Lesson Plan

Oneg Shabbat - A Shabbat Celebration

This is a poster advertising an oneg Shabbat (Shabbat celebration) that was held every Friday night at 9:00 pm at the ZOA House in Tel Aviv. The event was co-sponsored by the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), the Ministry of Tourism, and the Organization for Tourism.

The content varies depending on the group organizing the event and can include a lecture, singing, refreshments, or any other type of entertainment.

Group Activity

  • How do you celebrate Shabbat?
  • Have you ever been to an oneg Shabbat? If so, what activities took place?

Folk dancing was a central and representative part of Israeli popular culture in the past.

  • Does Israeli folk dancing still represent Israeli culture? If not, what represents modern Israeli culture today?

This oneg Shabbat involved Israeli songs and dancing.

  • Have you ever danced Israeli folk dances? If so, describe your experience.
  • Do you know any Israeli songs? Is there any particular song that you like?

The organizers of the oneg Shabbat wanted to give those attending a taste of Israeli culture. When you visit a foreigncountry, do you want to learn about the local culture? How do you do this?

Discussion Questions

  • What event is being advertised on the poster?
  • Where and when did the event take place?
  • Who sponsored the event?
  • Where could tickets be obtained?
  • What language is the poster written in?
  • What is an oneg Shabbat?
  • Who do you think was the poster's target audience? Explain your answer.
  • What activities were planned for this oneg Shabbat?
  • What are the origins of Israeli folk dancing?
  • Why do you think the Ministry of Tourism sponsored events like this?
  • What do you think the people who attended an oneg Shabbat gained from the experience?

Creative Activity

  • Learn a new Israeli dance from a YouTube video.
  • Plan an oneg Shabbat.
  • Create a flyer to advertise the event. Include where it will be held, the date and time, and a schedule of activities.

Save/Print PDF
  • How do you celebrate Shabbat?
  • Have you ever been to an oneg Shabbat? If so, what activities took place?

Folk dancing was a central and representative part of Israeli popular culture in the past.

  • Does Israeli folk dancing still represent Israeli culture? If not, what represents modern Israeli culture today?

This oneg Shabbat involved Israeli songs and dancing.

  • Have you ever danced Israeli folk dances? If so, describe your experience.
  • Do you know any Israeli songs? Is there any particular song that you like?

The organizers of the oneg Shabbat wanted to give those attending a taste of Israeli culture. When you visit a foreigncountry, do you want to learn about the local culture? How do you do this?

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