Yeshivat Sha’arei Mevaseret Zion joined ZEI for a morning of Zionist discussion. Participants and their teachers broke up into groups to discuss the future of Zionism and the challenges that come along with getting there.
ZEI welcomed Yeshivat Yishrei Lev to Nefesh B’Nefesh for a conversation about the difference between Political and Torah Zionism. In breakout groups participants discussed the meaning of nation building and covered sources from Maimonides to the Pittsburgh Platform in 1885.
Through a series of games, Darkaynu explored the history of Zionism, gained an understanding of the core values that drive Israeli decision making, and identified how Israel plays a role in our identities. The program finished with participants “cashing in” their winnings at a Shuk Purim where they walked away with Megillat Esther for the upcoming Purim holiday and some top tier Nefesh B’Nefesh Swag!
Yeshivat Ashreinu joined us at the Nefesh B’Nefesh campus for a dynamic conversation about Zionism, Israeli innovation, and what we should be building for the future. Students had the ability to ask questions and understand what being a Zionist in the diaspora means.
We loved hosting Mechinat Ruach Hanegev at our Jerusalem campus shortly after their return from Poland. The group discussed the dreams that the Zionist vision fulfills and the opportunities for the future. As the Mechina is based in the Negev of Israel, the students were able to relate to the dream David Ben Gurion had of making the desert bloom and how much more we have to accomplish.
The ZEI welcomed Midreshet Amit to Nefesh B’Nefesh as the students discovered how being a light unto the nations, humanitarian aid, and acts of Chesed (kindness) fit into the role of being a Zionist. The students were challenged to think of the inherent values that make up the Zionist movement and the various components of Zionism through an engaging kahoot and other interactive games.
The Yeshivat HaKotel leadership cohort joined the Zionist Education Initiative where they discussed building a movement, getting the message out and what is next for Zionism. The program ended off with all participants writing letters to lone soldiers.
The Zionist Education Initiative hosted Midreshet Rachel students and staff for two in depth sessions on Zionism. Participants discussed the core values of Zionism and the different ways Zionism presents itself. Understanding how Zionism and Israel have allowed Jews to gather from all corners of the earth, achieve self-determination, and so much more.
The Zionist Education Initiative was excited to welcome Thrive Study Abroad as our first group to the new Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah campus. We discussed the democratic and pluralistic nature of Zionism, the mechanics of the Israeli political system, and concluded with the long Jewish tradition of making dreams come true by willing them. Thank you Thrive for dreaming with us!
Aish Gesher joined the Zionist Education Initiative for an in depth discussion on defining Zionism in the modern age. In groups of five, Aish students discussed what their Zionism means to them and how they play a role in Yeshiva and beyond. We can’t wait to welcome Aish Gesher back to the Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah campus!
NCSY Israel staff joined the ZEI team for a night of Zionism dialogue and dinner. The teams broke out to discuss key challenges and opportunities Zionism continues to face and tested each other’s knowledge of Israel’s history. We can’t wait to welcome back NCSY to the Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah Campus!
