Themes at a Glance
In the Lev Year...
…girls gather to learn, laugh,
and grow as they explore the
challenges and joys of their lives,
sharing their thoughts and
experiences, and accessing the
wisdom of their heritage.
y Opening Month Welcoming the Group and the Moon
The Opening Month is designed specifically for a group’s initial meeting and
introduces participants to the concept of Rosh Hodesh and of Rosh Hodesh
groups. It creates a comfortable and supportive environment for future
sharing and growth through personal introductions, the establishment of group
expectations, and participation in a learning activity and collaborative craft
project.
Opening and Warm-Up: Getting to know one another
Viewing the Moon: Group reflection and discussion
Creating Safe Space: Brainstorming and establishing group guidelines
Why Rosh Hodesh?: Group discussion of traditional, contemporary, and
personal meanings of Rosh Hodesh
Creating Sacred Space: Design and creation of the Rosh Hodesh Cloth
Closing: Candles and blessing
y Tishrey Teshuvah: Bringing Out Our Best
In Tishrey Lev, we prepare both personally and collectively for the New Year
through reflective exploration of the High Holy Day themes of teshuvah
(reflecting on negative behaviors we wish to abandon and positive ones we wish
to enhance) and lashon hara (unethical speech). This session also builds on the
process begun in the first month of establishing an appreciative group
atmosphere through encouraging lashon tov, or ethical communication among
participants.
Tishrey and Teshuvah Tips: Group discussion
Practicing Ethical Speech: Scripted dramatization
The Ideal and the Real—The Challenge of Ethical Speech: Discussion and
improvisation
A Look at Your Life: Personal reflective writing
Closing: Elective sharing of individual teshuvah goals for the coming year
and/or a selected Rosh Hashanah tradition
y Heshvan The Struggles and Joys of Sisterhood
In Heshvan Lev, we explore the life of our foremother Rachel, in honor of her
yahrzeit, which is observed on the 11th of Heshvan. Through the study of
classical midrashim (ancient stories that provide interpretation of biblical texts)
and the creation of original ones, we will highlight the importance of
interpretation both in Jewish tradition and in forging our own relationship with
Jewish texts.
Viewing Rachel and Leah: Group study and discussion of this relationship as
depicted in the Torah and in classical and contemporary midrashim
Midrash Explained: Exploration of the ancient and contemporary midrashic
(interpretive) process
2 Themes at a Glance Lev: Year 1
Midrash and Me: Creating original midrashim through individual reflective
writing OR small-group theatrical improvisation
Closing: Singing Eli, Eli, in honor of Hannah Senesh, whose yahrzeit is this
month, and reciting the traditional “Prayer for the New Month”
y Kislev Judith and Beyond: Heroines Past and Present
In Kislev Lev, we explore female empowerment in ancient and contemporary
times. We discuss the stories of a woman associated with Hanukkah—Judith;
discover the lives of twelve accomplished modern day Jewish women; and
explore our own ideas of what it means to be a heroine.
The Story of Judith: Reading and full-group discussion
Today’s Women of Valor: Discussion and creating social network profile
What Makes a Hero: Group discussion
Closing: Singing and/or reading “Light and Dark” and reciting the traditional
“Prayer for the New Month” with added blessings
y Tevet Body as Temple: Rededication to Self-Appreciation
In Tevet Lev, we commemorate the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem,
using the metaphor from Jewish mystical tradition that likens the human body to
the mishkan, (the portable tabernacle used before the building of the first
Temple). We rededicate ourselves to valuing our bodies and committing to
positive thoughts and actions.
Body Beloved: Identification and practice of healthy and self-affirming life
strategies
Body as Temple: Group discussion of Jewish values and practices related to the
body
Body Positive: Guided yoga/movement session
Rededication to Self-Appreciation: Personal reflection of self-critical
tendencies and commitment to positive thinking
Closing: Reciting the traditional “Prayer for the New Month”
y Shevat Shevat Smorgasbord: Nature Meditations and Munchies
In Shevat Lev, we explore the nature themes of the Tu Beshevat Seder through
reflection, movement, meditation, craft, and creative ritual.
Shevat Seder Fruit Analogies: Discussion of personal character traits
Shevat Charades: Interpretive movement and dramatic expression of the four
elements of nature
Centered in Nature: Guided nature meditation
The Calm of Rain: Making and demonstrating rainsticks and learning about
Jewish liturgy on rain
3 Themes at a Glance Lev: Year 1
Closing: Expressing gratitude for the natural world, and reciting the traditional
“Prayer for the New Month”
y Adar I Megilot of Our Own
In Adar I Lev, we explore the role of beauty in the Purim story and in our lives
through a discussion about Queen Esther and the creation of two megilot of our
own. The first, “Song of Songs” is comprised of positive images of women in
popular magazines, and the second “Our Lamentations,” is comprised of negative
images of women in popular magazines.
