Israeli Slang

JCC Camp Chi

Overnight

Liran Kremnitzer

This interactive program introduces campers to popular Israeli slang through games and group discussions. Campers learn slang terms, hunt for Hebrew letters, and play translation guessing games to reinforce Hebrew vocabulary.

Hebrew, slang, vocabulary, game

Hebrew

Campers will:

1. Deepen their connection to Israeli culture and the Hebrew language through the use of common Israeli slang words.
2. Engage in teamwork and creativity through games and interaction, collaborating in group games and interacting with camp friends using the Hebrew words they’ve learned.
3. Reflect on their own identity and personal connection to Hebrew, by sharing their Hebrew name and their favorite slang word (that also relates to the second part of the question).

8 – 15-year-olds

• Groups of 10-12 (can be by cabin) • During program campers are divided into groups of 3-4 o If possible, consider their Hebrew level when dividing campers into small groups. Heterogeneous groups will even the playing field. Homogeneous groups means you will need different expectations for more and less knowledgeable teams.

For opening:

• Israeli song(s) to play as campers come into the space
• Printed list of Hebrew slang words from The iCenter
• Hebrew letters printed on laminated paper (multiple copies of each letter) to be scattered around the ‘Israeli village’

For True or False Game:

• Index cards or slips of paper for each word
• Three translation cards for each slang word. 1 is correct / 2 are incorrect

For Falafel Toss:

• Beanbags
• Targets – large buckets / bins marked “falafel target”
• Tape or rope to mark a throwing line
• Small prizes or stickers for winners (optional)

30 minutes to set up: hiding letters hanging signs creating Hebrew slang cards in Hebrew and transliteration writing out 3 translation cards for each word (one correct, two incorrect) setting up pails for felafel toss Play Israeli music in the background to create high energy

• I. Opening discussion, explanation about Hebrew slang – 15 min
• II. Letter Hunt game – 20 min
• III. True or False game – 10 min
• IV. Falafel toss – 10 min
• V. Closing circle – 5 min

1. Opening Discussion and explanation about Hebrew slang – 15 minutes
   1. Ask campers who has been to Israel and whether they know any Hebrew.
   2. Lead a short discussion on what “slang” is and invite them to share examples in English (e.g. “cool,” “awesome”).
   3. Introduce the idea that Hebrew also has fun and expressive slang used by people their age in Israel.
   4. Introduce Hebrew slang from iCenter (or other words you prefer).
2. Letter Hunt Game – 20 minutes
   1. Divide campers into small teams of 3 or 4.
   2. Send groups to search for Hebrew letters hidden around the “Israeli village” (a designated area pre-set with hidden letters).
   3. Teams must collect letters and bring them back to the main area.
   4. Groups then form as many Hebrew words (especially slang words) as possible in 10 minutes.
   5. Helpful signs with Hebrew slang words and translations are posted around for guidance.
   6. After time is up, teams count their words. The team with the most wins!
3. True or False Game – 10 minutes
   1. Three volunteers come up to the front.
   2. Give each volunteer a Hebrew slang word (one has the correct English translation; the other two have incorrect translations).
   3. The rest of the group votes on which translation they think is correct.
4. Falafel Toss Game – 10 minutes
   1. Campers try to toss a beanbag that looks like a falafel into a target (representing a falafel).
   2. If they make the shot, they move on to a winners’ round.
   3. If they miss, they must say a Hebrew slang word they’ve learned before trying again.
5. Closing Circle – 5 minutes
   1. Each camper says:
      1. Their name
      2. Their Hebrew name, if they have one
      3. Their favorite Hebrew slang word from the activity
   2. Wrap up with a fun slang sentence and a “Yalla!” to finish on a fun note.