Laomek
WHY LAOMEK?
"LaOmek", or in English,"In Depth", as the name itself suggests, is a project during the Machon through which you'll have the opportunity to deepen and become a specialist in an area of your interest, and at the same time develop a critical and autonomous view on the different themes that are part of daily life in Israel.
In addition, through this project you'll have the opportunity to create new educational materials for the future. In short, it is a combination of learning, experiencing, and creating.
LaOmek aims to bring you closer to Israeli society, enabling you have a meaningful and enriching experience in Israel. It is the opportunity to be able to relate the texts and culture throughout Jewish history to the Judaism and Zionism of today.
We believe that leaders and educators in general need a consistent reevaluating of their educational methodology in terms of knowledge, skills, experiences, reflections, and a permanent creative and active stance towards the world. In LaOmek you will have the opportunity to build and develop these methodologies.
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We hope you enjoy the challenge!
How does it work?
Each of you will choose two Mokdim (subject specializations), one for each half of the semester. Each of the Mokdim will have a Tutor, a specialist in the subject who will be the educational coordinator and the reference for that Moked. Laomek takes place every Wednesday.
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You have until 4.11 at 19:00 to make your decision and fill the forms document.
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*The syllabus reflects our plan as of 02/11/2025 and is subject to change based on security permits which are updated on an ongoing basis
Experiencing Israeli art through live tours and workshops
Purpose and goals:
Viewing current Israeli art can provide a deeper understanding of how Israelis' are enduring and responding to the complex situation they are living in. In this course we will explore Israeli art with a series of gallery, and studio tours in and around Tel Aviv. We will also create together inspired by the incredible work we see. Students will also learn many fun techniques to take their own expression to the next level.
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This Laomek is for those who:
This is a course for students who would like to view the political climate in Tel Aviv through an alternative/creative lens, for those who are curious about art (no experience or skills required) and for those who create art.​
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About the tutor:
Diana Gilon is an artist and art instructor. She splits her time between two passions, painting abstract work in her Tel Aviv studio and initiating community art projects aimed at facilitating personal and social change. She has created murals with students across America and the Middle East including esteemed colleges such as Harvard, Brown, Tufts and Haifa Universities
Laomek development
Day 1 - Understanding "Rebellion" through Tel Aviv street art
Places/activities:
We will start the day in south Tel Aviv at Park Hatachana. There we will meet the legendary street artist Liza Mamali ( altelier_mamali ) and view some of her awesome fiber-art murals.
We will then create with Liza and learn about her experience as an Olah artist and Russian immigrant has transformed her artistic practice and mission.
We will then continue our day in Park Hamisila. We will learn some fun graffiti techniques with artist Diana Gilon and learn to make our own signature graffiti tags.
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Central question/issue of the day:
We will discuss how and why graffiti and street art are rebellious in nature. We will question how street art differs from commercial art and debate its relevance in the Israeli art scene.
Day 2 - Visiting Tel Aviv's artist quarter
Places/activities:
We will take a tour of Kiryat Hamelecha, (Tel Aviv's artist quarter) with art curator and tour guide Reut Barnea. Kiryat Hamelecha is a very special place as it houses not only Tel Aviv’s premier art galleries, but numerous artists studios, industrial factories and bars. It also has the best street art in the country and we will explore the area inside and out.
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Central question/issue of the day:
We will discuss how Israeli art reflects the current political and emotional climate. We will also question the feelings of the Israelies who create in response to these turbulent times.
Day 3 - Visiting the exhibition “Ariel HaCohen: On Rivers” at the Tel Aviv Museum
Places/activities:
We will visit the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and view the exhibition “On Rivers.” We will participate in a guided tour and learn about the artist Ariel HaCohen’s life and unique artistic practice.
We will then travel to Dubnov Park and do a sketching workshop with artist Diana Gilon inspired by the art we have just witnessed.​
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Central question/issue of the day:
The central issue of the day is memory. How do we process memory and how do the photographic images we see affect it. These are the questions and issues that the artist Ariel HaCohen addresses in his work and hopefully his exhibition will inspire us to do the same.
Christianity, Islam and Judaism - around Jerusalem.
Purpose and goals:
To understand more about Christianity, Islam and Judaism, by visiting old and new sites, hearing from people with the aim to better comprehend how these religions interact in Jerusalem and Israel today. In order to better understand the conflict it is important to have knowledge of the people involved and see what place, if any religion really plays.
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This Laomek is for those who:
Twant to explore Christianity, Islam and Judaism in and around Jerusalem by meeting interesting people, visiting new sites connected to these religions and learning how they interconnect in Israel.
About the tutor:
Adam Jenshil made Aliyah from the UK 25 years ago. He was on YC and the Machon with FZY, a long time ago! He is a licensed tour guide, has a 1st degree in Ecology/Zoology and an MA in American Jewish studies. Adam has worked for Young Judaea for over 20 years overseeing their programs, including being the Director of YC for 6 years and as a shaliach for YJ in the NE. Today he is the Assistant Director of Young Judaea Israel. He has taught a course on Jerusalem on YC for many years. Adam is married to his former YC co-madricha and has 3 children, 2 of whom are currently soldiers. They live in Tzur Hadassah, not too far from Jerusalem.
Laomek development
Day 1 - Christianity.