Beauty in the Purim Story: Brainstorming and discussion of images of women
in the Scroll of Esther
Making Megilot of Our Own: Craft and discussion of images of girls and
women in the media and our own experiences
Social Activism: “Girlcotting” and individual letter-writing to companies using
problematic female images in their advertisements
Closing: Identifying personal strengths and reciting the traditional “Prayer for
the New Month”
y Adar II Hide and Seek: Megilat Esther, Masks and Me
In Adar II Lev, we explore issues of Jewish identity and anti-Semitism through
a discussion about Queen Esther and the creation of decorative plaster masks.
Esther in the Palace: Group discussion of Jewish identity (hidden or declared)
The Minority Experience: Personal reflection and sharing
Revealing Masks: Mask-making craft project and discussion of identity
Closing: Sharing individual masks and their meaning, reading poem “Myself”
and reciting the traditional “Prayer for the New Month”
y Nisan Miriam: Her Life and Legacy
In Nisan Lev, we learn about the life of Miriam the prophet, sister to Moses and
Aaron, by reading and creatively retelling stories about her. Inspired by her
courage, we explore the notion of healthy and unhealthy risk-taking. We invite
the girls to rewrite a popular song, create an interpretive dance, or perform a skit
about Miriam—anything creative that will honor her celebratory spirit. In
Nisan, we also decorate our own Kosot Miriam (Miriam’s Cups) for use at the
seders we attend.
More About Miriam: Creative retelling of Miriam’s story through creation and
performance of original songs, dances, or skits
Kos Miriam (Miriam’s Cup): Creating individual cups for the seder with
discussion on risk-taking
Closing: Conducting Kos Miriam ritual and reciting the traditional “Prayer for
the New Month”
4 Themes at a Glance Lev: Year 1
y Iyar Knowing What Counts: The Omer and Being True
In Iyar Lev, we read a magazine article, “How to Be Popular,” as an inroad to a
discussion about popularity as it relates to being true to ourselves, choosing and
maintaining healthy friendships, and developing a sense of self-worth. We build
on Jewish mystical traditions about the Omer through making our own Omer
Bracelets. We also explore Iyar as a time for personal growth. A special
Facilitator's Resource provides guidance for converting this gathering plan into a
Closing Month.
Counting Friends vs. Friends that Count: Group discussion of magazine
article, “How to Be Popular,” by Deirdre Dolan
Being My Best Self: Identifying personal character goals through crafting of
Omer Bracelets
Closing: Sharing bracelets and their meaning, and reciting the traditional “Prayer
for the New Month”
y Sivan Ruth and Naomi: Listening With Your Heart
In Sivan Lev, we examine Megilat Rut (The Book of Ruth) as a springboard for
an exploration of successful friendship. We identify effective communication
as an essential component of healthy relationships and learn and practice
communication skills. A special Facilitator's Resource provides guidance for
converting this gathering plan into a Closing Month.
Opening and Warm-Up: Group discussion of Megilat Rut and its Theme of
Friendship
Active Listening Defined: Paired role-play to identify effective listening skills
A Good Friend is a Good Listener: Group demonstration and practice of
active-listening techniques
Share a Treat: Paired make-your-friend-a-sundae activity, reinforcing the use of
and importance of listening skills
Closing: Reading of poem “Listen” and reciting the traditional “Prayer for the
New Month”
5 Themes at a Glance Lev: Year 1
In the Ruach Year...
…participants return to the
comfortable, accepting place that they
have begun to cherish. They continue
to look inward and learn more about
themselves and then share so
that they can learn more about
each other.
The gatherings allow for more
time for discussion as the girls
are now capable of deeper
conversations because of both
their maturity and level of trust
within the group.
The group leader trusts her
instincts in approaching the
gathering plan in a way that she
knows will both challenge and
excite the girls.
y Opening Month Reconnecting—Rosh Hodesh and Us
This year, Opening Month is devoted to re-establishing the group, its rituals
and guidelines. If new members are entering, the warm-up and small group
activities help integrate them into the group. A creative exercise of composing
“infomercials” for Rosh Hodesh helps review the learning and experiences of
last year and generate excitement for this one.
Cool Rules—Take Two: Brainstorming group guidelines for the year
Girl Thing! Group Games: Ice breakers and group builders
RoHo-mercials: Small group activity creating short “infomercials” about Rosh
Hodesh
Closing: Decorating Rosh Hodesh Cloth and/or using the candle ritual to look
ahead
y Tishrey Imagining God
In Tishrey Ruach, we use the High Holy Day liturgy as a springboard to explore
and reflect upon classical and contemporary images of God, striving to develop
personal metaphors for and ways to connect with God. We then turn our
thoughts to our human relationships, drawing on the concept of teshuvah as an
inspiration for seeking and granting forgiveness.
