AZA and BBG Global Shabbat

dcb` ef oi` evxz m`Im Tirzu Ein Zoh Agadah

If You Will it, it is No Dream

cg` zia ,cg` m’ ,cgia micne’We Stand Together, One Nation, One HomeOmdim B’yachad, Am Echad, Bayit Echad

AZA and BBG Global ShabbatAleph Zadik Aleph and B’nai B’rith Girls

November 8-9, 2013 . 5774

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Table of Contents A Guide to Planning a Service…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….2 Shabbat Stories…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 AZA Global Shabbat Stories……………….……………………………………………………………………………………………..14 BBG Global Shabbat Stories…………………….………………………………………………………………………………………..16 AZA Global Shabbat Discussion Questions……………………………………………………………………………………….18 BBG Global Shabbat Discussion Questions……………………………………………………………………………………….20 The Zionist Dream……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..22 AZA and BBG Global Shabbat Heroes…………………………………………………………………………………..............24 AZA and BBG Global Shabbat Recipes………………………………………………………………………………………………27 This guide was compiled thanks to the hard work of the 2013 AZA and BBG Global Shabbat Programmatic Materials and Resources Committee. Claire Goldstein, Rocky Mountain Region Jordan Kotler, Northern Region East: DC Council Melissa Kurtzman, North Texas Oklahoma Region Emily Messana, Gold Coast Region Max Meyer, Cotton States Region Sam Saper, Mid-America Region, Kansas City Council Jake Stein, Wisconsin Region Daniel Toland, Liberty Region Yosi Vogel, Northern Region East: DC Council Tracey Rebecca Katz, 25th International Sh’licha of the B’nai Brith Girls Gary Meir Levine, 25th Grand Aleph Shaliach of the Aleph Zadik Aleph

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A Guide to Planning a Service

Cultivating a service for your chapter, council or region is a big responsibility. Where do you start? You might be wondering, “are all of these prayers mandatory?” Well, there’s no wrong way to pray. There are some prayers that are often included, such as the Kaddish or the Amidah. There are also many prayers that relate to different topics, and could be useful depending on what you would like your community to think about. In this guide you will find:

Suggestions of possible prayers and the order in which they appear in a service.

Suggestions of how to incorporate the AZA and BBG Global Shabbat themes into services.

Suggestions of how to make services more interactive and engaging.

Links to musical resources that can enhance your service.

Explanations of select prayers, and resources where you can find explanations of other prayers. The Basics of a Service At the most basic level, a service can be framed around a few key moments.

Barchu – calling everyone to gather and pray

Shema – reaching out to G-d to hear our prayer (because it so familiar most people have with this prayer serves as an engagement point during a service)

Amidah – Allows for personal prayer and reflection

Mourner’s Kaddish – A time to remember those who have passed These moments can be related to any theme or discussion, whether the service is a nature walk in the forest or a meditation, these are markers that can frame a service and provide familiarity while allowing for creativity with other elements. The components that go before, after and in between can be reflective of the message of the service. For example, since Barchu is a call to gather and pray, any opening services or discussion you include before then can help set a tone of welcoming, waking up, gathering, etc. How will your AZA and BBG Global Shabbat service be different from any other service? AZA and BBG Global Shabbat , no matter where it is celebrated, is based on special, teen-selected themes that inspire the program for the participants. AZA theme: Im Tirzu Ein Zoh Agadah – If You Will It, It is No Dream Nothing is out of our reach, if we stand together, as a people, we can tackle anything.

● Between prayers, ask questions about a time your peers have reached a goal. For already created questions, see the AZA Theme Discussion Questions.

● Tell anecdotes about famous people, like Theodor Herzl, who have exemplified this theme. To learn more about Herzl and other famous people, use the Jewish Heroes Resource.

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BBG theme: Omdim B’yachad, Am Echad, Bayit Echad - We Stand Together, One Nation, One Home We unite in our love for Israel, and our fellow Jews all over the world.

● Between prayers, ask questions about your peers’ visits to Israel or their connections to the Jewish homeland. For already created questions, see the BBG Theme Discussion Questions.

● Between prayers, insert quotes from BBGs in other chapters or regions about their efforts to help Israel and why they love Israel.

● Brainstorm about Israel advocacy. To guide this discussion, see the BBG Theme Discussion Questions which support the BBYO Speak UP initiative.

How Can I Make the Service Relatable to All Participants with Fun, Interactive and Creative Elements?

● Connect the Menorah Pledge Principles/Cardinal Pledge Principles to prayers that relate to the theme.

● Incorporate singing or chanting into the services. ● Include question and answer sessions as well as open discussions. ● Utilize other AZA and BBG Global Shabbat resources to include interesting stories about Shabbat,

the Torah portion or theme. Where Can I Find Songs to Use? In addition to prayers, songs can help elevate the spirituality of a service. The “Zemriot Data Base” has a multitude of songs that can be used on both Erev Shabbat (Friday evening) and Yom Shabbat (Saturday). This resource will have the Hebrew, English transliteration, and English translation and information on when the song is sung during a service. Often songs are available on Youtube or iTunes, too, which is very helpful. Some prayers and their explanations When putting together a service it’s important to consider which prayers to use. Familiar prayers will get people involved; prayers selected for their meaning or because of their connection to the theme invite discussion. Below are a few suggested prayers, their meanings and some probing questions you can ask your participants; these are just a sample to get you started in planning. Prayers that can be included in Friday night services: L’chah Dodi, a Sixteenth-century mystical poem by Shlomo Halevi Alkabetz of Safed, is sung to welcome

the Sabbath Bride. It links the ordinary weekday with the holy Sabbath. We welcome the Sabbath,

described here as a bride, into our lives as if we, the Jewish people, are her groom on her wedding day.

In Lecha Dodi we are reminded by the 4th commandment to keep and guard the Shabbat day. Why are we told to keep and guard Shabbat?

In Lecha Dodi, the Shabbat day is described as a bride and the Jewish people her groom. Why do you think this is the metaphor that the author decided to use?

Lecha Dodi uses physical metaphors to describe big ideas. Why do you think that is? Do you have any examples that you would like to share?

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Y’did Nefesh is a poem that is traditionally sung at the beginning of Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday, early evening service, welcoming Shabbat). In the text we sing about a love for G-d and dancing and celebrating on a joyous occasion. An interesting note about this poem is that the first letters of the first four paragraphs make up the name of G-d.

What are some ways that you begin your day that reflect celebration or joy?

What are some ways you celebrate happy occasions? When was the last time you celebrated with others? What did you do and why did you do it?

Barchu, which needs a minyan, or gathering of 10 people, is a call to prayer. This marks the official beginning of the Ma’ariv (evening) service on Friday, once Kabbalat Shabbat is complete. Calling to prayer brings everyone back together as the most important portions of the service approach.

What are some ways we create communities and bring people together? Why it is important to recognize when a community comes together?

Who is in your community? What makes a community? Shema is our declaration of faith in only one god. The two letters, עand ד, are printed larger. Together they make the Hebrew word witness, emphasizing that we are witnessing that G-d is one and He is sovereign. This prayer underscores that we learn the importance of the commandments from G-d and they should be taught to our children.

What are messages you want to share with the world? What are causes you are passionate about? How can you share your message?

What are some or miraculous things you have seen? What incredible moments have you experienced before?

Why is it important to pass on life lessons to the next generation? Do we ever learn from the previous generation’s mistakes?

V’shamru expresses our desire to emulate God, who rested on the seventh day, by making Shabbat a holy day of rest.

