Everyone knows that Shabbat is supposed to be a central part of an Israel experience. Yet too often staff are intimidated by the ritual components, confused about what Shabbat is really supposed to accomplish, and puzzled about how to make the most of the Shabbat schedule.
Strategies for Shabbat
Challenge
In 2020, Taglit-Birthright Israel turned to M² to help them think through how they can maximize the potential of Shabbat, especially as it is run by a staff of multiple backgrounds. They wanted to make sure that Shabbat on Birthright is more than a relaxing day; that it becomes a highlight of the trip
Solution
After a discovery phase that included analyzing current Shabbat on Birthright programs, training programs that Birthright staff undergo, and discussions with a range of stakeholders, M² developed an innovative framework that centered the Shabbat experience on Birthright around three core values. The framework was deepened through a series of Think Tanks attended by current staff, trip organizers, and madrichim, as well as outsiders with expertise in building immersive Shabbat programs. These Think Tanks applied the new framework of the Shabbat values to the realities of a Birthright Israel trip and led to new ideas and insights for the future. Our work with Birthright culminated in a report outlining both the new conceptual framework, concrete ideas for implementing it in the Birthright Israel system, and creative ways to train, infuse, and expand these ideas going forward.
Let’s explore how we can work together!