Imagining God: Small- and full-group discussions of classical, contemporary,
and personal imagery
Forgiving and Being Forgiven: Contemplating reconciliation
Closing: Forgiving each other and/or letting go of misdeeds
y Heshvan Comrades—Not Competitors
In Heshvan Ruach, we use the story of Rachel and Leah and an excerpt from a
contemporary magazine article to explore the theme of jealousy. We make and
exchange friendship pins as affirmations of positive connections among girls.
Comrades or Competitors: Exploring female relationships—Rachel, Leah, and
us
Creating Connections: Making and exchanging friendship pins
Closing: Reciting the traditional “Prayer for the New Month”
y Kislev Money: Madness or Mitzvot
In Kislev Ruach, we acknowledge the lure of consumerism and examine the
practice of gift-giving at Hanukkah. Participants explore their personal values
regarding materialism and status and become familiar with Jewish teachings on
money and tzedakah. To encourage creativity and generosity of spirit, the girls
brainstorm meaningful acts of kindness and create IOU coupons to give to
friends and family.
Consumerism: Group discussion on the impact of advertising messages
7 Themes at a Glance Ruach: Year 2
Money Matters: Small groups read and respond to Jewish teachings on money
and charity
Maimonides’ Ladder: Team activity and discussion of tzedakah
Gifts from the Heart: Craft project, designing IOU coupons for non-material
gifts
Closing: Filling out individual Appreciation Candle forms and lighting floating
candles
y Tevet Our Inheritance, Our Legacy
In Tevet Ruach, we use the fact that the 10th of Tevet is Yom Hakadish
Haklali—a day to remember those whose date of death is unknown—to explore
the spiritual legacies we have inherited from our matriarchal ancestors and those
we wish to leave to future generations.
Opening and Warm-Up: Tracing our matrilineage
Family History and Legacy: Group sharing about our names and personal role
models from our families
Personal Legacy and Ethical Wills: Personal reflection and writing about core
values
Closing: Read and interpret “Reb Zusya’s Tale” and recite the traditional “Prayer
for the New Month”
y Shevat Nurturing Nature and Ourselves
In Shevat Ruach, we explore participants’ roles as guardians and protectors of the
earth and themselves. Participants are challenged to reflect upon and commit to
behaviors that are respectful of nature and their own spiritual well being.
Shomrot Adamah (Guardians of the Earth): Creating a personalized contract
Shomrot Neshamah (Guardians of Our Souls): Discussion and commitment to
caring for oneself
Measuring Myself: Reflecting on personal midot
Midot & Me: Making midot cards
Closing: Reciting poem and the traditional “Prayer for the New Month”
8 Themes at a Glance Ruach: Year 2
y Adar I Choosing to Stand
In Adar I Ruach, we draw on the experiences of Esther, Vashti, and Dinah to
discuss a range of appropriate empowerment strategies. The girls also receive
self-defense instruction.
Standing Up for Ourselves: Discussion of Esther, Vashti, and Dinah
Getting What We Want: Exercise in persuasion
Choosing to Stand: Self-defense instruction with a guest presenter
Closing: Saying “No!” and reciting the traditional “Prayer for the New Month”
y Adar II Purim: Courage and Community
In Adar II Ruach, we explore the Jewish obligation of tikun olam (repair of the
world) using the customs of Purim as prototypes for our communal
responsibilities to stand up to injustice, share our good fortune, and strive to
improve the world.
Mitzvot and Meaning: Discussion of Purim’s lessons on caring and sharing
Jewish Community: Decorating Rosh Hodesh Cloth with year-round holiday
tzedakah ideas
Purim Mitzvot: Donating matanot le’evyonim (gifts to the poor)
Purim Presents: Making mishloah. manot (food for friends) and gift containers
Closing: Tikun olam teaching and ritual, and reciting the traditional “Prayer for
the New Month”
y Nisan A Girls’ Seder
In Nisan Ruach, we explore ways of making seders more engaging and
experience a women’s seder that highlights women’s roles in the Exodus and
the need for liberating all women to live at their full potential. Participants are
encouraged to replicate portions of the group experience in their families’
observance.
Hagadot of Our Own: Paired discussion and design of seder innovations
A Girls’ Seder: Conducting a seder with enhanced focus on female roles and
perspectives, including participants’ innovations
y Iyar Teen Stress? Oh, Yes!
In Iyar Ruach we acknowledge the stress teens experience and examine the
negative impact of unmanaged stress. Participants are guided to identify stress-
reduction strategies from their own experiences and from Jewish practice. They
learn and try out several stress-management techniques.
