Festivals | Tishrei

The Jewish People - A Unique Nation?

Activities

Synopsis

Three writers produce a continuum of concepts on this issue which are debated to raise consciousness among Jewish youth and support this with Jewish sources. The topic serves as an approach to self-awareness and development as Jews, appropriate to the approach to the Jewish New Year, and is also relevant to Succot.

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Three Positions or Triangular Debate

Suitable for 14 plus; students over 18, young adults.

Use either of the two structured discussion possibilities; the second is recommended for older students as more suited to their perceptional framework and facility of expression.

Please, don't forget the source materials!

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1. Three Corner Debate
2. 1. Before the activity, prepare banner signs for the three corners and photocopy the positions and the list of questions.
   2. Present the issue under debate and the three possible responses. EITHER divide the group into three and send each sub-group to a corner to study the position and build their argument OR allow free choice of position and have them follow the same process. Allow 15-20 minutes.
   3. Ask one person from each group to present their position (in sequential order) when the groups sit together in a triangle. Question time is after the presentations.
   4. Broaden the debate, referring to questions listed but unanswered; use the fourth text to bring it together at the conclusion.
   5. Allow people to change positions if they so desire.
3. Triangular Debate
4. 1. Before the activity, prepare photocopies of the conceptual positions.
   2. Present the issue under debate and the three possible concepts.
   3. Have the group arrange three chairs at the points of a triangle. Each apex becomes one of those three responses. Individuals in the group can now move to sit at any apex, along any connecting line between two positions - or even inside the triangle - in accordance with their own convictions.
   4. Ask the one person at each apex (in sequential order) to explain why they chose that position; others sitting at the same point can be asked for additional comments.
   5. Now proceed along the a-b, b-c, a-c continua and within the triangle in the same manner.
   6. Introduce the Jewish sources (verbally or distribute texts) and ask for questions, further discussion.
   7. Broaden with any relevant questions on the list still not raised and conclude with the fourth text.
   8. Has anyone changed their position? Move chairs and listen to the last lines of argument. Round off the debate.

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Acknowledgments
The second activity is modelled on that written for Rak Reka, Youth and Hechalutz Department, by Schlomo Balsam.
This activity adapts source materials and text appearing in Chapter Four of the Youth and Hechalutz Department pack, "Sukkot".

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