Elective class
Leadership and Chinuch
Following are the options for the Leadership skills elective class
that will take place Thursday afternoon (12:00 - 13:15)
Effective Public Speaking
Purpose and goals:
Public speaking is not as hard as you think and this course will show you how, through a few easy techniques, to wow audiences. Learn how to stand and speak so that people will remember you and your message.
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This course is for those who:
. Want to improve their communication ability and believe that they can;
. Realize that we all have strengths and abilities
. Are willing to try;
. Can laugh at themselves rather than others;
. Realize learning is fun and love the fun of learning;
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About the teacher:
Neil Lazarus is an internationally acclaimed expert in the fields of Middle East politics, public diplomacy and effective communication training. He is fast emerging as one of Israel's leading keynote speakers. His presentations are motivating, informative and challenging. Neil speaks to over 30,000 people a year and his presentations are causing an international sensation. Neil teaches community leadership, students, politicians and diplomats. This semester he will share his experience with us on the machon.
Course development
Class Nº1 - How to start a speech so that people will want to listen
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
This class will show how to overcome the fears of public speaking. The class will reveal simple techniques showing how to start a speech so that people will want to listen.
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Learning tools/methodology:
Examining video examples of speakers, discussion, role play of methodology.
Class Nº2 - How to end a speech so that the audience will want you to continue
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
​Learn how to to answer questions, especially the hard ones. A technique used by professional speakers to guarantee people remember a message for years to come will be revealed.
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Learning tools / methodology:
We will learn the methodology, see how professional speakers use them and practice them ourselves.
Class Nº3 - The 1+5 +1 method of telling a story
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
Story telling is a basic tool of any speaker. This class shows students how to build a story and how to use the 1+5+1 method used by professional speakers
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Learning tools/methodology:
Learning the methodology through examples presented by Neil Lazarus and practicing them.
Class Nº4 - Death by Powerpoint and how to avoid it
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
This class will examine how to stop killing people with powerpoint and the art of good visuals.
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Learning tools/methodology:
We will be looking at powerpoint and creating our own together as well as Prezi.
Class Nº5 - Is body language overrated in public speaking?
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
We will look at body language and ask if it is really that important? We will examine 4 major techniques professional speakers use to manipulate their audience without speaking.
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Learning tools/methodology:
Video examples, activities, role playing and discussion.
Class Nº6 - Public speaking and Zoom
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
How to speak via Zoom and not send people to sleep.
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Learning tools/methodology:
We will film and simulate Zoom presentations.
Class Nº7 - Final class: The Big Speech
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
We will combine all that we have learnt into a major presentation.​
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Learning tools/methodology:
Eachother, role playing, video.
Israel at Camp Leadership Toolkit
Purpose and goals:
This program will help participants develop the tools to understand and lead Israel engagement at camp. Participants will examine the existing Israeli education in their camps, explore the complexities of contemporary Israel education, develop tools for meaningful dialogue, and create relevant programming that fosters connection and understanding. The course emphasizes reflective practice, collaborative learning, and the development of practical skills for navigating sensitive conversations while building community.
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This course is for those who:
Want to deepen their understanding of Israel education at camp, develop skills for facilitating difficult conversations, and create impactful programming that resonates with diverse camp communities in today's complex landscape.
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About the teacher:
Lotem Eilon
JAFI Summer Shlichut Program's Director of Education
Lotem started her journey with Shlichut in the summer of 2013 as a Shlicha at URJ-Camp Coleman and continued her Shlichut for 8 more summers in different roles - video specialist, programmer, unit head, Rosh Mishlachat and Hebrew and Israel Engagement Coordinator. Starting 2015, Lotem served as a long term Shlicha. During her 4-year term, she served as the Shlicha for the URJ, working on year-round Israel engagement with communities in the Southeast region. Since 2022 Lotem has been working as the Director of Education in the Summer Shlichut Program.
Course development
Class Nº1 - Mapping Our Summer: Deconstructing Israel Education at Camp
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
How did Israel education manifest in our camp experiences this summer?
What were the key challenges, opportunities, and initiatives we observed in camper educational trajectories?
How do we identify patterns and gaps in our current approaches to Israel education?​
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Learning tools/methodology:
Group discussions, mapping exercises, collaborative reflection on summer experiences.
Class Nº2 - Living Memory: Commemoration and Community in Times of Crisis
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:How do we create meaningful commemoration while communities are still experiencing ongoing trauma?
How can we create commemorations that would fit appropriately at camp?
How can we learn from past commemoration projects and assess their impact on camp communities?
Learning tools/methodology:
Reflective discussion on the balance between processing and healing, exploration of different commemoration approaches and their effectiveness in camp settings.
Class Nº3 - Radical Listening: Foundation for Difficult Conversations
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
How do we create space for authentic listening in challenging conversations?
What skills do we need to facilitate dialogue that strengthens rather than divides community?
How does radical listening connect to camp's core values of connection and community building?
Learning tools/methodology:
Experiential learning through listening exercises, role-playing difficult conversation scenarios, reflection on personal listening practices and biases to develop better facilitation skills.
Class Nº4 - Stories vs. Narratives: The Power of Perspective in Israel Education
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
How do personal stories evolve into larger narratives, and what's our role in that process?
How do the choices we make in language, imagery, and framing shape understanding?
How can we create space for multiple narratives while maintaining educational integrity?​
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Learning tools/methodology:
Analysis of different narrative frameworks using maps, images, and texts, Exploration of competing narratives, conscious language choices etc.