Teen Stress and Its Effects: Small-group brainstorming; full-group discussion
Stress Busters: Brainstorming solutions and practicing “no stress self-talk”
Mania and Massage: Stress-reduction activities
7 Themes at a Glance Ruach: Year 2
Torah Tips for Stress Reduction: Reflection and discussion
Closing: Chanting Elohay Neshamah or Shema and reciting the traditional
“Prayer for the New Month”
y Sivan Caring Communication
In Sivan Ruach, we explore the complexity of daughter-parent relationships
and expectations. Participants learn and practice communication and conflict-
management techniques that are applicable to all relationships, emphasizing
respectful sharing and problem solving.
The Fifth Commandment: Discussion of Kavod Av Ve’em (Honoring One’s
Parents)
Saying What You Mean Without Being Mean: Effective communication
techniques
Creating Shalom in the Home: Making a Shalom Bayit box
Closing: Sharing boxes and reciting the traditional “Prayer for the New Month”
y Closing Month Siyum: Celebrating Completion and Continuation
In this Closing Month, we participate in a siyum, a Jewish closing celebration
held upon completion of text study or writing a Torah scroll. We draw on its
traditional features of reflection, anticipation, and celebration, with an added
component—appreciation.
Seeing Endings as Beginnings: Explanation of the siyum ritual
Repetition and Remembering: Discussion of learning this year and yet to come
Letters of Affirmation: Self-reflection and feedback from others
Grounding Ourselves: Rock-art craft project
Se’udat Mitzvah Party: Closing celebration
Closing: Collaborative Rosh Hodesh poem and reciting the traditional “Prayer
for the New Month” or singing/playing Debbie Friedman’s “Kadish D’Rabanan”
8 Themes at a Glance Ruach: Year 2
In the Kol Year...
…The theme of the Kol year is
“Journey Inward, Journey
Outward.” The girls are
looking at themselves–getting
to know in deeper ways the
young woman they are
becoming, and then “taking it
out” into their lives and
communities.
Using a broad range of
enjoyable activities, groups
address adolescent
developmental issues with
rich Jewish content, while
adding a tikun olam (social
justice) component.
Girls are invited to take on some
rotating responsibility for their
group. The group creates a
Moonbook–a monthly scrapbook to
document their gatherings, fun and
growth.
The year culminates with a self-
designed and implemented social
action or Mitzvah Project.
y Opening Month
for New Groups Welcoming the Group and the Moon
The Kol Opening Month is designed specifically for a group’s initial meeting and
introduces participants to the concept of Rosh Hodesh and of Rosh Hodesh
groups. It creates a comfortable and supportive environment for future
sharing and growth through personal introductions, the establishment of group
expectations, and participation in a learning activity and collaborative craft
project.
Opening and Warm-Up: Getting to know one another
Viewing the Moon: Group reflection and discussion
Creating Safe Space: Brainstorming and establishing group guidelines
Why Rosh Hodesh?: Group discussion of traditional, contemporary, and
personal meanings of Rosh Hodesh
Creating Sacred Space: Design and creation of the Rosh Hodesh Cloth
Closing: Candles and blessing
y Opening Month
for Continuing Reconnecting Through Our Gifts and Blessings
In Kol, the girls’ focus expands from looking inward to also include looking out
at the world around them, recognizing that they can make personal contributions
to solving problems and issues in their communities and in the world. With a link
to the Elul and High Holy Day concept of teshuvah (return), Opening Month is
designed to help each girl reconnect with the group and return to her best self.
Each girl will become conscious of the gifts and blessings that she brings to the
group through an experience of personal expression that is first individual and
then collaborative.
The Circle Game: Re-establishing friendships through music
New Moon Features: Introducing the new features of the program year
Weave a Web: Reconnecting the group through a tossing game
Gifts and Goals: Collaborative embellishment of the Rosh Hodesh Cloth
y Tishrey Who Am I? Where Am I Going?
In Tishrey Kol, we respond to a variety of questions that inspire introspection
and promote self-awareness. Participants identify their passions and priorities
and establish specific and realistic goals and timelines, and give expression to
their guiding mottos.
Who Am I? An Introspective: Answering questions that promote self-
awareness
If You Will It, It is Not Only a Dream: Setting goals and strategies in pairs
Make It Your Mission: Developing personal mottos
This is My Dream: Craft project concretizing personal mottos
10 Themes at a Glance Bena: Year 3
y Heshvan Legacies of Continuity and Change
In Heshvan Kol, we recognize the precious legacies preserved and handed down
by our ancestors—legacies of both continuity and change. We share ritual
practices, both old and new, that we find meaningful and create a personalized
hamsa.
From Generation to Generation: Discussion of the legacy of our tradition with
“show-and-tell” of ritual objects and practices
Enriching Ritual: Discussion of revived, transformed, and innovative ritual
practices
Handing It to You: Creating hamsas
y Kislev Deeper Than Skin-Deep
In Kol Kislev, we expand the girls’ concepts of beauty and attractiveness to
characteristics “below the surface.” The girls examine the destructive
messages of Beauty Industry advertising, and develop strategies and
affirmations to inoculate themselves against negative body image messages.