What does rest look like for you? Do you ever really rest? How do you disconnect and rest? Prayers that can be included in Saturday morning services: Ashrei is an acrostic Psalm (115:18) that praises G-d with each line beginning with every letter of the Hebrew alphabet, excluding nun. In the Babylonian Talmud (Berachot, 4b) it tells us that one who says the Ashrei three times a day has a place in Olam Habah (the world to come).

Create your own English acrostic praising those people/objects/activities that make you happy.

Why it is important to say a genuine thank you? When was the last time your genuinely thanked someone?

Another way to think about praise is to glorify and admire. Who is someone that you admire and why? Have you told them this?

Barchu, on Saturday, this marks the official beginning of Shacharit, morning service. This is the point where the service becomes a bit livelier, compared to Pesukei Dezimrah, the prayers leading up to Shacharit, which is mostly said silently.

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Shema. please see explanation for Friday night. Prayers that should be included in Havdallah services: Havdallah creates a separation between the holy Sabbath, which is about to end, and the ordinary week that is about to begin. There is a prayer over the wine, a prayer over spices, a prayer over the fire and a prayer for Havdallah or separation.

How do you keep the special things separate from the ordinary? How do you make them the same? How do you make something that seems boring feel special?

Additional Resources

● Build a Prayer – use this BBYO resource to build your own service outline for your Shabbat experience.

● Zemirot Database – use this link to see additional songs for both Friday and Saturday services ● DJEs (Directors of Jewish Enrichment), Regional Directors, local and International Shlichim –

have questions about other prayers and their meanings? Get in touch with your local staff and Shlichim. Even if they don’t have all the answers, they’ll know someone who does.

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Shabbat Stories These stories are well suited for any Shabbat. Discuss them with your chapter, council or region and encourage one another to share your own stories. These stories can be used during a prayer service, at a Brotherhood or Sisterhood program, during a Shabbat meal and many other programs. Why the Evergreen Trees Never Lose Their Leaves By: Florence Holbrook Winter was coming, and the birds had flown far to the south, where the air was warm and they could find berries to eat. One little bird had broken its wing and could not fly with the others. It was alone in the cold world of frost and snow. The forest looked warm, and the bird made its way to the trees as well as it could, to ask for help. First it came to a birch tree. “Beautiful birch tree,” it said, “my wing is broken, and my friends have flown away. May I live among your branches till they come back to me?” “No, indeed,” answered the birch tree, drawing her fair green leaves away. “We of the great forest have our own birds to help. I can do nothing for you.” “The birch is not very strong,” said the little bird to itself, “and it might be that she could not hold me easily. I will ask the oak.” So the bird said, “Great oak tree, you are so strong, will you not let me live on your boughs till my friends come back in the springtime?” “In the springtime!” cried the oak. “That is a long way off. How do I know what you might do in all that time? Birds are always looking for something to eat, and you might even eat up some of my acorns.” “It may be that the willow will be kind to me,” thought the bird, and it said, “Gentle willow, my wing is broken, and I could not fly to the south with the other birds. May I live on your branches till the springtime?” The willow did not look gentle then, for she drew herself up proudly and said, “Indeed, I do not know you, and we willows never talk to those whom we do not know. Very likely there are trees somewhere that will take in strange birds. Leave me at once.” The poor little bird did not know what to do. Its wing was not yet strong, but it began to fly away as well as it could. Before it had gone far a voice was heard. “Little bird,” it said, “where are you going?” “Indeed, I do not know,” answered the bird sadly. “I am very cold.” “Come right here, then,” said the friendly spruce tree, for it was her voice that had called. “You shall live on my warmest branch all winter if you choose.” “Will you really let me?” asked the little bird eagerly. “Indeed, I will,” answered the kind-hearted spruce tree. “If your friends have flown away, it is time for the trees to help you. Here is the branch where my leaves are thickest and softest.” “My branches are not very thick,” said the friendly pine tree, “but I am big and strong, and I can keep the North Wind from you and the spruce.” “I can help, too,” said a little juniper tree. “I can give you berries all winter long, and every bird knows that juniper berries are good.” So the spruce gave the lonely little bird a home; the pine kept the cold North Wind away from it; and the juniper gave it berries to eat. The other trees looked on and talked together wisely.

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“I would not have strange birds on my boughs,” said the birch. “I shall not give my acorns away for any one,” said the oak. “I never have anything to do with strangers,” said the willow, and the three trees drew their leaves closely about them. In the morning all those shining, green leaves lay on the ground, for a cold North Wind had come in the night, and every leaf that it touched fell from the tree. “May I touch every leaf in the forest?” asked the wind in its frolic. “No,” said the Frost King. “The trees that have been kind to the little bird with the broken wing may keep their leaves.” This is why the leaves of the spruce, the pine, and the juniper are always green.” Discussion Questions: Why the Evergreen Trees Never Lose Their Leaves

1. What is a stranger? Have you ever helped someone who you would consider a ‘stranger’? How and what caused you to want to help them?

2. What are the things that could make a person who you don’t know feel less like a stranger? Could it be that they are Jewish? From the same town as you? From your school?

3. What Jewish values does this story exemplify?

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Home For Shabbat By: Deena Yellin As I settled into my seat on Flight 1272 bound for Chicago, I glanced at the passengers filing down the aisle. My Jew-radar immediately went off; in addition to the business travelers toting their laptops and briefcases and the pleasure travelers wearing shorts and Walkmans, I spied several suede kippot, a sthreimel and ankle-length skirts. Despite our shared heritage, I didn't bother acknowledging them. They were strangers and I live in New York, where strangers seldom exchange greetings, even if they recite the same prayers. The plane rolled toward the runway and I waited for takeoff. No such luck. The pilot announced the flight was being delayed three hours due to stormy weather conditions in Chicago. I glanced at my watch nervously. Usually, I avoid flying Friday afternoons for fear I won't arrive in time, but on summer weekends when Shabbat doesn't begin until 8 p.m., I figured I'd be safe. I figured wrong. But I calculated that I could just make it if I didn't claim my luggage and jumped into a taxi. I turned around to check on my fellow Jews. Two men wearing kippot were examining their watches. The Chasid was on the airplane’s phone. A half-hour before arrival, the pilot announced O'Hare Airport was shut down and we were landing in Milwaukee until we could continue on. My stomach sunk. Candle lighting was an hour away. I'd never make it on time. Like most religious Jews who work in the secular world, I'd experienced my share of close calls. But I never knowingly violated the Sabbath. Now, I was stuck. By now, the men wearing kippot and women in long skirts were huddled in the back of the plane. Others had joined them. Shabbat was bringing strangers together. It was time to introduce myself. We're going to get off in Milwaukee, a young man told me. The Chasid had called Milwaukee's Chabad rabbi, who offered to host any stranded passengers for Shabbat. Come with us, he urged. I nodded with relief but returned to my seat crestfallen since I had planned this weekend with my family for months. My non-Jewish seatmate, noticing my despair, inquired what was wrong. When I told him the story, his jaw dropped. "Let me get this straight," he said, "You're getting off the plane in a town where you've never been with people you don't know to stay overnight with complete strangers?" For the first time that day, it occurred to me just how lucky I was. When the plane landed, the pilot announced we were disembarking first for religious reasons. Passengers stared at us, dumbfounded. My seatmate bid me farewell as if he didn't think I'd survive. But I quickly realized I was among friends. As I attempted to carry my bags off the plane, a woman insisted on helping me. When we crowded into cabs to take us to the rabbi's house, the Chasid insisted on paying for me. And when the cabs pulled up at the home of the rabbi and rebbetzin, they ran outside to greet us as if we were long lost relatives. The sun set on Milwaukee as they ushered us into their home, where a long table was set for Shabbat with a white tablecloth, china and gleaming Kiddush cups. When I lit the Shabbat candles, a wave of peace washed over me. With all that had transpired, I was warmed by the notion that the world stops with the first flicker of Sabbath light. Over a traditional Shabbat feast, the rabbi enchanted us with tales of the Baal Shem Tov and informed us that our re-route to Milwaukee was due not to the world of weather but of Divine providence. We lingered over our meal, enjoying our spiritual sanctuary in time after the stressful day. Zemirot (Shabbat songs) filled the room. We shared disappointments about our unexpected stopover. Most of the group was traveling to Chicago for their friend's aufruf, when a groom is “called up” to the Torah on

