NCSY in Israel From the Desk of the Director Vayetze. The word itself sums it up. ‘And he departed.’ To leave the very country that was the life-giving source. To leave that which had been promised to his father’s father. Yes, as a good son Ya’akov heeds his parents’ wishes; but he also seems to abandon the very holy soil that his father had labored with his own hands. Rashi tells us that Ya’akov’s departure from Eretz Yisra’el left a memorable mark on those who stayed behind. For a tzaddik, that was inevitable. But there was left another imprint, this time on Ya’akov’s psyche - for the Torah states: ‘Vayifgah bamakom.’ Several commentators suggest that since the sun suddenly set and the land miraculously contracted, Ya’akov was thus able to “offer his [final] prayers at the site” of Har Hamoriah. Yet “Vayifga” - from the root “paga” - also implies that Ya’akov is now vulnerable. The sudden dusk; the dream; the descending angels; Hashem’s declaration invoking Ya’akov’s predecessors; the fearful recognition of his awesome whereabouts; the labored affirmation of faith in G-d – all these are signs of Ya’akov’s lingering insecurity. And yet, despite these qualms, Ya’akov sets a charted course that turns out to be a sacred mission. For as he encounters life’s vicissitudes, he validates the imminence of Hashem. And with unrequited dedication he directs life and limb to returning to “The House of my father.” That surely is where we too should be headed. Sincerely yours, The buses pulled up Erev Shabbat Toldot to Kfar Etzion and… Kharkov met the Gush! Given the security situation, it was a real thrill to see buses pull up to Gush Etzion - the first in months! One hundred chevra from NCSY’s Beit Kharkov - including 8 summer kollel boys - came together for an inspiring and chizuk-filled Shabbaton. Davening was alive with song and kavana, and meals became a chance to sing and dance. Sessions were held on how to deal with the present state of affairs in the country. Racheli Pach told the history of Kfar Etzion and led a tour of the kibbutz. Havdala was a spiritual experience, not soon to be forgotten. Thank you to all our devoted shlichim and kollelnikim for their dedication! Makom BaLev Our new bayit- Makom BaLev (“A place in the heart”) – in Netanya set out last Thursday to visit the terror victims of Chadera. Together with local high school volunteers, some 22 kids arrived in Hillel Yaffe Hospital to lend chizuk and good cheer to the wounded children and adults. They presented get-well letters and a chocolate gift - always a sure picker-upper. Not to miss an opportunity, the group also popped in on one of the kid’s grandmothers and offered her a few extra moments of cheer. Tizku l’mitzvot! CHEN - the new scouting chug for Jerusalem teens If you're in 8,9, or 10th grade, please call Tamar Pollak, 050-750704 - until Dec. 15th - for more details and registration. Something to think about! NCSY B’Yisrael is happy to provide a new service for all 4th-7th graders. Every Monday and Wednesday from 4:00-6:00, the new Teichman Youth Center at the Seymour Abrams Orthodox Union Jerusalem World Center (the Israel Center), 22 Keren Ha’Yesod, Jerusalem, will be open for tutoring help in English, Limudei Kodesh, etc. Our devoted volunteers will be available to all who register for this help. Bring a friend! Refreshments • raffles • weekly quizzes Please contact Sarah Pinsky, bat sherut, 566-7787 for registration and more information. Native English-Speaking Teen Olim Since we're talking about next week, I'll tell you then more about the hilarious game night that took place this past Tuesday in the Youth Center. This coming Tuesday's Fiddlin' & Food continues... after viewing Perchik's entree into Tevye's home, the kids are going to conduct a court case deciding whether or not secular subjects have any place in a Jewish school's curriculum. What will the judge decide? REMEMBER... [The Vayeitzei Homepage]
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