bubbe) who was a Holocaust survivor. Later on, throughout my training and service as a naval officer and ship captain, I noticed many parallel moments that became life lessons. Join me for an hour of funny and exciting stories that will have you all wish you knew my bubbe.
Get to know Avi

Max participants: 200
Age group: 9^th grade and up
Length: 60 – 90 min

Have you ever wondered what make us who we are? What experiences and events have been so impactful that they are engraved into our personality? How we, as individuals, can help strengthen our community. In this workshop, we will learn about the Japanese art of Kintsugi (repairing broken objects/joining with gold), share our personal breakage, discuss Israel’s most challenging times and how they impact us as a community.
Get to know Ofek

Max participants: 100
Age group: Adults
Length: 60 min

Art is influenced by the artists’ experience and surroundings. What motivated the mediums and perspectives of prominent and influential Israeli artists, Yaacov Agam and Chanoch Piven? Abraham Belilty will help you explore identity and perspective through one of two possible hands-on art experiences. In this session, you will create your own work of art inspired by the chosen artist. (No art skills necessary!)

Piven: What are we made from? A crafty workshop investigating identity through portrait collage-making inspired by Israeli artist, Hanoch Piven.
Agam: Create three original pieces of art to take home, playing with colors and shapes, as well as a variety of materials.
Get to know Abraham

Max participants: 100
Age group: All ages
Length: 60 – 90 min

Sure, you might be familiar with Shtisel and Fauda, but these are only the tip of the iceberg of the vibrant Israeli film and media industry. Film offers unique insights into a society. Join Snir Holtzman, an Israeli film enthusiast, who will discuss the history of Israeli film, introduce you to notable Israeli film-makers, and walk you through film clips that shed light on specific film themes around the complexities of Israeli life.
Get to know Snir

Max participants: 60
Age group: Teens and up
Length: 90 min

Israel society has changed immensely after October 7^th. The changes have impacted every part of Israeli life and many people at a personal level. One of the best ways to explore this impact is through music. Together with our Shaliach, Dean Bagdadi, we will dive into 5 songs from 5 artists and explore what that change means. We’ll explore the story behind each song, the artist who wrote it, and the songs itself.
Get to know Dean

Max participants: 50
Age group: Teens and up
Length: 60-90 min

Have you always loved music in different languages? In this workshop, you’ll dive into the rich world of Israeli music. We’ll explore its evolution through different periods, uncovering the melodies and the stories that shaped them. Together, we’ll examine how the Israeli narrative has transformed over time and try to answer how and why narratives are constructed, as well as the origins of these diverse and captivating melodies.
Get to know Tamar

Max participants: 100
Age group: Teens and adults
Length: 60 – 90 min

The Mahane Yehuda Market (Shouk) is the vibrant heart of Jerusalem, bringing people together from all over Israel and the world. Immerse yourself in a sensory adventure as you explore the rich tapestry of sights, sounds, flavors, and different people from Israeli society that make this market a true gem of the city and Israel. Join Maya Ezra, born and raised in Jerusalem, on a journey in one of Israel’s most unique blend of cultures.
Get to know Maya

Max participants: 70
Age group: 6^th grade and up
Length: 60-90 min

Step into the vibrant world of Mimuna, a cherished Moroccan Jewish tradition that marks the end of Passover with joy, music, colorful costumes, and sweet treats. This immersive experience invites you to embrace the lively spirit of this festive occasion. Yuval will share her insights into Jewish Moroccan traditions, the story of her grandparents’ Aliyah to Israel, and more. Celebrate, connect, and discover the beauty and richness of Moroccan heritage!
Get to know Yuval

Max participants: 40
Age group: Adults (workshop can be adjusted for adults with kids)
Length: 60-90 min

In many Jewish Arab traditions, a Henna ceremony is celebrated for the bride before her wedding, as a rite of passage to married life. For generations, Yemenite women have found their voice through music, art, food, and parenthood. They created a tradition in a patriarchal society where they were not expected to have a voice. This tradition was brought to Israel by Yemeni Jews where it became more mainstream and an example of an eastern kind of feminism. In this Henna-like program, Avia Halevi, a Yemenite descendant, will lead you through the different aspects of this Jewish Yemenite celebration, through feminine poetry, music, stories, and yummy foods.
Get to know Avia

Max participants: 100
Age group: 9^th grade and up
Length: 75 min

Iraq isn’t a place you might associate with a thriving Jewish community anymore, but at one time it was bustling with Jewish life. Dean Bagdadi will share his heritage and family stories as you learn about the rich story of the Iraqi Jewish community. This program will also include a presentation of making Baharat, a unique Iraqi spice bland.
Get to know Dean

Max participants: 50
Age group: Adults
Length: 90 min

There is virtually no other place with the diversity of cultures, color, scenery, and history like Israel. Desert and snow, beaches and forests, ancient history and the latest trends, all within less than an hour’s drive from… anywhere. Avi Eisen feels like he only truly discovered Israel through his feet, hiking the Israel trail with his wife, dog, and friends. Hear stories about Avi’s experiences on and off the Israel trail, all while drinking delicious campfire coffee and special tea!
Get to know Avi

Max participants: 60
Age group: 8^th grade and up
Length: 60 min

Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Israel’s diverse culture with a unique basket weaving program! Celebrating the rich history and traditional crafts of Israel, participants will learn the ancient art of basket weaving while embracing the cultural heritage of Jewish, Arab, Druze, Bedouin, and other Israeli communities. Experience the transformative power of mutual creation in building and fortifying communal bonds. Guided by Avia Halevi, this program is a tapestry of cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and appreciation for the gifts of nature.
Get to know Avia

Max participants: 25
Age group: 3^rd grade and up
Length: 60 – 120 min

Israeli literature has been around for years, exploring themes and subjects relevant for everyone, with a “touch” of Israeliness to it, making it special and unique. In this session, we’ll explore the themes of love, and how the Israeli culture intertwines in those to create a meaningful and impactful look on society and life.
Get to know Snir

Max participants: 30
Age group: Adults
Length: 60 min

This experiential workshop encourages self-expression and awakens the creativity within each of us, showing just how easy it can be to write a song. We’ll learn the basics of songwriting by discovering the keyword—“hook line.” I’ll share my personal story of being part of the Israeli music industry as an artist, demonstrate songwriting techniques using my original music, and explore how these techniques are reflected in familiar Israeli songs.
Get to know Yoel

Max participants: 20
Age group: 8^th grade & up
Length: 60-90 min