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the Shabbat before a wedding, and wedding, and were missing the aufruf. The Chasid and his wife were missing a bar mitzvah. We pondered the meaning of the departure from our journey and marveled at the coincidences. I had attended camp with my Shabbat roommate, a couple had conducted business with my father, a man had studied in yeshiva with my cousin, the Chasid used to work in my hometown of Aurora, Illinois and I had once spent Purim in Crown Heights, New York with my hosts' son. Exhausted as we were, everyone was hesitant to leave the table to go to sleep. The next morning, a lively tefillah was followed by a leisurely meal where we exchanged stories about our lives, careers and dreams. We nicknamed ourselves the Milwaukee 15 and wondered if future generations would retell the story of the flight that didn't make it in time for candlelighting. Saturday night, we made a regretful journey to the everyday world. But before we began the final leg of our trip, I called my husband to tell him all that had transpired. "Who did you spend Shabbat with?" he asked worriedly. I pondered how to explain who these former strangers were who had given me lessons in Shabbat hospitality and in the power of Shabbat in bringing Jews together. And, then as swiftly as a 747 can leave the tarmac on a clear day, I realized the truth: miles away from my parents, husband and home, I had accomplished what I set out to do when I booked my ticket: I had spent Shabbat with family.” Discussion Questions: Home For Shabbat

1. What does family mean to you? 2. What are the things that you rely on your family for? Are there people who you would not

consider family, but you rely on for the things above? 3. Have you ever had an experience where you’ve connected with someone you don’t know well

because of your Judaism? Explain.

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Window Twelve By: Kenia Lobo My stomach flipped. “Why do you want to return to the U.S.A?” the consulado asked me. “I need to go back to school and then attend college,” I responded. Staring down at my documents he said, “Your application is on file. This is a long process. There is no guarantee you will be approved.” I asked questions but the answers were all the same –“Wait.” I was disappointed. When I walked in the house, my aunt said, “You didn’t get it right?” My cousin replied, “She will never get it.” I looked at all of them angry and thought, “Why can’t they have a positive attitude?” I thought of giving up. I felt discouraged, but determined. My family never supported my dream. They always said, “Why don’t you do something less difficult? Just get a job. You won’t be able to afford college anyway.” However, I always told them I would not give up. I had to go back. At the age of eleven, I came to the United States illegally. I knew my status would interfere with my goal of attending college. I was forced to return to El Salvador my junior year in attempt to get my residency. After six months of waiting, calling and visiting, I arrived at the embassy once again. I walked to the front desk and said I had to see someone. I never felt so helpless, lonely and stupid in my life. I thought, “Why am I here again? These people must think I am crazy – maybe I am. I should just leave.” These thoughts boiled inside me, but I remained. I was signaled inside. I told the consulado, “I have been waiting six months for my residency.” I was on the verge of tears. “I need to finish high school in America to attend college.” This was the day he made me wait eternally but actually came back. He said, “You are lucky because we got letters from your teachers, and the embassy reported your case because of your many calls. You will get your residency in a couple days.” I stared blankly at the American Flag behind him, envisioning myself graduating high school and attending college. My head felt light. I cried tears of joy and realized I had finally done it. My experiences trying to return to the USA made me realize that I have to fight for my dreams. Nobody is going to make it easy. I will face difficult situations and discouraging people. Today I am more determined than ever to pursue my goals. My passion, my determination, and my perseverance will make me succeed in accomplishing my goals. Discussion Questions: Window Twelve

1. Have you ever accomplished something when others told you that you’d never be able to? Tell

the story. 2. What was the most challenging task you’ve ever accomplished? How did it feel once you

accomplished your goal? 3. Jews have faced challenges for thousands of years. What challenge from our history do you

relate to most, or has had the greatest influence on you? Why? 4. Currently people all over the world (in our neighborhoods, and across borders) face different

kinds of challenges. Choose one challenge that someone else is facing and explain how you would like to be a helpful force in his or her pursuit of overcoming that challenge.

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The Race Jen Clemms Once there was a race for handicapped children, with one gold medal to be won. The race started, and was only 100 meters. There were seven children competing for that one gold medal. Soon after the race began, the last place runner fell down. Without hesitation, the sixth child stopped to pick up the seventh. Seeing the sixth had stopped, the fifth also stopped. And so did the fourth...They all forgot that the race was for one gold medal. Instead, they all teamed together, and ran through the finish line hand-in-hand. The race organizers decided, then and there, to give them seven gold medals. They had never before seen such teamwork and the stands full of spectators agreed as the admirable children got a well-deserved standing ovation. Discussion Questions: The Race

1. Who deserved the gold medal, in your eyes-- the first place runner or the sixth place runner? 2. Have you ever done something honorable like the sixth-place runner? 3. What are some instances where you had the opportunity to be like the sixth-place runner but

weren’t? How would you change your actions?

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A Joker’s Shabbat Yerachmiel Tilles Hershel loved to tell crude jokes. Whenever there was a crowd of people on the street or in the village tavern laughing hilariously, one was sure to find Hershel at its epicenter, perfecting his craft. Each year, he would travel to the great annual livestock fair in Czernowitz. Another person who consistently attended the fair was the rabbi of that city, Rabbi Chaim of Czernowitz, a well-known tzadik, righteous man, and scholarly author. And so it came to pass that Rabbi Chaim was making his rounds of the stalls at the Czernowitz fair when he suddenly came upon a large group of fairgoers laughing raucously, slapping their thighs and winking at each other. No doubt about it—Hershel Mosayover must be in the midst of them. And in top form, too. Rabbi Chaim thought to slip around them inconspicuously. He knew that from these crude, empty-headed types he could not expect much “business” anyway. But Hershel was quicker than he. “Hey! Holy Rebbe! Shalom Aleichem,” he called out, still grinning from the last joke he had successfully cracked. “Aleichem shalom, my fellow Jews,” responded the rabbi warmly. The die was cast. Now he could no longer turn away. “Perhaps you gentlemen would care to take a share in the great mitzvah of charity?” “And what, exactly, is this charity for?” asked Hershel, still smirking. “For pidyon shvuyim, redeeming captives, called the greatest mitzvah of all,” the rabbi responded promptly. “There is a poor, unfortunate Jew who has a large debt of fifteen hundred zlotys to his local poritz, noble landowner. Now he is languishing in the nobleman’s dungeon until the debt is paid.” Hershel put his hand in his pocket and took out 1,500 zlotys—all the money he had brought with him to replenish his stock. “Here you are, Rabbi,” he said quietly, with a strange look on his face. “Here is the entire sum you need to ransom the unfortunate Jew.” The astonished rabbi felt himself overwhelmed with emotion—excitement and relief at being able to secure the release of the poor imprisoned Jew, amazement that such a supposedly lowly soul could ascend to the highest of peaks in the briefest of moments. His cheeks were flushed; warm tears pooled at the corners of his eyes. Still brimming with enthusiasm, he exclaimed: “I bless you that, in the merit of this great mitzvah that you have done, you will experience the true taste of Shabbat.” Hershel was still numb. He nodded his head as if he understood what the tzadik was talking about, and answered, “Amen.” As the week progressed, however, he began to feel a strange feeling welling up inside him - a spirit of holiness, something he had never felt before in his life. When Friday dawned and the feeling was even more intense, he realized that it must be connected to the oncoming Shabbat, and that this Shabbat would definitely be like no other he had ever experienced.