Class Nº5 - Translating Experience: Building Relevant Israel Programming
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
How do we translate meaningful Israel experiences into effective camp programming?
What makes Israel education truly immersive and relevant in a camp setting?
How do we design programs that integrate authentically into our unique camp environments?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Deconstruction and analysis of successful camp programs, hands-on program design using M2 value cards, collaborative workshop to create camp-specific programming.
Class Nº6 - Peer Learning and Partnership: Building Collaborative Networks
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
How do we learn effectively from each other and build sustainable support networks?
What role do Shlichim and other community partners play in enhancing our educational impact?
How do we create ongoing collaboration that extends beyond this course?
Learning tools/methodology:
Peer learning sessions, collaborative planning, resource sharing, network building activities.
Art and Group Leadership
Purpose and goals:
Using the psychology of groups, this course will enhance leadership skills through art. By looking at the stages of group development, leaders can anticipate and assist in dealing with the normal and unusual challenges that groups face. Each activity is meant to be used by leaders with groups in various settings
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This course is for those who:
Are interested in understanding how groups come together and function.
Want to improve their leadership knowledge.
Want to add to their “toolkit” of leadership skills.
Want a novel way of working with groups.
Want to try (and enjoy!) learning through art.
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About the teacher:
Avi is an artist, educator, psychologist and rabbi. He teaches and writes on the subject of Jewish and Israeli arts, culture and identity.
Course development
Class Nº1 - How Art Helps (yourself and others)
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
How can art serve as a tool for expressing and understanding ourselves?
In what ways can we understand others through the art that they create?
What are some important examples of art that expresses the self?
How can art be used for assisting me as a leader?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Group Discussion
Visual Art Making
Understanding how to use the activity in an educational setting
Class Nº2 - Forming
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
What are the stages of group development?
How do groups form?
How can I as a leader facilitate the healthy development of individuals as they attempt to form groups?
What kinds of art projects can assist in the “forming” stage?
What does it feel like to learn about Torah through art and photography?
Learning tools / methodology:
Group Discussion
Visual Art Making
Understanding how to use the activity in an educational setting
Class Nº3 - Storming
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
Why is it normal for groups to get into conflict?
How are individual members feeling?
How can a leader help the group navigate through the tough times?
What art can do to help groups survive the ‘storm” stage?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Group Discussion
Visual Art Making
Understanding how to use the activity in an educational setting
Class Nº4 - Norming
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
What is the ‘norming’ stage of group development?
How are individual group members feeling during this stage?
What art-based leadership activities can we do to help the group through this important phase?
What is the role of leaders in this stage?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Group Discussion
Visual Art Making
Understanding how to use the activity in an educational setting
Class Nº5 - Performing
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
What is the ‘performing’ stage of group development?
How are individual group members feeling during this stage?
What art-based leadership activities can we do to help the group function at it’s best?
What is the role of leaders in this stage?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Group Discussion
Visual Art Making
Understanding how to use the activity in an educational setting
Class Nº6 - Adjourning
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
Why are endings as challenging as beginnings for groups?
What can a leader do to allow a group to reach its end in a positive manner?
What art activities can help a group separate?
What as some artistic means of remembering an important shared journey?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Group Discussion
Visual Art Making
Understanding how to use the activity in an educational setting
Kvetch or Contribute Philosophies of leadership through history
Purpose and goals:
This course will allow students to think about leadership throughout Jewish history and apply the theory and philosophy to their own lives. We will be looking at major historical eras through the lens of big leadership ideas like “How do I lead?” and “Why should they follow?” Each class will look at two sides of an argument and use debate and discussion to dig deep into the philosophy of leadership and how each person in a society has a choice and an impact.
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This course is for those who:
Enjoy philosophy, debate, history, and are part of a meaningful community.
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About the teacher:
Sarah Kusnitz
For the past ten years, Sarah has worked in leadership and educational roles in immersive educational environments, helping shape meaningful Jewish experiences for hundreds of campers and students both in America and in Israel.
Sarah has spent four years working in gap year programs, summer camps, and other experiential Jewish educational settings, where she’s developed curricula and led immersive learning experiences for young adults. She holds a Master’s degree in Jewish Education and is currently training to become a licensed national tour guide in Israel; further deepening her connection to the land of Israel, Jewish people and our history.
Course development
Class Nº1 - Military Leadership: Values, consent, conformity
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
What makes a leader a leader and why would any person follow another person?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Discussion, Tanach, and the Spirit of the IDF (document)
Class Nº2 - Ancient Leaders: Judges and Tests
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
​How do you identify and amplify good patterns or stop bad ones?
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Learning tools / methodology:
Discussion, Tanach, Supreme Court cases (Israeli and American)
Class Nº3 - Official Leadership: Hasmoneans and Hitler
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
How long does power last? Why would anyone plan for a short term reign? What happens when power ends?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Discussion, Vienna Jewish Quarter, Ancient Coins
Class Nº4 - Jewish Leadership: Ingroup and outgroup
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
What defines a Jewish leader and Jewish leadership?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Discussion, speeches, some military reports
Class Nº5 - Personal Choice: Early Statehood and controversial decisions
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
What does it take to build a state? Where did all the immigrants come from and where did they settle? What was Aliyah like in the 50s and 60s?
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Learning tools/methodology:
Discussion, primary media, news sources
Class Nº6 - Leadership of the Many: Quiet and Obvious power
Main questions that this class will seek to answer:
How do the people have a voice against their leadership? ​
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Learning tools/methodology:
Discussion, Israeli poetry, protest chants