From the desk of the director
Before his all-night struggle with a “man,” the passuk in Vayishlach asserts of Ya’akov: “Vaya’vor et ma’avar Yabbok. Vayikachem vaya’virem et hanachal, vaya’aver et asher lo.” Thus, the term “avar” - implying transition - is employed four times to describe Ya’akov’s crossing of the ford and the transfer of his every possession. Why?
Perhaps because, like Avraham, Ya’akov is about to face a critical threat to his identity as an Ivri. The Yabbok (lit. ‘border’) symbolizes that at this point Ya’akov is about to reject 22 years of acquired Galut experience. Standing on the threshold of Eretz Yisra’el he must now face up anew to the challenges of being an upright Jew.
No wonder that at this time and place Ya’akov wrestles with a “man” - Eisav’s ministering angel, the embodiment of evil, his Yetzer Harah. Ultimately it seems that Ya’akov must confront himself - even at the cost of an injured thigh.
RaDaK explains that, despite the impairment, the struggle reveals the eventual victory over Eisav and that the onset of dawn indicates the final redemption. We too are wounded. Yet, as we reflect, we too know that the dawn will break.
Sincerely yours,
Menachem Persoff, Director, Israel Center
NESTO
TIYUL
Sunday, December 24th, third day of Chanuka
as we travel South to machteshet hagadol and ayn yarkem.
As time allows we will also hike to Maale Hamapach.
(If it is rainy then the alternative trip will be cave exploring.)
Betsy Mehlman is our guide
There will be livui neshek all the time.
Will meet at 9:15am in front of Binyanei Ha'Uma and leave at 9:30 sharp! We will return to Mercaz Ha'Ir at approx. 7:00pm for a group dinner at Sbarros.
50NIS members, 60NIS non-members.
Those who are unable to join the tiyul are welcome to join the group for dinner (you pay for your own dinner).
In order to be fully reserved you need to return a permission slip (available at the NESTO office in the Israel Center) with payment to the Israel Center, or me by Dec. 20th.
Bring your own lunch & plenty of water.
NESTO is 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, dir. • Ilana Milo, Bat Sherut
NESTO will be sponsoring an Informal Shabbat Experience January 5th & 6th, Parshat Vayigash, at Kibbutz Ein Tzorim. The shabbaton is designed for English-speaking teens who would like to come to a traditional shabbaton but find the rules and the programming too rigid. The program will emphasize sessions on belief in G-d and why keep the mesora, while giving the participants the opportunity to challenge freely the halachic assumptions that they were raised with. The melave malka program will be held at the kibbutz. Cost for the shabbaton is 120NIS for members, 135NIS for non-members.
Flyers and permission slips should arrive to the membership list by Sunday, and additional flyers are available at the Israel Center. All signed permission slips and fee are due by January 1st to the Israel Center.
NESTOites enjoyed an evening of games and contests last week in the youth lounge. Thanks to madrichim Yaakov Reichart and Bracha Frasier for preparing a variety of challenges.
Next Tuesday night is movie night. The youth lounge will open at 7:30pm and the movie will begin at 8:00. Nothing bizarre this time!
NCSY B'YISRAEL
Come make Chanuka a brighter experience!
Don’t miss our Chanuka tiyulim!
Get acquainted with MAKOM BALEV in 3 different places...
MAKOM BALEV Netanya - trip to the Carmel and Nachal Yagur
MAKOM BALEV Jerusalem - trip to Megilat Ha'Eish monument and Shimshon Cave
MAKOM BALEV Raanana - trip to Megilat Ha'Eish monument and Nachal Ha'Ma'ara
For more info - (02) 5667787Yisrael: ext. 247 or 058-626009or Liat: ext. 244 or 058-608827
FINALLY...your chance to get on stage!
MAKOM BALEV J'lem is opening a drama chug for the creative-minded
Those interested, please call:Harel: 053-942365
Rabbi Michael Fredman, Director; Daniella Levine, Bat Sherut
22 Keren Ha'Yesod, POB 37015, Jerusalem
(02) 566-7787 ext. 242 • fax: (02) 566-0156
ncsy_isr@netvision.net
CHEN, the new scouting chug for Jerusalem teens
Looking for outings and tough challenges? For activities with good values? For great chevra?
If you're in 8,9, or 10th grade, please call Tamar Pollak, 050-750704 for more details and registration.
HEY YOUTH! You're invited:
SINAI TOR in Concert
The latest Jewish Sound
Motza'ei Shabbat, Dec.16, 8:30pm
Israel Center, 22 Keren HaYesod (20NIS)
HOMEWORK HELPERS
NCSY B’Yisrael is happy to provide a new service for all 4th-7th graders. Mondays and Wednesdays 4:00-6:00pm, the Teichman Youth Center at the Seymour Abrams Orthodox Union Jerusalem World Center (Israel Center), 22 Keren Ha’Yesod, J'lem, 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.