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All those who encountered Hershel that Shabbat could hardly recognize him. Was that really him singing, dancing, studying, praying with ecstasy? Hershel could barely recognize himself! His entire being was bursting with the sacred pleasure of Shabbat. It was the talk of the town. The idea that Hershel the clown could be caught up in a tzadik-type intense love of Shabbat cracked up everyone who heard about it, even more than Hershel’s intentional jests. They even entertained the possibility that he had gone insane. After that Shabbat, Hershel returned to his customary lighthearted, joking manner. But the following Shabbat again overwhelmed him with spirit of holiness. It was as if there were two Hershels: the weekday persona and the Shabbat one. Weeks went by, and then months, without change in his situation. Hershel felt himself cracking under the strain of his dual personality. He decided to travel back to Czernowitz to discuss his situation with the tzadik who had blessed him. Rabbi Chaim told him that in order to absorb the taste of Shabbat without spiritual and psychological damage, he would have to refine his weekday behavior. Hershel decided to stay on in Czernowitz in order to learn more from his new mentor. Soon his daily lifestyle was slowly but steadily shifting to become harmonious with his weekly Shabbat elevation. Ultimately, they moved to Israel together, where Hershel was able to live a fulfilling and spiritual life. Discussion Questions: A Joker’s Shabbat

1. In the story, Hershel is seen in two different perspectives, as a joker and a giving man. Do you think it is better to be able to be seen in both a serious and joking light, or to be seen consistently in others’ eyes?

2. Is Shabbat holy to you? How do you show it? 3. Shabbat is supposed to be a holy, spiritual time of reflection and rejuvenation. Does that carry

over into your week in any way? If so, how? If not, what outcomes from Shabbat would you like to try and have influence the rest of your week?

4. Are you quick to believe people when they act outside of their character, as Herschel did when giving the Rabbi tzedakah? What do our reactions tell us about ourselves?

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AZA Global Shabbat Stories These stories are well suited for the AZA Global Shabbat theme, Im Tirzu, Ein Zoh Agadah - If you will it, it is no dream. Discuss them with your chapter, council or region and encourage one another to share your own stories. These original stories can be used during a prayer service related to the theme, at a Brotherhood program, during a Shabbat meal and many other AZA programs. The Will of an Aleph Benji Fages was the 88th Grand Aleph Shaliach. He’s always been a leader and a great example of the potential one person has to change the world. When asked about the theme, Im Tirzu, Ein Zoh Agadah, he thought of two of his own dreams.

“The first is my dream that Jewish youth could be united, across the world, across denominations and across political/social opinions. Through the formation of the Coalition of Jewish Teens, the major players involved, including myself, made significant headway in transforming the Jewish community and inspiring unity. However, this dream never did fully bloom and has lain stagnant for a while. It still has major potential and I hope someone can carry on that legacy and make the Jewish community stronger through that avenue in the months to come.” “The second dream I had was to push the Israel advocacy agenda at my school. Knowing that teens from my Hebrew high school would be going off to their college campus without the tools to advocate for Israel was really alarming to me. I decided to lobby the administration for a course that would enable us to be more active and capable advocates, essentially more aware of the truth and what was going on in Israel. Meanwhile, I created a club at my high school that brings in speakers, has a general education and awareness 'Israel Advocacy Week,’ and has lunchtime sessions aimed at improving advocacy skills. Eventually the course became a reality as well and students have left for college more prepared to combat the intolerance and lies on campus with truth.”

As Herzl said, “If you will it, it is no dream.” Benji had the will to influence his community, both locally and globally, and made significant headway in doing so. These are just two examples of somebody, who at the time was a high school student, and proved that nothing was out of reach. Working hard with his community, he stood up for what he believed. Even though what he accomplished through seeking his goal may not have always turned out how he imagined, he still made something more than what was there before. Discussion Questions: The Will of an Aleph

1. What goals of your own have you ever set? 2. What were the obstacles that stood in your way and how did you overcome them?

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An Iron Dome to Protect Us All Israel, a nation whose safety has been threated since its inception, faces the challenge of security daily. Thankfully there are those who are committed to making it as safe as any other place, so that it can continue to be a vibrant country, full of culture, technological innovation, history and the many other facets that make Israel wonderful. The Israeli Iron Dome anti-missile system was thought by most to be a long shot at best. American defense officials said that the idea would be “doomed to fail.” When Hezbollah started firing rockets at Israeli citizens in the nineties, the goal of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) was to protect its people, even if that meant trying something that seemed unrealistic. The installation of Brigadier General Daniel Gold as the head of the IDF’s Research and Development bureau allowed for the idea of an antimissile system to be pursued and funds put aside for it. Israel first funded this project by itself, developing the first two Iron Dome systems. With both northern Israel being hit by rockets fired from Hezbollah, killing some and forcing many others to either evacuate or hide in bomb shelters, and southern Israel being bombarded with mortars and missiles from Gaza by Hamas, the pressure was immense to make the Iron Dome system a success. Defense Minister Amir Peretz finally gave the Iron Dome the green light as Israel’s solution to the threat of bombardment from short-range rockets, and the system was further developed. On April 7th, 2011, the first successful missile interception occurred. Ever since then, the system has been praised as a huge accomplishment, being reported to have shot down 90% of all rockets launched from Gaza that would have hit civilian populated areas. Israel has gone through many trials and tribulations, one of the more recent ones being the threat posed by incoming mortars and missiles from the Gaza strip. However, due to the perseverance of those who saw potential in the Iron Dome project, that threat has been lessened. While the missiles still come, instead of them all hitting Israel and causing damage, many explode in mid-air, simply as if they ran into an invisible shield. With the Iron Dome success, Israel has proven that if you will it, it is no dream. While there is much room for growth, Israelis can now live with a luxury many of us may take for granted: a degree of safety. Discussion Questions: An Iron Dome to Protect Us All

1. When was a time you faced an obstacle that stood in the way of achieving a goal? 2. How have you gone about getting others on board with achieving your goals?

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BBG Global Shabbat Stories These stories are well suited for the BBG Global Shabbat theme, Omdim B’yachad, Am Echad, Bayit Echad - We Stand Together, One Nation, One Home. Discuss them with your chapter, council or region and encourage one another to share your own stories. These original stories can be used during a prayer service related to the theme, at a Sisterhood program, during a Shabbat meal and many other BBG programs. A Connection to Israel By Way of Buenos Aires Jews from all around the world feel a strong connection to Israel. Some feel connected to Israel because we have family there, some have been able to visit, and others have a connection because of what we’ve learned from family and friends. Globalization is one of BBYO’s teen priorities. By sharing the connection of a homeland, we can connect to any Jew around the world. As BBGs we have formed a connection to Israel through what we have learned in BBYO. A group of 15 and 16 years old girls, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, formed their connection to Israel through Hebraica, their youth group, an official BBYO partner.

