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Hands-On Israel: A Panel Discussion and Workshops with our Community Shlichim
Sunday, May 17 @ 2:30 pm
Join us for a wonderful to opportunity to meet and learn with several of our senior shlichim (Israeli Cultural Emissaries) who are serving our community through a partnership between the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the Jewish Agency for Israel. The Greater Washington area boasts the second large delegation of shlichim after New York City) with 12 shlichim serving congregations and Jewish organizations across the DMV.
Our shlichim come from all over Israel and represent the many different cultural and religious backgrounds of Israelis bringing diverse experiences and perspectives. Their role is to help our community members make a personal and cultural connection with an Israeli and with Israel.
This program will include a panel discussion followed by three hands-on Israel workshop options led by the shlichim. The workshops will showcase their unique talents, passions, skills, and backgrounds through different modalities (arts, music, food, stories, and more).
During the panel discussion, we will learn more about the role of being a shlicha and serving in a diaspora community, and what it means for to work in our unique Greater Washington community in this capacity. They will share the insights, joys, challenges of their work and ways to (re)connect with Israel even during difficult times.
Here are the 3 workshop options. Below, you will be able to select your preferences in order and will be assigned to one in advance.
Option 1: Unveiling Her: The Complex Story of Israeli Womanhood (with 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.
Option 2. The Power of Being You: Bridging Hearts Through Israel Pride (with 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 self-acceptance, discovering how openness and honesty can foster meaningful connections and community.
Option 3. Shuk Haifa (with 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.
Presented in Partnership with Temple Rodef Shalom, Pozez JCC and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Community Shlichim Program.
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