From the Desk of the Director
The rendering of Shirat Hayam in our parsha, B’shalach, links us to one of the most profound statements of faith to be found in the entire Tanach. Shabbat Shira thus offers us a chance to reestablish our emunah, particularly at this juncture in Jewish history. Shirat Hayam is the outpouring of an oppressed but freed people who have just witnessed first-hand an awe-inspiring miracle of unprecedented magnitude. The song emanates from the soul and resounds in praise of Hashem as the Almighty Warrior and future G-d of Israel in Eretz Yisrael.Our commentators note the eternal nature of the Shira and its message, indicated by the words “Az yashir” that imply that this song will be sung again in the future. The same idea of historical continuity is expressed in the verse, ‘Zeh keili ve’anveihu, elokei avi va’aromemenhu’ – “This is my G-d and I will build Him a sanctuary; the G-d of my father and I will exalt him.”So, a personal or national revelation has the intuitive power to ignite faith. And so does a rational awareness of Hashem’s role in the unfolding destiny of the Jewish people have the capacity to restore reliance in Almighty. May we have the benefit of both sources of insight.
Sincerely yours, Menachem Persoff Director, Israel Center
NCSY B'israel NEWS
Last Shabbat was a special and exciting one for our Beit Kharkov. Over 140 high school and college students, shlichim to, and families from Kharkov met in Kfar HaRo'eh for an uplifting Shabbaton.
Discussions centered around the theme of the State’s identity- Jewish, masorati, or secular. It was a wonderful opportunity for all to reconnect and see old friends.
Our Lichyot B’Yachad program continues with their mutual learning together with the Giv'at Brener High School. Last Thursday, 35 religious high schoolers from Neve Chana and Mekor Chaim met with their secular contemporaries to examine the primary Jewish sources for child-parent relationships. The learning went well, and the connections were meaningful and promising. That night, 12 guys from Yeshivat Har Etzion went to Emek Ha'Ela to meet with 40 madrichim from the youth movement “HaOved V’HaLomed”. There they sat together to learn the Jewish sources and attitudes towards violence. They enjoyed music together and took one more step towards blurring the lines between our young people.
The next morning, our very special advisor, Michi, took the same group out to find their spiritual sides in nature. They hiked the fields in honor of Tu B’Shvat, and contemplated their inner selves in an effort to connect with a higher source. Only Michi could have done the job. Kol Hakavod!
HOMEWORK HELPERS - Tutoring and homework help available forall 4th-7th graders, on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:00- 6:00, at the Center.Call Sarah for more info: 5667787. We welcome all new volunteers able to tutor.
GESHARIM - NCSY’s new Gesharim program is up and running. We invite anyone who knows Russian olim in need of bar/bat mitzva preparation to contact us. The program organizes fun-filled activities for youth and their families to introduce them to basic concepts in Judaism.
For more information, please contact Sarah, 5667787. x245.
Hey, you in Raanana!
How old are you? What are you doing Wednesday evenings? If you are 13-14 years old, Makom BaLev Raanana is waiting for you at Beit Knesset Shivtei Yisrael, at 6:00pm for lots of fun and interesting activities Questions? Call Shlomit at 054-578-937.
Rabbi Michael Fredman, Director • Daniella, Ilana, Sara, B'not Sherut
22 Keren Ha'Yesod, POB 37015, Jerusalem • (02) 566-7787 ext. 242
fax: (02) 566-0156• ncsy_isr@netvision.net
NESTO - Native English-Speaking Teen Olim
The Dinner and Discussion group (D&D) held their first get together at Big Apple Pizza. This new project was created for those NESTOers who would value the chance to have a serious discussion in an informal environment with a intimate group of kids (3-4). Our assistant director, Daniel, who leads this group chooses a topic beforehand, and uses it as a springboard to wherever the kids want to take it. Due to the nature of the program, which meets once a month, participation is by invitation only. If you would like to be invited (NESTO's treat to dinner), call Daniel at the NESTO office. The next D&D will be on Sunday, Feb. 25This past Tuesday Daniel introduced the concept of chesed to the kids by having them first throw out words that represent the concept of chesed. Once words were posted for all to see, each kid was given a square piece of cloth, and with mounds of art supplies were asked to create a visual concept of chesed. These squares will be incorporated together to form a quilt that will be displayed within the Israel Center.
Fiddlin' & Food continues this Tues. when Perchik does some "no no's " with Hodel. While we will discuss briefly the role of women's Torah studies in Judaism, the main focus will be on the concept of "shomer negiah".
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Avi, Daniel, Ilana
The Israel Center's youth program for Anglo-Israelis tel. 566-7787 ext. 245 • fax: 561-7432 silvera@mail.biu.ac.il • www.zyworld.com/nesto
Rabbi Avi Silverman, director; Daniel Stambler, asst. dir.; Ilana Milo, Bat Sherut
A Closer Look at Aviella Trapido
Q. When did I make aliya, from where and why?
A. I made aliya on March 25th 1998, from South Africa, Johannesburg. Why? I still do not know. Just kidding. I guess my family and I just thought that this was the place to be. My parents wanted to raise us with other Jews and in an environment that allowed you to be Jewish.
Q. What has been the most difficult part of aliya?
A. I have been asked this question a thousand times and I still haven't figured out which part was the hardest. I would say the schools, but then I'm grateful to them for teaching me to be tough and independent. And I could say the culture, but I am learning to respect that. I guess the hardest part is missing your family and friends.
Q. How did you become involved in music and drama and do you see it in your future?
A. Well, I was lucky enough to be born into a very musical family, very much influenced by my grandfather. I was taught music appreciation and about the theatre at a very young age and I grew up with it. When I was 9 I went into music and drama professionally and have never stopped. Do I see it in my future? Without a doubt, yes.
Q. If you were a vegetable, which vegetable would you be.
A. (This is such a NESTO question.) I am sure that Rabbi Silverman takes pride in asking this. Remember this, Rabbi, we'll get even. (followed by an evil bout of laughter) ahem, I guess I would like to be a potato because potatoes are found all year round, making them very reliable, like me! They are also rooted in the ground, like me. And when you cook them they are yummy!