“Hebraica is where we hang out with our Jewish friends while madrichim, advisors, help us organize meaningful activities and games that are very often related to Jewish tradition. These games and activities are just like the BBYO programs many of you are used to. We go to these programs from the age of 3 to 14. It is at Hebraica that we get the opportunity to learn about Israel and develop a connection to Judaism.” “When we turn 15, we start a two year program to learn how to be madrichim. After we finish, the graduates go together to Israel as an end of the school trip called Bekeff Hadraja.” “The trip lasts for about a month. Participants travel with their closest friends and madrachim and learn about the Jewish people and our important history. They spend a few days in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and then go to a kibbutz on the Syrian border. Along the way they hit all the big tourist stops like the Dead Sea, the Kotel and Yad Vashem. Afterwards, they spend five days with the army learning basic training and what it is like to be a part of the IDF. To wrap up the trip they spend a few days in Haifa and then go down to the beach in Eilat.” “After this trip to Israel, our madrachim return home reenergized and excited by their connection to Israel. Their stories make us feel connected to our country and proud to truly call it our homeland! As Argentinian Jews, just like other Jews, we have always felt connected to Israel, but Hebraica gives us a sense of passion for our country even before we travel there.”

Discussion Questions: A Connection to Israel By Way of Buenos Aires

1. How does BBG and BBYO make you feel connected to Israel? 2. What are ways that you can connect to Israel even without having travelled there?

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Israel for Everyone, but Especially Me Roni Rose, A BBG from Eastern Region, North Carolina Council, shares her strong connection with Israel, showing that you don’t need to be from there or live there to feel a sense of “home.”

“Israel is for everyone. Not just for us BBGs, not just for us Jews.” “You could be a Christian. You could be a Hindu. You could be a Muslim. Heck, you could be an Atheist. It doesn't matter what religion you are, you'll love Israel. It may be for religious reasons, political reason, or even just because it's a beautiful country, but no matter what you'll still love the place.” “However, if you're Jewish, you'll find an even closer connection to Israel. It's our Homeland; it's the only place on Earth where if you're Jewish, you're a part of the majority, not the minority.” “It doesn't matter if you go there every other week or if you've never been there before in your life, the moment you step off the airplane you'll feel at home.” “I go to Israel every summer because everyone I know and love is there: my grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and even my sisters. Sure, I've grown up in America and have gotten used to this country, but knowing that there's a nation out there where everyone eats falafel, there's a mezuzah in every building, store and restaurant, there's a synagogue around every corner and there's a big beautiful garden that was miraculously built in a desert makes me feel an unbreakable connection.” “If you knew there was a place where you would never be ridiculed for your customs and beliefs by your peers, but rather be supported, wouldn't you feel connected to it, too?” “Yeah, Israel is for everyone. But Israel is our home.”

Discussion Questions: Israel for Everyone, but Especially Me

1. How does being Jewish strengthen your connection with Israel? 2. What makes Israel special to you?

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AZA Global Shabbat Discussion Questions

The following discussion questions support the AZA Global Shabbat theme Im Tirzu Ein Zoh Agadah - If you will it, it is no dream. These questions can be used for your services and events or as a guide to develop your own questions to add to your service. They can be discussed in chevruta, as a part of a larger group discussion, or as a written activity. The goal is that they inspire thoughtful and meaningful conversations for you and our fellow Alephs. Important Tips for Leading a Discussion Just like any AZA Program, it is important to have a plan for utilizing these discussion questions. Please use the following to guide your planning.

1. Where and when do you plan on hosting your discussion? Will it be around the Shabbat dinner table? As part of a service? As a stand-alone program?

2. Think of creative ways to lead your discussion: draw questions out of a hat; have break out groups with group leaders; take turns answering questions around a circle. There are a lot of ways to make your discussion unique and different.

3. Design follow-up questions and turn one question into an entire conversation! 4. Lead by example. Include all participants so that no one is left out and limit side conversations

that may be going on. 5. Recognize when it’s time to move on to a new question. 6. Draw from personal stories in order to make the discussion more meaningful. 7. Remember, your discussion can be serious and meaningful, but also should be fun and

engaging! Discussion Questions These questions are meant to serve as a guideline. If a really interesting conversation stems from one of the questions, then run with that conversation and see where it takes you. There are endless possibilities to what these questions could produce. Make it memorable!

1. What does the AZA Theme, “Im Tirzu Ein Zoh Agadah – If you will it, it is no dream” mean? 2. How does this theme relate to being Jewish and the Jewish people? 3. Can you think of a time in Jewish history where this theme was relevant? 4. How have Jews worked together as a people to stand up for what they believe in and

accomplish their goals? How can we work together today? 5. Have you ever given up on a dream without trying? How did that make you feel? 6. What is one time where you have put your mind to a task and accomplished something that you

would not have imagined possible before? 7. AZA was founded at a time when Jewish men were unable to access Greek social organizations

in the United States. How does this theme relate to the creation of AZA? 8. How does this theme relate to AZA today? 9. When is one time you have stood together with your brother Alephs to make a difference?

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10. What goals do you have for AZA this year and how do you plan on working with your brother Alephs to accomplish them?

11. What goals do you have in life? In what ways can your brother Alephs help you attain these goals?

12. The BBG Shabbat Theme is Omdim B’yachad, Am Echad, Bayit Echad - We Stand Together, One Nation, One Home. How do the two themes relate?

13. When in Israeli history is this theme applicable? 14. How can we apply the message of this theme to Israeli society and politics today?

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BBG Global Shabbat Discussion Questions

The following discussion questions support the BBG Global Shabbat theme, Omdim B’yachad, Am Echad, Bayit Echad - We Stand Together, One Nation, One Home. These questions can be used for your services and events or as a guide to develop your own questions to add to your service. They can be discussed in chevruta, as a part of a larger group discussion, or as a written activity. The goal is that they inspire thoughtful and meaningful conversations for you and our fellow BBGs. Important Tips for Leading the Discussion Just like any BBG Program, it is important to have a plan for utilizing these discussion questions. Please use the questions below to guide you through your planning.

1. Where and when do you plan on hosting your discussion? Will it be around the Shabbat dinner table? As part of a service? Its own stand-alone program?

2. Think of creative ways to lead your discussion: draw questions out of a hat, have break out groups with its own leaders, take turns answering questions around a circle. There are a lot of ways to make it your discussion unique and different.

3. Design follow-up questions and turn one question into an entire conversation! 4. Remember that you are the leader and should always be setting the example. Be sure to include

all participants and make sure no one feels left out as well as controlling any side conversations that may be going on.

5. Recognize when the conversation is dying down and that its time to move on to a new question. 6. Draw from personal stories in order to make the discussion more meaningful. 7. Remember, your discussion can be serious and meaningful, but also should be fun and

engaging!

Discussion Questions These questions are meant to serve as a guideline. If a really interesting conversation stems from one of the questions, then run with that conversation and see where it takes you. There are endless possibilities to what these questions could produce. Make it memorable!

1. BBYO has chapters in many countries all over the world. One of the many things that all chapters have in common is a connection to Israel. How can our love for Israel, Judaism and BBYO help strengthen the globalization initiative?

2. How do the ties between the US and Israel help strengthen our Jewish identity as Americans? 3. For global teens: How does your nation’s relationship with Israel strengthen your Jewish

identity? 4. Many of us, in North America, have the privilege to freely practice Judaism whereas not all Jews

do. What can you do as an individual to be reminded that this right is not available to every Jewish teen?

