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Hands-on Israel Workshops

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From Israel to Greater Washington

Bring the spirit of Israel to your congregation, classroom, or organization through a free, customizable Hands-on Israel workshop led by our shlichim (Israeli emissaries). From the classroom to the pulpit to the boardroom, these opportunities can help you create powerful, personal connections to Israel.

Topics include:

  • Identity, Story & Society
  • Dialogue, Leadership and Community Engagement
  • Culture, Creativity & Tradition

Explore our 2026 Workshops

Identity, Story & Society

Unveiling Her: The Complex Story of Israeli Womanhood (Chen Sara) – This workshop uses film to explore the diverse experiences of Israeli women—stories of identity, resilience, and everyday realities shaped by culture, geography, and history. Through guided clips and discussion, participants reflect on how women navigate family, career, activism, and tradition, and consider what womanhood means to them.
 
The Power of Being You: Bridging Hearts Through Israel Pride (Hila) – This workshop explores ‘coming out’ as both an LGBTQ+ experience and a universal human journey. Through a personal story and a look at LGBTQ+ life in Israel, participants reflect on identity, authenticity, and selfacceptance, discovering how openness and honesty can foster meaningful connections and community.
 
Dream of Zion: The Journey of Ethiopian Jews to Israel (Yismaw) – This workshop traces the journey of Ethiopian Jews—from their dream of Jerusalem, through courageous evacuation operations and migration, to life in Israel and the challenges faced. Through personal stories, photos, and interactive activities, participants experience this historic journey and the vibrant culture of the Beta Israel community.
 
The Man Behind the Mask: Experiences from October 7th and Its Impacts (Ziv) – In this workshop, Ziv will share his personal experiences from the fighting on October 7, 2023, and the days that followed, including harrowing and inspiring moments from the field. We will analyze the tactical impacts on the IDF, such as changes in defense strategies and responses to emerging threats, alongside the societal effects on the State of Israel—from national unity to profound social challenges—and on Jewish communities in the Diaspora, including a sharp rise in antisemitism and community-wide challenges. The session will include an open discussion to deepen collective understanding.

Dialogue, Leadership & Community Engagement

Vision in Blue and White (Inbal) – Participants will explore the meaning of leadership, how it is formed, and the qualities that define a leader. We will examine dilemmas faced by Israeli leaders and the motivations behind their decisions. Through guided discussion and interactive activities, participants will reflect on different leadership styles and consider the lessons they offer.
 
Israel in Conversation: Interactive Dialogues on Complex Issues (Yuval) – An engaging, facilitated evening designed to explore the complexities of Israel through interactive dialogue. Participants will discuss real-life dilemmas, share perspectives, and reflect on emotions, questions, and concerns related to Israeli society and culture. The session can be tailored to the community’s needs and may include activities such as role-playing scenarios, group discussions on challenging dilemmas, or a panel of Shlichim (emissaries) addressing pre-selected topics – encouraging open, thoughtful, and meaningful conversation.
 
Judaism & Israel: Understanding the Connection (Various) – In this workshop, we’ll explore our Jewish identity and our connection to Israel, diving into the relationship between the two. We’ll uncover the similarities and differences between Jewish life in America and Israel, and reflect on how these identities shape our own perspectives and experiences. Join us for an engaging, thought-provoking session designed to deepen your understanding and connection.
 
Staff Training: Connecting Israel to Your Organization (Various) – A practical workshop for staff and teams from a variety of organizations—including school and educational teams—looking to strengthen their connection to Israel. Combines insights on the importance of Israel engagement with hands-on activities, real-life examples, and actionable tips.

Culture, Creativity & Tradition

Made in Israel (Ori) – Everyone knows some of the classic Israeli inventions—like Waze or cherry tomatoes—but not everyone realizes how many Israeli innovations have truly changed the world. In this workshop, you’ll explore Israel’s most remarkable inventions and the brilliant minds behind them through interactive games and creative challenges.
 
Shuk Haifa (Tal) – Get to know the spiritual heart of Haifa, the city where multiple faiths live and thrive together. Explore the unique blend of religions, traditions, and shared daily life through an interactive, market-style workshop. Participants will get to know the most diverse city in the Middle East by walking through a shuk (market) where each stand reveals how Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Bahá’ís shape the vibrant spirit of coexistence of this beautiful, ancient city.
 
Israeli Music: Behind the Sound (Tamar) – Participants will explore Israeli music across different eras, discovering how melodies and stories reflect the evolving Israeli narrative. Through songs, discussion, and reflection, we’ll deepen our understanding of identity, culture, and history, while considering how and why narratives are shaped and where these diverse musical influences come from.
 
Rhythms of Israel: A Drumming Circle Experience (Yoel) – An experiential workshop for all ages that builds connection through rhythm and creativity. Participants learn simple drumming patterns, explore percussion instruments, and play along to familiar Israeli songs—creating joy, unity, and shared culture.
 
Roots and Blossoms: The Israeli Flower Crown Experience (Maya) – This workshop celebrates Israel’s flower crown tradition, woven through moments of joy and renewal from Shavuot to birthdays. We’ll craft crowns from blossoms, reflecting on how this simple ritual invites us to pause, breathe, and embrace the present, while deepening our connection to the land, to one another, and to the magic of the moment.

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Interested in hosting a Shlichim-led experience?

Whether you're planning a community event, classroom session, or leadership program, our emissaries can bring meaningful, engaging Israel-focused content to your space.
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