Program Updates

Shalom Parents of Netivot 2008,

Your kids have just spent Shabbat at Tzefat, one of the four holy cities in Israel (the other three being Jerusalem , Hebron and Tiberius), which was a very successful Shabbat B"H.  The kids davenned at the Carlebach and Ari ZL shules and went on a tour up and down the mystical streets of the city.   On the previous day, the youngsters went on a beautiful climb up Mount Arbel in the Galilee .
 
The previous update took us up to the end of Week 10, when, on the Thursday, November 20, the boys and girls joined up for a tiyul in the Judean Desert .  They climbed Massada and relived the story of the Jews  in 70 AD who showed such great courage in holding out for three years against the Romans.  It was a truly inspiring experience.  This was followed by a free Shabbat.
 
The following week, Week 11, was devoted to regular studies, up to the conclusion of the week, when the youngsters embarked upon a series of Bnei Akiva activities.  On the Thursday November 27, the boys and girls visited the World Bnei Akiva Central Offices in Jerusalem . They spent the day learning about the ideology of Bnei Akiva, the meaning and significance of Torah and Avodah (work), and were told about the strength and influence of the movement.  They were also taught Bnei Akiva's anthem and learnt about its logo.  This day was organized by Ilan Osrin from World Bnei Akiva, to whom we are greatly indebted. 
 
On the Thursday evening, the girls stayed at a youth hostel in Jerusalem and the boys at their school.  On the following morning, the boys and girls joined up again and visited the Museum of the Mount Herzl Cemetery . A new interactive museum on Mt. Herzl offers a glimpse into the life of Theodor Herzl, the man behind the dream of a Jewish homeland.
 
On the Shabbat, November 28/29, the boys and girls remained together and spent Shabbat in Jerusalem together with the Tafnit youngsters.  Tafnit is also a post high school Bnei Akiva programme.  
 
Motzei Shabbat, November 29, the group joined Bnei Akiva for its "Shabbat Irgun", when celebrations are held at branches all over the country.  This is an annual activity and the kids were happy to be present at this special "Mifkad" and event.
 
Week 12 was spent by the boys in volunteering activities, whilst for the girls it was a "Shavuah Midrasha", (Midrasha Week.).  The boys spent each day of the week in different types of volunteering work, and had experiences that week of various examples of "gmilut chasadim" (good deeds).  One day they helped young children with learning difficulties, another day helped in the distribution of food to needy people, on a third day they came to the aid of farmers who were in need of help in the picking of lemons from lemon trees, and on a further day they even gave help in the tidying of graves and the cleaning of tombstones at the old graveyard on Mount Olives.  After talking to the boys, I found that they had been very interested and moved by their contact with the many needy people in Israel and in their witnessing of the many and varied faces of Israel.  The Shabbat following their volunteering week, (December 5/6) was spent by the boys with the Israeli room mates from their schools.
 
This week, Week  12, was spent by the girls at the girls' seminar, Midreshet Harovah, in the old city of Jerusalem throughout the week and also on the following Shabbat.  They met again with the MTA girls and studied in pairs with them.  They heard shiurim from top-class rabbis and teachers, and no doubt this week was a highlight of their programme.  After speaking to them, I could see that they understood and appreciated the pleasure to be gained from learning Torah, and the week certainly made a spiritual impact on each one of the girls.
 
Week 13, starting December 7, which we have just concluded, was a week of regular studies for the boys and girls up to the Thursday.  On the Thursday, December 11, the boys had a special tour of Bet Mikdash Museum , where they got a picture in their minds of how the third temple will look when it gets rebuilt, hopefully very soon.
 
For the girls, the Thursday, December 11, was spent in volunteering work with a chartiy organization in Kfar Saba.  They helped this organization with the preparation and distribution of food to 300 needy families in the town.  Their help was greatly appreciated, and the girls were happy to realize they were giving valuable help to people in need. 
 
As I mentioned at the beginning of this update, this last Shabbat was spent at Tzfat.
 
My next update will be after Chanuka, so I take this opportunity to wish you a happy Chanuka, and we promise to carry taking good and devoted care of your kids!