The Eye of the Beholder: Group discussion defining ‘beauty’
The Eye of the Storm: Exploring media messages from the “Beauty Industry”
and their impact on self-perception
The "I's" have it: Creating Affirmation Cards to inoculate against negative self-
images
I Commit to Me: Using a checklist to learn about and commit to actions
refocusing on healthy self-image
y Tevet Taking Care of Ourselves
In Tevet, we explore physical and emotional stress in teenager’s lives—the
causes, effects, and potential antidotes. We highlight physical and emotional
self-care as a sacred responsibility, and present several simple tools that teens
can use in their daily lives to take care of their bodies, hearts, and minds.
Circling the Drain: Group discussion regarding physical stress
Stress Interrupted: Guided Journaling on controlling physical stress
What, Me Worry?: Group discussion, active quiz and skits on controlling
emotional stress
Laughter is the Best Medicine: Playful group stress reducers
y Shevat Holy Selves, Wholeness in Relationships
In Shevat, girls will learn that seeing ourselves as whole and holy helps us to
enter into positive relationships. Girls will understand from a Jewish perspective
what qualities we most value in healthy relationships—both friendships and
romances.
11 Themes at a Glance Bena: Year 3
“Go Fish” for the Right Relationship: A card matching game to choose the
best qualities in girl relationships and romantic relationships
Dear (R)Abby: Applying ancient principles to modern relationship dilemmas
through small-group problem solving
y Adar Understanding Relationships
Throughout the Purim story, truth is hidden just below the surface. Girls will
become aware of the characteristics of unhealthy relationships and recognize
the potential for intimate relationships to be fraught with emotional, physical
and sexual abuse. They will also learn the skill of “I-Statements,” the
importance of seeking adult assistance for those in abusive relationships, and
techniques for helping a friend get help.
It Isn’t Romantic—Identifying Signs of Unhealthy Relationships: Hevruta
reading and discussing first-person narratives in modern Megillot
Megillah of Safety—Warning Signs: Creating a framework for what we have
learned
The “I’s” Have It: Learning and practicing the skill of I-Statements
Help Get Help: Learning how to effectively connect those in abusive
relationships with personal and national resources
y Nisan Making Change Happen
Girls will gain insight into the complex issues of social injustice through a board
game that explores systemic problems encountered by individuals in poverty.
They will learn about a variety of types of social activism and Jewish women
activists who employed them, and create a composite portrait of an activist, into
whose shoes they can step.
Fair Game?: Playing a board game that simulates the problems of someone born
in poverty
Which Mitzvah?: Identifying a community problem and a Mitzvah Project to
address it
y Iyar Girls United
In Iyar, we explore ways in which people utilize their potential for positive
impact, and seek to inspire the girls to use their own abilities to address issues in
their communities. A group of girls in a poverty-stricken part of Kenya are
presented as a model for peer intervention to improve a community. The girls
access their own potential for impact as they plan their group Mitzvah Project,
which they will execute in next month’s gathering.
The Girls of Binti Pamoja: Paired review and discussion of the Binti Pamoja
newsletter
God is in the Details: Guided discussion and planning of the group Mitzvah
Project
12 Themes at a Glance Bena: Year 3
y Sivan Intention in Action
Sivan’s gathering is devoted to the execution of the group’s Mitzvah Project,
framed by an introduction to kavannot and, afterwards, reflections on the
experience.
Directed Intention: Discussion and brief meditation on kavannot
Mitzvah Project: Execution of the project designed and organized by the girls in
previous gatherings
Directed Reflection: Reflection on and integration of the experience of working
on the mitzvah project together
y Closing Month Changed Agents of Change
In this Closing Month, we reflect on the ways we have observed Rosh Hodesh
and considered the overall themes of taking care of ourselves and others this
year. We generate ideas for summer practices of Rosh Hodesh and care-taking.
The group creates a composite portrait of a social activist, using the actions of
Jewish women as models. We celebrate the group with a potluck party and use
the closing circle to say goodbye.
Moon Reflections: Reflecting on the value of Rosh Hodesh
Changed Agents: A game and reflections on themes of self-care
Agents of Change: An art activity using Jewish women as role models
Celebration: A potluck meal with symbolic foods
Closing: Blessings/Memories
13 Themes at a Glance Bena: Year 3
In the Bena Year...
…participants learn, practice, and reflect upon
specific leadership skills at each meeting. Their
Rosh Hodesh group becomes a “safe
laboratory” for exploring and practicing
accessing their power as citizens, leaders,
and young women.
Activities draw on Jewish teachings and
focus on life issues most germane to high
school girls.
The group leader encourages girls to further
discover their voices as they develop new
skills.