5. One of the objectives of BBG is, “To help Jewish teens develop a commitment to the State of Israel and K’lal Yisrael (all of Israel).” As BBGs we take on the commitment to follow this

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objective. How can you, a proud BBG of the International Order, fulfill this objective through programming as well as in everyday life?

6. As Jewish women who have a love and connection to the state of Israel, how can we stand together as an international community and show our support for our homeland?

7. The “Act Globally, Impact Locally” movement priority says, “With the limitless reach of technology and our teens’ growing desire to engage with Jewish teens around the world, BBYO has created many opportunities and initiatives to promote our Jewish value of K’lal Yisrael, the Global Jewish Community.” This priority directly relates with the BBG Global Shabbat Theme, specifically Am Echad, or one nation. How will you follow through with the theme and reach out to the global Jewish Community and create Am Echad?

8. One of the movement priorities, Our Commitment to Israel, relates well to the BBG Global Shabbat Theme. After Global Shabbat is over, how can you keep using this theme through the Speak UP for Israel initiative?

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The Zionist Dream

This resource is well suited for both the AZA Global Shabbat theme, Im Tirzu Ein Zoh Agadah – If you Will It, It is no Dream, and the BBG Global Shabbat theme, Omdim B’yachad, Am Echad, Bayit Echad - We Stand Together, One Nation, One Home. Because it explores the evolution of the Zionist dream and how Israel came to be the Jewish State we know it to be today it can be used to develop a prayer service or a chapter, council or regional program exploring Zionist ideology. Definition Zionism: A movement, originally, for the re-establishment of a Jewish nation in what is now Israel. Today, the Zionism movement is about the development and protection of Israel. The movement was established as a political organization in 1897 under Theodor Herzl, and was later led by Chaim Weizmann. The Modern Catalyst (Dreyfus Affair) The Dreyfus Affair was a political scandal that began in 1894 with the conviction of Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a young French artillery officer of Jewish descent. He was sentenced to life in prison for allegedly spilling French military secrets to the German embassy in Paris. After several years in prison, Dreyfus was granted another trial after more thorough and unbiased investigation by the French Supreme Court in 1899. However, against all odds, he was sentenced to another 10 years in prison. It was only in 1906 that Dreyfus was found not guilty and his innocence was officially recognized. Hatred between the French and Germans coupled with anti-Semitism were the causes of one of the greatest miscarriages of justice at that time. This sparked a great amount of political controversy in France and was deeply investigated by a journalist named Theodor Herzl. The Dreyfus Affair led Herzl to believe that Jews needed to escape the harsh anti-Semitism in Europe and create their own state. Pre-Statehood Picture In 1895, Herzl wrote a book called The Jewish State in which he theorized why Jews should leave Europe, avoid anti-Semitism and form a new coalition of united Global Jewry in either Argentina or the historic homeland, Israel. In 1897, Herzl convened the First Zionist Congress - an inaugural congress which eventually became known as the World Zionist Organization (WZO) held in Basel, Switzerland. In the first congressional meeting, the WZO outlined their agenda to primarily settle in the land of Palestine. Herzl rose above the hatred, the unjust persecution and anti-Semitism in Europe at the time, and formulated a vision that is now a reality. Herzl was certainly an idealist, but he proved many wrong with the magnitude of his accomplishments. Events Preceding Independence After Herzl reinvigorated the Zionist movement, Jews came from all over to settle in pre-state Israel or Palestine. More notably, distinct events called the First Aliyah and Second Aliyah brought waves of Russians to the land after Pogroms (organized attacks) on Jews in Russia.

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Following World II, Israel also became home to many European Jews who survived the Holocaust. Many came looking for something more religiously enriching after surviving such a terrible and unfathomable event. Early Israeli Military Forces Before the independence of Israel in 1948, as tensions began to rise among their neighboring nations, early Zionists built defense forces. One of the forces within Israel at the time was called the Palmach. The Palmach was the elite fighting force of the Haganah, the underground army of the Yishuv, Jewish community, during the period of the British Mandate for Palestine. The Palmach was established on May 15, 1941. By the outbreak of the Israeli War for Independence in 1948, it consisted of over 2,000 men and women in three fighting brigades and auxiliary aerial, naval and intelligence units. With the creation of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the three Palmach Brigades were eventually disbanded. The Palmach contributed significantly to Israeli culture and ethos, well beyond its military contribution. Its members formed the backbone of the IDF high command for many years, and were prominent in Israeli politics, literature and culture. Modern-Day Zionism Today, despite decreasing Zionist advocacy as a result of the decreasing, collective Jewish identity of Americans and Europeans today, making aliyah is still prevalent in larger Jewish communities around the world. Aliyah is the immigration of Jews to the land of Israel, Eretz Yisrael, from the diaspora, nations outside of Israel. It is one of the most basic tenets of Zionist ideology. The opposite action, emigration from Israel, is referred to as yerida, descent. The return to the Holy Land has been the aspiration of many Jews since the Babylonian exile. Large-scale immigration to the land of Israel began in 1882. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, more than 3 million Jews from over 90 countries have arrived in Israel. Aliyah is an important Jewish cultural concept. It is enshrined in Israel's Law of Return, which accords any Jew, the legal right to assisted immigration and settlement in Israel, as well as Israeli citizenship. In Zionist discourse, the term aliyah includes both voluntary immigration for ideological, emotional or practical reasons and, on the other hand, mass flight of persecuted populations of Jews. The vast majority of Israeli Jews today trace their family's recent roots to outside of the country. While many have actively chosen to settle in Israel rather than some other country, many had little or no choice about leaving their previous home countries. While Israel is commonly recognized as "a country of immigrants", it is also, in large measure, a country of refugees.

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AZA and BBG Global Shabbat Heroes This resource is well suited for both the AZA Global Shabbat theme, Im Tirzu Ein Zoh Agadah – If you will it, it is no dream, and the BBG Global Shabbat theme Omdim B’yachad, Am Echad, Bayit Echad - We Stand Together, One Nation, One Home. These two themes are intertwined in the fact that throughout history Jews have come together in support of Israel while needing to overcome great challenges in the name of the existence of a Jewish state. Jews across the world have united to make Israel the home we know it to be today, but there are a few people throughout the State’s history that have truly exemplified both the AZA and BBG themes for Global Shabbat. This resource is an introduction to some of these people, the brave Jewish men and women who took chances and made sacrifices in the name of the State of Israel. Program Ideas

● Host a Shabbat Dinner with each table themed in honor of a different hero. Include facts and pictures and have each table present their hero to the entire group.

● Host a Progressive Dinner at various houses with each course inspired by a different hero, perhaps a dish they would eat or that is native to his or her home country.

● Create a living museum where program facilitators dress up as the different heroes. Participants can “tour” the museum and learn about each hero.

● Create a game of Israel-themed Jewish Jeopardy with a “Heroes” category. ● Have a “Heroes” Service and talk about these different heroes. ● Choose a hero to do more research on and have a program that that celebrates that hero’s

accomplishments Guiding Questions When learning about these historic and influential figures, use these questions to guide discussions about why and how these Jews came to be national figures in Israel and heroes for the Jewish people worldwide.

1. What challenges do you think the hero had to overcome to accomplish his or her goals? 2. What do you think motivated the hero to take the actions he or she did? 3. What would you have done if you were in the hero’s shoes? 4. Which of these heroes do you most admire and why? 5. Many of these heroes never lived in Israel, why would a Diaspora Jew choose to help Israel and

Israeli people in such a dramatic way? 6. Can you relate any of the heroes’ stories to your time in AZA or BBG? 7. What kind of Aleph or B’nai B’rith Girl would these heroes be? What position would they hold

on chapter board? Would they get involved regionally? What summer program would they attend?

