Hands-on Workshops from Federation’s Community Shlichim
Welcome to Hands-on Israel, your one-stop shop for engaging Israel programming in Greater Washington, led by Federation’s Community Shlichim (Israeli emissaries).
Browse the offerings below for hands-on opportunities to engage Jewish community members with Israel and Israelis across DC, MD, and Northern VA.
QUESTIONS? Contact Avia Halevi, Educational Engagement Shlicha, at [email protected].
Please note that the host organization is responsible for coordinating logistics, such as AV equipment, tables, chairs, etc.
Hands-on Israel Workshops
+ Courage Comes in Waves: Lessons About Leadership from my Great Grandmother
Growing up as a small child, Avi Eisen was privileged to have had many meaningful conversations with his great grandmother (Bubbe) who was a Holocaust survivor. Later, during his training and service as a naval officer and ship captain, he noticed many similarities between Bubbe’s stories and his navy experience. Eventually, those stories – became life lessons. Join Avi for an hour of funny and exciting stories that will have you all wishing you knew his Bubbe.
Get to know Avi
Max participants: 60
Age group: 9th grade and up
Length: 60 – 90 min
+ Hands-on Israeli Artist-inspired Workshop
Art is influenced by the artists surroundings. What motivated the mediums and perspectives of Israeli artists Yaacov Agam and Chanoch Piven? Abraham Belilty will help you explore identity and perspective changing 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 with you, playing with colors and shapes, as well as a variety of materials.
Get to know Abraham
Max participants: 60 – 100
Age group: All ages
Length: 60 – 90 min
+ Israeli Films and Israeli Life
Sure, you might be familiar with Shtisel and Fouda, but these are the tip of a vibrant Israeli film and media industry. Film offers unique insights into a society. Join Snir Holtzman, an Israeli film enthusiast, who will walk you through film clips that shed light on how Israelis interact, feel, challenge, and heal. This session includes watching several Israeli film clips with English subtitles.
Get to know Snir
Max participants: 60
Age group: Teens and up
Length: 90 min
+ My Yemenite Wedding - Feminism, Poetry, and Music of a Traditional-Modern Henna Ceremony
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: 50
Age group: 9th grade and up
Length: 75 min
+ The Story of the Iraqi Jewish Community
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
+ Trail Blazing - Discover Israel Through the "Shvil Israel" (The Israel Trail)
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: 8th grade and up
Length: 60 min
+ Weaving Israel
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: 3rd grade and up
Length: 60 – 120 min