By learning transferable skills, the girls
will more capably contribute to secular and
Jewish communities as both members and
leaders as they move into their 20’s—and
throughout their lives.
y Opening Month Me, Myself, and Us
In the opening month, participants will have an opportunity to reconnect with
one another, to begin exploring the meaning of leadership, and to learn about
the structure of the Leadership Years. Building on the theme of “Journey
Inward, Journey Outward” from the Kol Year curriculum, participants will
learn, through games and self-exploration, that leadership encompasses both of
these things. Together, participants will write a ketubah, a community covenant
that will help them define both what they will bring to the group and what they
hope to take from the experience.
Come Together: Review of Group Guidelines and reconnecting game
Leadership 101: Introduction to leadership and leadership roles
Creating Covenant: Creation and decoration of a group ketubah
y Tishrey Inside Out
This session will draw upon the High Holiday themes of self-reflection and
commitment to authenticity. We will use some well-known Jewish texts to
initiate a discussion of both personal and communal needs and the personal and
communal voice. Through a dramatization of the life of a powerful, spiritually-
centered Jewish woman, participants will explore the benefits and detriments of
finding and following one’s true voice. Participants will be lead through a
series of meditation exercises meant to help each one find, or connect to, her
inner voice. The gathering will conclude with an opportunity for each girl to
express her own inner voice.
If I Am Not For Myself: Girl-facilitated discussion
Who’s Your Rebbe?: Matching Game
Finding a Space for Your Inner Voice: Guided meditation, individual
reflection and writing
Lessons in Leadership: Conversation about how it feels to step into leadership
y Heshvan Women and Style
Heshvan is the one month on the Jewish calendar that contains no holidays. Girls
will fill in this “empty” month with the foundations of both Judaism and
leadership. Through learning about two women leaders of the labor movement,
girls will examine different leadership styles. Participants will assess their
leadership ability and desire in different settings. They will learn that one does
not need to be at the front of the room in order to lead.
The Machine: Theater warm-up game exploring labor issues
Leading Questions: Guided visualization of women labor leaders’ roles and
discussion of leadership styles
Where We Stand: Self-assessment of leadership styles
Living Leadership: Role play of contemporary problem-solving
15 Themes at a Glance Bena: Year 4
y Kislev Let There Be Light
During the month of Kislev—using the story of Hanukkah as a platform—we
will open the door for a discussion of the sacred and profane, (or holy and
ordinary). Girls will delve into elevating the everyday through the study and
creation of blessings. They will explore how Jewish values influence
leadership, and how, as leaders, they can increase the light in the world.
Kodesh and Hol—The Sacred and the Profane: The story of Chaya Hammer
or Myriam Mendilow
I Resemble that Remark: Self-reflection on Jewish values and personal
leadership styles
Counting your Blessings: Group discussion and writing
Sharing Your Light: Matchbox craft
y Tevet One’s Company, Two’s a Crowd
During Tevet girls will participate in and process a series of games which will
help them understand group dynamics and the phases of group development.
Each group member will be assigned rotating roles: participants, time-keeper,
gate-keeper, or observer. Through this experience, girls will be encouraged to
recognize the relationship and task roles which they and other participants
assume in the group and their impact on the group’s process and productivity.
It’s all Fun and Games: A series of group games and a discussion
Order From Chaos: An ordering activity based on the phases of group
development
y Shevat Can You Hear Me Now?
This month is all about communication. Girls will learn about and practice
active listening. They will assess how they approach conflict and explore the
difference between passivity, assertiveness, and aggression. Through role play
scenarios, they will use their new found skills and knowledge to work through
conflicts they might confront as high school leaders in both social and
organizational settings.
Listen Up: Role play and discussion on active listening
Apples or Oranges?: Self-assessment quiz on conflict style
What Would You Do?: Role play on managing conflict
16 Themes at a Glance Bena: Year 4
y Adar I Where You Lead, I Will Follow
This month is about the role of the leader in a group setting. Girls will
experience, reflect on, and script the role of the group leader in creating a
welcoming environment. Participation in a team building exercise will help
participants see how leadership style affects individual group members and
group dynamics. Through a discussion of Jewish texts and a quote from Golda
Meir, they will explore the value of asking for help and delegating tasks, and
their own comfort level utilizing these skills.
You’re Welcome: Reflection and writing project on the theme of creating a
welcoming environment
Managing Merriment: Creation of mishloah manot packages or hamantaschen
and an exploration of the effects of leadership styles on group process
Help, I Need Somebody! Help, Not Just Anybody!: Exploration and self-
assessment on delegation and asking for help
y Adar II Powered Up
In honor of the women of the Purim story, this month participants will explore
power and what it is like to lead among men. Looking at famous gender studies
as well as their own experiences, participants will explore the differences
between all female and mixed gender groups. Through reflecting on the ways
in which the people in their lives are powerful, girls will redefine the concept of
power. In the closing exercise, the participants identify the ways in which they
are powerful.