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Heroes Hannah Senesh: Through her brief life, Senesh became a symbol of idealism and self-sacrifice. She made aliyah in 1939 and joined the Hagganah, the first Jewish military established during the British Mandate in pre-state Israel. During World War II she volunteered for the British army to be parachuted into Nazi held Europe to assist the war effort. Unfortunately, she was captured, beaten and tortured mercilessly. She was shot by a firing squad, but eventually her remains were transported to Israel. Her songs and poems became famous and one 'Eli, Eli, is played during the final segment in the film Schindler's List. Golda Meier: The first, and only, female Prime Minister of Israel, Golda Meir was a long-time leader of the Zionist movement in Israel after making aliyah from America in 1921. In 1956, she was named Foreign Minister. She later became the first Israeli Ambassador to the Soviet Union, and was so popular amongst Soviet Jews that thousands of people came to see her arrival. Meir's life was so extraordinary that many Hollywood films have been made of her life. Theodor Herzl: Known as the 'Father of Modern Zionism,' Theodor Herzl wrote, in 1896, 'The Jewish State' arguing for the establishment of an independent Jewish state. In addition to being a visionary, Herzl was prophetic. At the First Zionist Congress in 1897, Herzl said "In Basle I founded the Jewish state... Maybe in five years, certainly in fifty, everyone will realize it." Exactly 50 years later the United Nations voted for the establishment of a Jewish State. Chaim Weizmann: A scientist and a statesman, Chaim Weizmann's vital scientific assistance to the Allied forces in World War I brought him into close contact with British leaders, enabling him to play a key role in the issuing of the Balfour Declaration on November 2, 1917 — in which Britain committed itself to the establishment of a Jewish home in Palestine. Weizmann was also instrumental in obtaining recognition of the State of Israel from US President Truman. Weizmann subsequently became the first President of the State of Israel David Ben Gurion: As the undisputed leader of “practical Zionists,” David Ben-Gurion became head of the Jewish Agency in 1935 and later in 1948, Prime Minister and Defense Minister. As Prime Minister he oversaw the establishment of the state's institutions. He first retired from political life in 1953, but was repeatedly called to once again lead the nation in difficult times. Many Israelis felt that only the 'old man' as he was affectionately know, could save Israel. Joseph Trumbeldor: Along with Vladimir Jabotinsky, Jospeh Trumpeldor established the Zion Mule Corps in 1915 as part of the British army. In 1920, Trumpeldor was asked to organize the defense of the vital Jewish settlements in the Galilee region against Arab marauders. His stand and subsequent death at Tel Hai has become legendary in Zionist history epitomizing a man who fought for his people and nation. His reputed last words were, "Never mind, it is good to die for our country." Vladamir Jabotinsky: After the infamous state-sponsored Kishinev pogrom, Valdimir Jabotinsky became a leading proponent of Zionism. During World War I, Jabotinsky was instrumental in founding the Zionist Mule Corps in the British army. In 1923 he formed the Alliance of Revisionist-Zionists. During the 1930s Jabotinsky, foresaw the deteriorating situation of the Jews of Europe. In 1936, he prepared the so-called

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"evacuation plan," which called for the evacuation of the entire Jewish population of Poland to Palestine. Jabotinsky stated in a speech that Polish Jews "were living on the edge of the volcano." Henrietta Szold: The founder of Hadassah Women, the largest Jewish organization in America, Henrietta Szold also rescued tens of thousands of Jews from Europe during the Holocaust, with many going to Palestine. Hadassah particularly involved itself in meeting the health needs of both Jews and Arabs in pre-State Palestine. Today, the foremost hospital in Israel and the entire Middle East is the Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. Menachim Begin: First gaining notoriety as the head of the Zionist underground group the Irgun, Menachim Begin, upon the founding of the State of Israel, formed the Herut (Freedom) Party which became the main opposition party in Israeli politics for almost 30 years until his stunning victory in the 1977 elections. As Prime Minister in 1977, Begin signed a peace accord with Egypt which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize. He later approved the successful bombing of the Iraqi nuclear reactor at Osirak in 1981. Yitzak Shamir: One of the first Israeli leaders who became involved with the fate of the Soviet Jews, Yitzak Shamir. As Foreign Minister in 1980, Shamir was instrumental in overseeing the 'normalization' process with Egypt and extended the hand of peace to many Arab and African nations. In 1983, he became Prime Minister and worked with US President Ronald Reagan and Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger to create a framework for US and Israel strategic cooperation. As Prime Minister he also approved the airlift of thousands of Ethiopian Jews to Israel. Yitzak Rabin: Israel's most prominent General turned Prime Minister was Yitzak Rabin. During the 1948 War of Independence, Rabin played a vital role in the nascent IDF. Later, he was Chief of Staff of the IDF, where he oversaw the stunning victory against the Arab armies. First elected Prime Minister in 1974, his second term, beginning in 1992, saw the signing of the Oslo Accords. Rabin also oversaw the signing of the Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace in 1994. He was assassinated by an Israeli Jew in November 1996. Eli Cohen: One of the most celebrated Israeli spies of all time, Eli Cohen, while posing as a Syrian Arab, successfully gained the confidence of many Syrian military and government officials. He was so trusted by the Syrian hierarchy that when Hafez Al-Assad became Prime Minister, Cohen was considered as a candidate for the Syrian Deputy Minister of Defense. He was discovered in January 1965 and publicly executed on May 18, 1965. Ilan Ramon: Military hero and astronaut, Ilan Ramon was one of the pilots who destroyed the Iraqi nuclear facility in 1981 in a daring mission. However, it is his role as Israel's first astronaut for which he is most famous. In 2003, Ramon was part of the tragically fated NASA 'Columbia' crew for a research scientific expedition. Although a secular Jew, Ramon sought to follow Jewish observances while in orbit. In an interview he said, "I feel I am representing all Jews and all Israelis". Eliezer Ben-Yehuda: Known as the father of the Modern Hebrew language, Eliezer Ben-Yehuda transformed what had been purely a language of prayer for many European Jews into a live tongue to

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be used day to day. Ben-Yehuda was famous for only allowing his family to speak Hebrew, even though few others spoke it. His son became the first native speaker of Modern Hebrew. Ben-Yehuda's commitment to Hebrew made it possible for the ancient tongue of the Jews to be re-born upon their ancestral return. Vera Wiezmann: As well as being Chaim's wife, Weizmann helped found the Women's International Zionist Organization (WIZO). WIZO is a non-partisan international movement dedicated to the advancement of the status of women, welfare of all sectors of Israeli society and encouragement of Jewish education in Israel and the Diaspora. When World War II began, she devoted all of her efforts to Aliyat Hanoar ("Youth Aliyah"), an organization that she established and continued to head in Israel as honorary President. Aaron Aaronsohn and Sarah Aaronsohn: Brother and sister, Aaron Aaronsohn was a world-renowned botanist and the founder of Nili, a Jewish ring of spies working for the British during World War I in Palestine and Sarah Aarohnson, was one of the head's of the Nili operation. In October 1917, the Ottomans surrounded Zichron Yaakov and arrested numerous people, including Sarah. After four days of torture, she managed to shoot and kill herself with a pistol concealed on the premises to avoid further torture and to protect her colleagues. *The Facts about each Hero have been taken from the website “Israel 60’s Best: History, Heroes, and Hikes: Heroes and Leaders of Israel”. To learn about more you can visit the website at http://www.israelcelebrates60.com/israel_60_best.php?l=2.

