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SHABBAT DINNER ICEBREAKERS Feel free to use these popcorn style, in an open conversation format, or a prompt that everyone can answer individually. Let conversation naturally arise from folks’ answers and when the time is right, then move on to someone else. If folks are loosening up and moving away from the structure, that’s ok, it probably means people are enjoying themselves.
If you could create a triathlon where you would absolutely win, what would the 3 events be?
Share an unpopular opinion. (Read the room but this can be a great way to have both light and serious conversations, as well as a great exercise in practicing non judgmental listening and empathy.)
What are the 5 best things to buy at Trader Joe’s?
Create your own 'top 5' category and then share your list with the group
Who are you named after? What is the origin of your name?
What was your first screen name? Now give us the deeeeeeets. (Middle school was awesome)
What was the outfit you were proudest of during your teenage years that would be a disaster today?
Having friends who are good people is nice. Share something you did this week that was nice for someone else. It can be big (helping a friend move) or small (helping an elderly neighbor unload their car). If you have trouble thinking of something to share, think of this as a goal or intention for next week to go out of your way to do something kind for others.
If you could be submerged in any substance what it would be and why? (Think of this as a swimming pool that you can fill with whatever you want. Consider making jello and pudding off limits, because there’s often consensus that that’s the right answer.)
(This one’s weird, but always a good time, and who doesn’t love a good would you rather?)
Would you rather: Not be able to distinguish between babies and cupcakes OR not be able to distinguish between the taste of mint and the concept of increasing? Share a rose (wonderful thing) and a thorn (not so wonderful) from the past week. (simple, but always a winner)
(This one is more of a game, but fun! Fun is the best.) If folks are comfortable writing on Shabbat, have everyone write down an out-there experience in 2-3 sentences on a piece of paper, write their name on it, and then submit it to the host. Then have 3 folks volunteer to be on the “panel.” Read out 1 of their stories. Now the rest of the group will interrogate them and all 3 volunteers will have to pretend like the story read aloud was about them. After a minute or two of questions, have your guests say who they think the story actually took place for and then the person can reveal themselves and give more details. This one’s fun! Fun is the best.
What skills would be on your “these are the weird things I can do” resume?
What’s your best scar story?
Do your best rendition of the opening song from the Lion King, go!
[ONE]TABLE TOPICS If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would you get? If you were an animal, what would you be and why? What is one goal you’d like to accomplish during your lifetime? When you were little, who was your favorite super hero and why? Who is your hero now? What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer? If they made a movie of your life, who would you want to play you? What genre would it be? What’s your favorite cartoon character, and why? If you could visit any place in the world, where would you choose to go and why? What’s your dream job? Are you a morning or night person? What are your favorite hobbies? What are your pet peeves or interesting things about you that you dislike? What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? Name one of your favorite things about someone in your family. Tell us about a unique or quirky habit of yours. What are three words to describe yourself? If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? If I gave you $10,000, what would you spend it on? What's your favorite movie? If you could talk to anyone in the world, who would it be? What is one wish you want to come true this year? If you could live in any period in history, when would it be? What's the worst TV show you've watched? If you could have any kind of pet, what would you have? If you had to be allergic to something, what would it be? If you sat down next to Beyoncé on a bus, what would you talk about? If money and time was no object, what would you be doing right now? What day would you choose to live over again? What's the one skill you wish you could learn? What are the three personal items you'd bring with you to live on a space station?
SHABBAT DINNER ICEBRAKERS
Feel free to use these popcorn style, in an open conversation format, or a prompt that everyone can answer individually. Let conversation naturally arise from folks’ answers and when the time is right, then move on to someone else. If folks are loosening up and moving away from the structure, that’s ok, it probably means people are enjoying themselves.