Where the Girls/Boys Are: Skits and discussion
Who is Powerful?: Personal environmental assessment and discussion
Phenomenal Woman: Poetry, self-assessment, and writing exercise
y Nisan Like Herding Cats
During Nisan girls will explore many facets of effective group facilitation.
Through a study of Passover’s four children, they will learn about and gain
insight into the motivations behind archetypal group behaviors. They will
practice engaging and responding to these types using a group survival scenario.
Together, they will brainstorm strategies for managing difficult behaviors in
group settings.
After Passover, the Four Children Come to Meetings: Reading and discussion
about some of the archetypes of group dynamics
Lost (and Found): Group activity and processing of the archetypes of group
dynamics in action.
Two (or Three or Four) Heads are Better than One: Group brainstorm of
behavior and management strategies
15 Themes at a Glance Bena: Year 4
y Iyar Risky Business
This month is all about taking risks. As Yom Ha’atzma’ut occurs during Iyar,
girls will explore risk taking through a look at the lives of Israeli pioneer and
freedom fighter, Hannah Senesh. They will also learn from a pioneer of a
different sort, artist Judy Chicago. They will discover and sharpen their own
internal sense of safety in risk taking by playing a series of improvisational
theater games. They will discuss personal safety nets, which buffer risk, and
craft a visual representation of their own support network.
Risky Business: An inventory and discussion about personal risk taking
The Game’s the Thing: Theater games which promote risk-taking in a
supportive environment
O’ the Tangled Web We Weave: Craft project simulating a safety net
y Closing Month Blessed Are You When You Go
This month with be part culmination, part celebration. Girls will have the
opportunity to review what they have accomplished as leaders. They will revisit
the Wonderful Women they have met throughout the year and—using their
lives as an example—commit to the next steps they will take as leaders. They
will close the evening by bestowing blessings on one another. This gathering
plan provides an opportunity for you to create a celebration which is appropriate
to your Rosh Hodesh group.
Because of the celebratory nature of this gathering, some of the standard
elements, such as Bring it In, have been omitted. Others have been placed at
different points in the gathering, so that it ends on a high note.
My First Steps: Group discussion
Someone to Watch Over Me: Reflection and sharing
Clip Art: Creation of a keepsake
Celebration: Planned and executed by the girls
15 Themes at a Glance Bena: Year 4
In the Koach Year...
…participants are offered the unique opportunity
to train and lead a Rosh Hodesh
group.
The group leader empowers, organizes,
and coaches the girls to take on
responsibility for elements of the
group. The group leader takes a step
back from facilitation and becomes the
“wind beneath the wings” of the girls
as they step up and lead themselves.
By taking on responsibility for group
tasks, girls learn more about and
develop their personal leadership
style.
The year culminates in a project of the
group’s choosing, design and presentation.
y Opening Month Pay Attention to the Women Behind the Curtain
Throughout the course of the year, the girls—like the characters in the Wizard of
Oz—will have an opportunity to “look behind the curtain” to see all that
planning and facilitating a Rosh H.odesh gathering entails. As the year ends they
will see that they have within themselves all the skills and knowledge they need
to plan for and facilitate a gathering or confidently lead in another venue.
During the Opening Month gathering, girls will reconnect to one another
through a brief game. They will use role play to appreciate planning and
attention to detail. They will complete a self-assessment about delegation, and
be introduced to the “Leadership Deck,” the system by which they will be
invited to take on greater responsibility for each gathering.
Come Together: Review of group guidelines and reconnecting game
One, Two, Buckle Your Shoe: Group activity and processing
Stacking the Deck: Introduction of and invitation to greater leadership
responsibility
Help, I Need Somebody! Help, Not Just Anybody: Self-assessment on survey
on delegation
y Tishrey Food for Thought
In this month, girls will learn about and practice one of the building blocks of
leadership—the art of feedback. They will take a quiz through which they will
assess the subtle difference between feedback and criticism. Through role play,
they will have an opportunity to give feedback in situations they might encounter
in their own lives, such as a confrontation with a parent or a difficult group
member. They will explore the concept of teshuvah—admitting mistakes and
asking forgiveness—through a classic Rosh Hashanah story.
In keeping with the goal of transparency, which is woven throughout the year,
the participants will be given the opportunity to evaluate the gathering.
Everyone’s a Critic: Quiz
First Response: Role play and processing
Hit or Miss: Evaluation of the evening’s gathering
17 Themes at a Glance Koach: Year 5
y Heshvan 10% Inspiration, 90% Perspiration
The month of Heshvan is an “empty” month, with no holidays or celebrations—
the perfect time to take a step back and plan for the time ahead. Using a Rosh
Hodesh gathering as a model, this month the girls will learn all about the
planning process. By viewing material designed for Jewish young adults,
participants will be introduced to the concept of knowing your audience. They
will put their new knowledge into action, creating short presentations for a
number of different target groups. The last portion of the gathering will be
devoted to the initial planning stages of the final project.
