July 22, 2009

Update from the Mifgash Group

We are having a great time in Israel! On Friday, after our Bedouin experience of camel riding, feasting and sleeping in the Bedouin tents, we woke up REALLY EARLY and climbed up Masada for a breathtaking view and wonderful tour. Afterwards, we had a chance to relax at a nice hotel for lunch and a “float” in the Dead Sea. Shabbat was spent in Netivot and Sedot Negev with our Israeli host families – everyone got to sleep in, relax and eat fabulous food. We all had such a good time and felt very welcomed. Saturday night we ended Shabbat with an AMAZING drum circle and party. On Sunday, we started the day in the ancient Roman port city of Caesarea – it’s the largest archeological site in Israel and after exploring the ruins, some of us even performed on the amphitheater’s stage where famous entertainers, ancient and modern, have performed for centuries. Very COOL! Next we took a hike through a stream which felt good, because it’s really hot! Overnight, we stayed in a nice hostel up north. In the evening we played some group games and hung out, relaxing under the stars. On Monday, we began the day at Mt. Bental – a former army base, complete with bunkers - it’s a fantastic place to lookout over the Golan. We took a more difficult hike on Mt. Arbel and then went Kayaking. Tuesday morning found us in Zefat where we saw a beautiful synagogue and learned about the town’s unique history and connection to Jewish Mysticism. We also had time to go shopping and strolling among the shops and galleries in the artist’s quarter. We drove across the Galillee to the Druze Village of Ossafiyah, not only learning about this unique group while there but also eating a yummy lunch in a family’s home. Next it was on to the incredible Palmach Museum, which tells the tale of a small group of young people as they participated in the founding of the State of Israel in the 1940’s. After a nice dinner in Ashkelon, we are now back at our host homes in Netivot and Sedot Negev for the night. Every body is getting along, having a wonderful time and we are starting to share more about our lives and thoughts in our nightly discussion sessions. And don’t forget to check out the photos page on the website- hundreds of pictures where uploaded yesterday and we’ll add more soon!

July 15, 2009 - 8:00AM Israel time

Shalom from Israel

The lovely group of arrived at Ben Gurion Airport safely. I was there to welcome each participant with a big “Welcome Home”. Everyone was excited to be in Israel and eager to begin their program. The Philadelphians have met their friends from Netivot, who came to welcome them at the airport, and everyone set` off on their joint adventure. Please visit the site from time to time as we post messages and pictures from the group – this way you can join in “virtually” until you come to Israel too. Shalom Amnon Weigler, Vice President Oranim Educational Initiatives

Sara Landman - US Staff

Sara Landman has just completed her fourth school year as a teacher in the School District of Philadelphia. Inspired by her experience volunteering in a special needs classroom in Netivot/ Sedot Negev, 5 years prior, Sara currently works as a special educator. Sara spent her early childhood years living in Rochester and camping with her family throughout New York State, later moving to Blue Bell Pennsylvania, where she attended the Wissahickon School District and the Jewish Community High School of Gratz College. Sara first experienced Israel through a family trip for her brother’s bar mitzvah, and later attended a teen tour sponsored by her youth group, USY. While attending Binghamton University (SUNY), Sara studied abroad for a semester at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. During this trip, her strong relationship with Netivot and Sedot Negev began. After spending time with a series of unofficial host families throughout the region, Sara was eager to return to the Philadelphia Sister City for an extended period. After graduation, Sara signed up for Project OTMZA, a year of volunteer service throughout Israel, affording Sara 3 months in the region, 3 months in Haifa, 1 month in Jerusalem and 3 months in Ashkelon. The highlights of her year included working in a special needs kindergarten, working with Ethiopian teenagers in an after school clubhouse, and working for an Ethiopian Women’s Non-Profit. Sara is excited about returning to Israel and joining the teens as they experience Netivot and Sedot Negev for the first time.

Jonathan Berliner - US Staff

Jonathan Berliner is a rising sophomore at Vassar College, where he currently plans to major in mathematics and cognitive science. Jonathan graduated from Cheltenham High School in 2008 where, amongst other things, he was class representative and head of the Cheltenham Film Festival. He also graduated from the Jewish Community High School of Gratz College in 2008, winning an award for general excellence. Jonathan was an active USYer and is a lifelong Ramah-nic, having started there as a camper in the summer of 2000. In 2007, Jonathan had his first Israel experience on Ramah Seminar. In the summer of 2008, Jonathan returned to Ramah as a counselor where he earned what he considers his greatest honors - Captain for Maccabiah (Blue Team - 2nd place), and Dover Ivrit shel haKayit (Hebrew Speaker of the Summer), an award Jonathan had sought since his first summer at Ramah

Ester Amar - your Tour Educator

Ester Amar was born in 1980 in Haifa. She was very involved with the Bnei Akiva Youth Movement and even studied in an affiliated high school. Later she studied Torah and Jewish Philosophy in a school on the Golan Heights. While doing her National Service, she became a guide and since then has shown countless tourists and travelers how the Land teaches the Bible and our history. Ester is now finishing her Masters degree in Education. She is looking forward to welcoming you home to Israel and sharing her love of the land with you.