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AZA and BBG Global Shabbat Recipes Cooking has always been a notable aspect of Jewish culture, and is undoubtedly a major part of every Jewish holiday and celebration. For this year’s AZA and BBG Global Shabbat, we have compiled a set of Israeli recipes that correlate with the themes, Im Tirzu Ein Zoh Agadah – If you will it, it is no dream, and, Omdim B’yachad, Am Echad, Bayit Echad - We Stand Together, One Nation, One Home. Many Jewish holidays are centered on the preparing for and eating of a meal. These recipes represent foods that are either eaten in Israel, Israeli foods that have been Americanized or recipes that are symbolic to our culture. Program Ideas Your AZA and BBG Global Shabbat may include a “family dinner.” Encourage participants to prepare their favorite dishes, maybe even some that are included below, and enjoy a dinner with various global flavors. Some of these recipes are difficult, but others are simple and take only minutes: take your pick! They can be easily incorporated into your AZA or BBG Global Shabbat, or Sabbaths with your friends and family. We wish you the best of luck, and hope that your AZA or BBG Global Shabbat is incredible! Recipe selections Israeli Flag Recipe: The ideal way to incorporate this recipe into your program, is to bake the cakes beforehand and then have program attendees decorate and eat the cake. Israeli Salad: This recipe is perfect for getting everyone involved in the preparation. We recommend splitting up the teens into groups, and giving each group the ingredients and cookware necessary. Then, each group could prepare their own salad and eat it. Falafel: For this recipe, we recommend you pre-cook the falafel and have every person create his or her own falafel sandwich. This is an incredible dinner or lunch option that will get us thinking about our theme. You can even have the teens prepare their own hummus and Israeli Salad to accompany the falafel. Hummus: Hummus, just like Israeli Salad is an easy option if you want the teens to be involved in the food preparation. Split up into groups and give every group the ingredients and cookware necessary. Having teens make hummus to go alongside the Falafel is also a great idea! Challah: This is an amazing recipe option since challah is a key part of Shabbat. For this recipe, we recommend that you make the dough beforehand and have every teen braid his or her own challah. Note: you will need a lot of oven room. IMPORTANT: Make sure you buy all ingredients, cookware, plates and cutlery necessary to prepare, cook and eat the recipes you decide to prepare.

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Recipes Israeli Flag Cake Ingredients:

Cake1-cup vegetable oil2-cups granulated sugar eggs2-teaspoons vanilla extract3-cups all-purpose

flower2-teaspoons ground cinnamon1-teaspoon baking powder1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda1-

teaspoon salt2-cups grated carrots (about 2 medium)1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, not defrosted

White Chocolate Frosting3 ounces white chocolate (preferably Lindt or Baker's, chopped or good-

quality vanilla chips)4 ounces regular or light cream cheese, at room temperature 2 cups powdered

sugar, sifted if lumpy3 tablespoons regular or low-fat sour cream

Flag Decorations1 package (7 ounces) marzipan OR 1 package of fondant Blue food coloringBlue sugar crystals (optional) (found with cake-deorating items) Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick coating. Line bottom with parchment paper or wax paper and spray the paper. Cake: In a mixing bowl with electric mixer, beat oil and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Add flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed until combined. Mix at medium speed for 2 minutes. Add carrots and mix on low to blend. Fold in blueberries. Batter will be stiff. Pour into prepared pan, smoothing the top.

To Bake:Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until top is golden and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes and invert onto rack. Pull off paper. Cool completely. (Cake may be refrigerated up to 2 days or frozen.) Frosting: Melt white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power for 60 to 90 seconds, or until smooth, stirring once. Or melt on stove in double boiler. Cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Mix in chocolate. It will look grainy. Add sour cream and mix until smooth, about 1 minutes. Spread a thin layer over the top and sides of cake. Spread remainder to cover as smoothly as possible. Refrigerate until set.

Decorate: Roll marzipan between 2 sheets of wax paper to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out a 4-inch Jewish star. Re-form pieces of marzipan into a 1-inch rectangle. Roll into a strip 13 inches long by 2 inches wide. Cut in half lengthwise, making 2 stripes. Wearing rubber gloves, pour blue food coloring into a paper cup. Using a paintbrush, paint star and stripes. Sprinkle with blue sugar, if using, and allow to dry completely. Place star in center of cake. Place 1 stripe about 1 inch from bottom of rectangle and the other 1 inch from top. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Israeli Salad

Ingredients: 1-avocado

3 tomatoes

3 cucumbers

4 green onions, sliced 3 table spoons of olive oil Salt to your liking

Directions: 1. Cut avocados, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions

2. Put them all in a bowl

3. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil

4. Toss salad

5. Taste 6. Add salt

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Falafel Ingredients: For Falafel: 1 3/4 cups, or 1 15.5 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Cooked Dried Chickpeas

2 garlic cloves, smashed 1 small yellow onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/4 cup chopped parsley 2 tablespoons chopped mint

1/2-teaspoon cumin

1/2-teaspoon coriander

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

Juice of 1 lemon

1 egg, lightly beaten 3 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted 1/2 cup safflower or canola oil For Serving: Pita bread Sliced Tomatoes Thinly sliced red onion, Romaine lettuce leaves Store bought tahini sauce Directions:

1. Place half of chickpeas in food processor and pulse a few times until chopped, transfer to a large bowl.

2. Place remaining chickpeas in food processor with garlic, onion, herbs, spices, baking soda, salt, and lemon juice. Pulse to a thick, chunky paste, about 30 seconds. Transfer to bowl with chopped chickpeas.

3. Add egg and sesame seeds to bowl and stir to combine. Cover and chill batter in fridge 30 minutes.

4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When oil shimmers, drop heaping tablespoons of batter into skillet and gently press batter into 2-inch-round patties. Cook, turning once, until deep golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes total. Transfer to paper towel- lined plate to drain.

5. Serve falafel with pita bread, sliced tomatoes and red onion, romaine leaves, and store-bought tahini dressing.

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Hummus Recipe

Ingredients: 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained, liquid reserved

2 ounces fresh jalapeno pepper, sliced

1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin

2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 cloves garlic, minced Directions: In a blender or food processor, combine garbanzo beans, jalapeno, cumin, lemon juice, garlic, and 1 tablespoon of the reserved liquid. Blend until smooth.

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Challah Recipe: Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups water 1/2 cup +1 tbsp sugar 4 tsp active dry yeast 5 cups high gluten white or wheat flour 1 3/4 tsp salt 2 large eggs 1/3 cup olive oil Sprinkle of sesame, poppy seeds, raisins, honey or cinnamon & sugar Directions:

1. Mix 1 tbsp of sugar into 1/2 cup hot tap water. Sprinkle yeast on top without mixing. Let rest 5-10 mins until air pockets form at top.

2. Combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt in mixing bowl. Add yeast mixture, 1 egg, oil and remaining 1 cup water.

3. Either by hand or with mixer, knead for 15 minutes. If using a mixer, watch for elasticity as kneading times may vary. Add more water or flour as needed.

4. Place dough in large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 1 hour. 5. Punch down and place on floured surface. Rip off piece of dough, wrap in foil, say the bracha

(blessing) and throw it into the oven as an offering. 6. Divide dough into two or three sections, then divide each section into three ropes. Braid and say

a prayer for others. Loosely cover braids and allow to rise for 1 hour. 7. Preheat oven to 375F. Beat remaining egg and generously brush braids. Sprinkle with sesame

seeds, poppy seeds, raisins or cinnamon and sugar. 8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown crust has formed. Cool and enjoy!