The Best Laid Plans: Brainstorming
Know Before Whom You Stand: Quiz, role play and creative arts presentation
The Plan’s the Thing: Discussion and division of tasks
y Kislev Up and At ‘Em
During the month of Kislev we celebrate Hanukkah. Our gathering for Kislev
will focus on an important, and sometimes overlooked, aspect of the holiday:
standing against injustice. Using the story of Hanukkah as a trigger,
participants will explore what factors they might consider in deciding when and
if they will speak up. Through examining situations which may arise in their
own lives, participants will learn about different tactics they can employ when
responding to injustice. By writing letters to their elected officials, participants
will put all they have learned into action and actively work at getting counted
and having their voices heard.
Up Through History: Discussion
On the Up and Up: Human Indicator Activity
Write it Up: Letter writing
y Tevet Bending to Gender?
Participants will discover their own gender biases through a sentence completion
exercise and a quiz. Through rewriting familiar stories, they will both challenge
gender assumptions and see the impact—both positive and negative—caused by
gender bias. As they discuss real-life experiences of women and respond to
scenarios themselves, they will develop strategies for combating gender
prejudice. Participants will also explore the impact gender bias has on leadership.
Sugar and Spice: Quiz and Sentence Completion
And They Lived Happily Ever After: Writing Exercise
Women Belong in the House: Brainstorming
17 Themes at a Glance Koach: Year 5
y Shevat Sense and Sexuality
With its celebration of Tu Beshvat—the New Year for Trees, the month of Shevat
is about blossoming and growth. The gathering begins with a brief introduction
to what it means to be a sexual being, including a clarification of terms and
concepts that are important to understanding and discussing the broad notion of
sexuality. Then, the focus of discussion is on two fundamental aspects of
sexuality: sensuality & emotional and physical intimacy. The girls explore
sensual pleasure through making and sharing chocolate fondue. They look at
their own “circles of intimacy” through a categorization exercise.
Fiveplay: Matching exercise
The Five Senses: Making and enjoying chocolate fondue with all five senses
Five Circles: Personal reflection and discussion
y Adar Take It to the Limit
During the month of Adar we celebrate Purim, a holiday in which many things
are not as they appear. During this gathering, in the spirit of Purim, we will turn
the themes of the holiday upside-down focusing not on concealment, but
openness. By looking at the women in the Purim story, participants will begin to
discuss limits and boundaries. They will use a sentence completion exercise to
discover the motivations for their own actions in intimate and other settings.
Through a series of interactive games, they will also explore honest
communication.
No Borders, No Boundaries?: Text study and discussion
Why, Why, Why?: Personal Inventory
Is it Yes or Is it No?: Word games and discussion
y Nisan All Stressed Out and Nowhere to Go
During Nisan we celebrate Passover, getting rid of all the hametz (leavened
products) in our homes. Some people use this time to rid themselves of spiritual
hametz—the things that are weighing us down. This month’s gathering is about
stepping back and gaining perspective. Through the making and breaking of a
piñata, participants will both name the things which cause them stress and have
the opportunity to release some stress in a safe environment. Participants will
create their own tip sheet for dealing with common stressors such as public
speaking or test-taking. Through exploring a traditional Jewish story, participants
will learn to contextualize their stress.
Tensión: Stress: Piñata making
Ooh La La: Picture Them in Their Underwear: Brainstorming techniques for
dealing with stress
Gam Zu L’Tovah/Gam Zeh Ya’avor: This Too is for the Best/This Too
Shall Pass: Reading and discussion
17 Themes at a Glance Koach: Year 5
y Iyar Are You There, God? It’s Me….
The Hebrew month of Iyar is about journeys; we move from darkness to light,
war to independence, spring to summer. This month, participants will focus on
their own spiritual journey. Through looking at the labels we use to describe
ourselves, participants will begin to define their own Jewish paths. They will
explore their personal ideas about God and will use traditional and modern
images of God as models for their own behavior in the world.
Label Conscious: Self identification and discussion
Divine Consciousness: Drawing or writing exercise
Image Conscious: Discussion of God’s names and how they relate to our
personal vision of God
y Closing Month Lehitraot, Until We Meet Again
This month—about closure and separation—mirrors the havdalah service.
Through looking at Jewish women who have left familiar surroundings,
participants will explore the benefits and challenges of separation and will
mark their own separation from the group. They will use the model of the
Wonderful Woman to recognize what they have gained from each other. This
will allow them to take some of the sweetness of the group experience with them
as they part. They will mark the day with a celebration.
The Candle: Role play and brainstorming
The Spices: Self reflection and writing
The Wine: Marking the Day—Celebration
The Havdalah: A Final Blessing
17 Themes at a Glance Koach: Year 5