Posted by Gabbi B

Program Host	Chapter
Host Region and Chapter	Nassau Suffolk
Program Type	Judaic
Time Required	Less then 2 hours
Target Population(s)	Girls (BBG)
Folds Targeted	Jewish Heritage
People Participating	30-60

Program Summary:

We related with each other by sharing our similarities about our religion, between non serious and more serious topics.

Full Description:

First we had the girls stand in two lines on either side of the long piece of yarn. The lights were off except a little light coming from a back room, which set the mood, and they were told to be quiet. They stood horizontally, facing each other. Then we told them that each time we read something that related to them, they should step on the line, and then after a few seconds step back. Some of the things we read were…step on the line if…
You went to Hebrew school
You’ve ever been bat mitzvah’d
You belong to a temple
You can read Hebrew
You go to temple on the high holidays
You go to temple on a regular basis
You keep kosher
You keep kosher for Passover
You’ve been to Israel
Both your parents are Jewish
One of your parents is Jewish and you celebrate Christmas
Raising your kids Jewish is important to you
Marrying Jewish is important to you
You get offended when someone says “cheap Jew”
Other Jewish stereotypes (big nose) offend you
People make fun of you for being in BBYO
You’ve heard someone call BBYO a cult
You have had an anti-Semitic comment said to you
You stood up against the anti-Semitic comment
You yourself make Jew joke
You laugh it off when someone says anti-Semitic things to you
You feel ashamed of your religion at times
You’ve heard someone tell you that the Holocaust never happened.

After we went through the list, beginning with the non serious topics leading into some serious ones, we had a small discussion. A few girls/board members took turns bringing up one or more of the things we mentioned. We talked a few minutes about if we make anti Semitic comments and jokes about ourselves or to others, and then we are just showing them that it’s okay to make mean jokes. Another topic was brought up about the fact that we are the last generation to hear from survivors form the Holocaust, and we need to educate our peers. We asked anyone if they had something to add, and then we thanked everyone for participating and being so honest.

Submitter's Suggestions:

Ease into the serious topics, and make sure after something is said that the girls don’t talk to their friends or scream me too or something.

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