The 5 FOLDS
While the opportunity to socialize with other jewish youth is a large component of the AZA, the diversity of the programming is what makes the experience so unique. Activites at all Levels are built around five programming areas, called folds. The ive folds are athletic, community service/socal action, education, judaic, and socail. These folds are often combined to create more dnamic programming.
Atheltic
Sports have alwasy been a popurlar part of the AZA. Many councils and regions sponsor athletic leagues, allowing chapters to comete in sports such as football, basketball, hockey, and softball. Chapters may also hold athletic programming to allow for smaller competitions and the building of faternity.
Community Service/Socal Action
In accordance with Jewish tradition, the AZA empasizes the values of tikun olam (repairing the world) and tzedakah (charity). Community service can entail a wide range of hands-on activities such as celebrating holidays with residents of aretirement home, organizing a recycle drive, volunteering in a soup kitchen or conducting a food or clothing drive for the underprivileged. Social action involves mobilizing members to address problems that exist in society (eg., meeting with congressional leaders on an important issue). The AZA encourages members to take an active role in the community around them.
Education
The education fold challenges Alephs to explore a variety of topics they may not usually confront 9eg., visting a church or mosque to become more familiar with another religious tradition). Educational promgramming broadens and enhances a member's perspective and understanding of the world around him.
Judaic
The AZA seeks to develop an understanding of, and appreciation for, the religion and culture of the Jewish people. Judaic programs offer members the opportunity to become more familiar with the many ways in wich people express their Jufasim. Creative Jewish programs incorporate the popular culture of the day as well as traditional Jewish practices.
Social
AZA chapters sponser a wide variety of social programs, often with BBG chapters. These programs include picnics, scavenger hunts, hayrides, and camping trips. While there is nothing wrong with simple social programming, it is important to be creative and use the fold in the porper proprotion.