Places/activities:
Mount of Olives. Churches, outlook and Jewish cemetery. The Old City. Via Delarosa - the way of the cross, The Church of the Holy Sepulcre. Mt.Zion - The Room of the Last Supper, Dormition Abbey, David's Tomb.​
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Central question/issue of the day:
Christianity - The life/death of Jesus. Christianity today in Jerusalem and Israel. The connection between the State of Israel and world Christianity today.
Day 2 - Judaism.
Places/activities:
Migdal David Museum. Mamilla. Hebrew Union College - the center of Reform Judaism in Israel. Belz Synagogue - Charedi life in Jerusalem.
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Central question/issue of the day:
We will begin by visiting The Tower of David Museum and exploring how Jerusalem has changed throughout the years being run by Muslims, Christians and Jews. We will visit HUC and meet Rabbis to hear about the place of Liberal Judaism in Israel and Jerusalem. We will then meet a Rabbi at the Belz Synagogue, the largest synoagoe in the world and gain a glimpe into their world and understand how the ultra-orthodox world fits in to Jerusalem life.
Day 3 - Islam
Places/activities:
Ramla - A mixed city in Israel. We will visit the ancient Arches Pool for a short, fun boat ride, shop and eat in the market and visit the British cemetery.
Ein Rafa - an Arab Israeli village where we will visit the Mosque, hear from Yasmin who is a convert to Islam.​
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Central question/issue of the day:
Islam - religion and politics, life in Israel alongside other religions. Tension, over the last few years. We will get a chance to ask questions about Islam and learn about Muslim lifestyle.
Voices of Israel
Purpose and goals:
A popular and unflinching Lomek into the heart of Israel's most complex and conflicting narratives. We launch this powerful series in Zichron Yakov, sitting face-to-face with a survivor of a brutal terrorist machete attack, who is now grappling with the shocking reality that their attackers were just released in a deal with Hamas. From there, we plunge into the charged atmosphere of East Jerusalem to hear directly from diverse Palestinian voices, uncovering their candid and unfiltered perspectives on Hamas and the events of October 7. In our final week, we discover multiple perspectives of the Haredi Community in Bet Shemesh
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This course is for those who:
Want to be challenged, believe understanding is not agreeing, and are motivated.
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About the tutor:
Neil Lazarus is a British-born educator and commentator based in Israel, specializing in Middle East politics, public diplomacy, and communication training. He is recognized as one of Israel's leading informal educators, known for his motivating, informative, and challenging presentations. Lazarus speaks to a wide array of audiences, including Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities, as well as diplomats and journalists, and has worked with organizations such as the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Birthright, and Yad Vashem.
Laomek development
Day 1 - The Attack Wasn't the End: Confronting the Return of Her Assailants
Places/activities:
Zichron Yaakov​​
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Central question/issue of the day:
This gripping series opens in Zichron Yakov, where we sit face-to-face with a survivor of a savage terrorist machete attack. Years after the trauma, she now confronts a new horror: her attackers have just been released in a deal with Hamas. What happens when justice is undone and survival demands a second reckoning?
Day 2 - Echoes from East Jerusalem: A Palestinian Perspective
Places/activities:
Today we begin our journey in East Jerusalem stepping into a Palestinian home where stories unfold beyond headlines
Here we listen intimately and unfiltered as residents share their views on Hamas the meaning of “resistance,” the fragile hope for peace, and the seismic impact of October 7. We then travel outside of Jerusalem and, overlooking the West Bank, we will hear a second, alternative Palestinian voice
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Central question/issue of the day:
Today we’re hearing from Palestinians whose voices don’t always align. Some contradict each other, some challenge us, and some surprise us. What becomes clear is that there isn’t one Palestinian perspective. There’s a spectrum. And in that complexity we’re reminded that disagreement doesn’t mean misunderstanding. Listening with empathy doesn’t require agreement. It requires presence.
Day 3 - Inside Beit Shemesh: A Day Among the Ultra-Orthodox"
Places/activities:
This immersive day in Beit Shemesh offers a rare, unfiltered encounter with the ultra-Orthodox world. Far from the distortions of social media and agenda-driven narratives, participants engage in open dialogue and firsthand observation, meeting Rabbi Kopf of Ezrat Achim, exploring a Chareidi finance company where women are active in the workforce, and stepping into the diverse realities of Chareidi life, from modern communities to the most insular anti-Zionist enclaves. Along the way, we hear from a Chassidic Rebbetzin about the role of women and sit with a Satmar Chassid to understand his opposition to the State of Israel. The day concludes with a candid Q&A, offering space to process a journey that challenges assumptions and reveals the rich complexity of a community too often seen in black and white.
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Central question/issue of the day:
During our visit to Beit Shemesh, we’ll explore questions that often stir debate across Israeli society.
Why do many Haredi men avoid military service, and how is that viewed by the broader public?
What role do Haredi families play in the economy, and is their reliance on state support justified or misunderstood?
How do Haredi schools shape future opportunities when core secular subjects are excluded?
What does gender segregation in public spaces say about religious values versus civil rights?
We’ll ask whether Haredi political influence reflects democratic representation or disproportionate power, and how anti-Zionist beliefs coexist within a Zionist state.
Can we understand the tension between integration and insularity, and what happens when internal discrimination like the Emanuel school case surfaces within the community?
How do public policies around Shabbat and cultural norms reflect or challenge secular freedoms?
And finally, what does censorship mean in a society that values both tradition and pluralism?