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NCSY has been running its LAVE (Life and Values Experiences) programs for
the past 15 years or so. These are values and ethics programs which can be
used as individual units or as full Yom Iyun Seminars. I would suggest
contacting the National Office of NCSY. The lesson plan utilized is
usually a trigger film or television episode of a popular tv series that
raises a dilemma in Jewish ethics. Source material is then utilized in
smaller groups. Because the educational program is based around the
screening of a tv show, there is no problem in maintaining viewer
interest! Rabbi Nachum Amsel (presently living in Ramot Aleph,
Yerushalayim) was the originator of such programs and would also serve as
an excellent reference.
I would think that a monthly theme that is kicked off with such a
LAVE-type program and then involves a community program one Sunday,
perhaps adult education classes or guest speakers on the theme, etc. -
would be a successful approach.
As for source material, Rabbi Daniel Feldman recently published a book
entitled " The right and the Good". It is from Jason Aronson Publishers.
The material is certainly not "ready-to-use", but it presents topics and
angles that one doesn't always think there would be halachic discussion.
also, NCSY has already compiled myriads of source materials on these types
of topics as part of their LAVE programs as well as shabaton source books.
Yeshiva University Youth Services and its Counterpoint program to
Australia, Yeshiva University Seminars (of old), YUSSR, etc., are all
places that probably also have tons of materials. Also Rabbi Aaron
Tirschwell at Young Israel is a good resource.
The point is, this has been done successfully before countless times. All
you need to do is network properly!
David Katz
MICHLELET MEVASERET YERUSHALAYIM
25 Rabbi Najara Street Givat Shaul, J-m ISRAEL
email:
office@mmy.org.il</HTML>
