Around the Israel Center

Israel Center Scene • Keeping you abreast of latest developments at the OU Israel Center

Makom BalevYom Hishtalmut
Recently some 80 madrichim attended a training day in the Shapira School in the Dore neighborhood of South Netanya where most of the Israel Center's Makom Balev youth activities take place in the city.

The morning was devoted to a special meeting of the area coordinators (of whom there are fourteen) in which the Rakazim discussed ways and means of improving the already very successful programs in their towns and yishuvim. The program also included an interesting lecture by psychologist Yochi Siman Tov on the various ways of working with children based on a film about Helen Keller. Yochi explained that there are many methods of how to work with kids successfully. The madrichim from Netanya complemented this talk with examples of activities that emphasize drama and competition.

Harel Cheztroni, Director of the Israel Center's "Zula" program (see below) completed the day with a movie about the young people in the project. His message was not to give up however difficult the young people seem to be. To do so may lead the young people to give up hope and search for negative ways in which to express their fears and frustrations.

Wonderful Tiyulim
As part of its ongoing rich program of activities for adults, the Israel Center recently held two three-day tiyulim.

Winter Wonderland. The 25 happy participants in the first tiyul were based in Keshet in the Golan. The "tourists" were taken to a number of fascinating sites that included the Dubrovin farm in Yesod HaMa'ala which had rooms set up as they were a century ago and a sound and light show describing clay hand-made tools of the past and present. At the El-Rom Studios the group saw how movies are made, including the one theyu viewed about about the 77th unit that fought during the Yom Kippur War. The tour also incorporated two wonderful waterfalls (the Eyaht and Saar waterfalls) and saw how much water we were blessed with this winter.

Shabbat Shira at Kibbutz Chafetz Chaim. This tour with a complete busload of friends visited the Cactus Garden in Moshav Eliezri in honor of Tu Bishvat. Cactus plants were given as souvenirsc while everyone also received a bag of breadcrumbs to feed the birds before Shabbat. Shabbat itself included a Seder Tu Bishvat conducted by the Israel Center's Rabbi David Derovan, a tour of kibbutz Ein Gedi, and a special model of the Mishkan. Everyone enjoyed the Shabbat immensely.

Beit Kharkov
The Israel Center's Beit Kharkov program was established to provides assistance to olim from Kharkov, Ukraine, ranging from financial and educational assistance to personal guidance (including emotional support throughout the aliya process which can be at times a very stressful period, and thereafter).

Recent projects:
"Koshering" homes. Unfortunately, many of the new olim - or their parents - do not know the meaning of Kashrut or how to make their kitchens kasher.
This tedious process has now begun. It includes negotiating with families, checking keilim, kashering some and disgarding others, sometimes replacing them. So far six kitchens have been kashered and vefrore Pesach, we hope to do many more.

Thanks to HaRav Tzvi Rimon, Rav of the Kharkov Kollel of 2002 for his guidance and to all those kind people who have so generously donated kitchen supplies and utensils.

And a Funeral… Recently the grandfather one of our olim passed away in Israel. In addition to the warmth and emotional support that was provided for them by the Bet Kharkov family, we made sure that a proper kosher burial was arranged and that a minyan was brought to the funeral and throughout the "shiva".

And a Brit… On a happier note, a couple who very recently made aliya gave birth to a baby boy. The Brit was arranged from "Aleph to Taph", to the point where Bet Charkov actually made the Brit and Seuda at the Israel Center. All of the Israel Center staff attended the Brit which contributed greatly and made the occasion especially joyous.

A Special Shabbat at Otniel. In order to strengthen the Jewish identity of our participants we took some twenty girls to Ofra to experience a spiritual, joyful and educational Shabbat. The yeshiva in this yishuv recently lost six of its best students to terrorism and other causes so the Shabbat had a very special meaning there. Not only were the girls given "chizuk" in a spiritual sense, but the ties between them were strengthened as were the connections to their madrichot.

The Koby Mandell Program
One important aspect of the Koby Mandell Project (set up in memory of 14-year Koby z"l murdered by terrorists) involves selected madrichim who meet with youth from religious vocational high schools in order to help them deal with problems of socialization, faith, and purpose. Recently, a group of 25 teen- age boys from Yeshivat Ahavat Chaim in Kochav HaShachar and a group of 25 girls from the Shavei Rachel School in Neve Daniel attended shabbatonim in the holy city of Zefat. At each of the shabbatonim, the participants imbibed the ru'ach of the City, met with "characters" who typified the balance between creative talent, the search for meaning and a strong "neshamadic" approach to Jewish life. The experience also included walking tours to various holy places in the city and special tefillot.

HaRav Yissacher Vasserlof, the boys' Rosh yeshiva summarized the Shabbat as a special experience. Upon returning to the Yeshiva such joy and exuberance emanated from the group, that it permeated the entire Yeshiva. Kol Hakavod to project coordinator Michael Sebag and his dedicated team.

Israel Center
Here’s a small sample of recent lectures at the Israel Center. On a recent Sunday evening, the renowned speaker David Luchins lectured on the topic of The Gulf Crisis. In his insightful way, plugged into political science, David gave us the American perspective and elaborated on his own predictions, all with a sprinkle of Divrei Torah. Many new faces joined the Israel Center "regulars" to hear this perceptive discourse.

At another event held in conjunction with the Root and Branch Organization one of the interesting speakers was the ambassador to El Salvador, one of only two countries in the world to have its embassy in Jerusalem. He spoke to an enraptured audience about El Salvador's cooperation in the efforts of the Swiss to save Jews in response to Auschwitz.

Finally, among the various recent lectures given by Rabbi Ephraim Sprecher on 'Torah perspectives on different topics' was: "Torah Perspectives on Extra Terrestrial Life." With his artful citation of any number of classical Torah sources, one almost expected Eliyahu Hanavi to come floating into the lecture room on an "unidentified flying object"!

Jewish Values Education Institute
Jewish art. JVEI, the Jewish Values Education Institute, is constantly expanding its horizons. At a recent program combining lecture and art exhibit, the main hall of the Israel Center was transformed into a venerable art gallery. All around the circumference of the room the sculpture of Julia Segal, an internationally known, Russian born, Israeli artist was on display. Julia's sensitive portrayal of family scenes and individuals created the perfect environment for the evening's lecture. Daniel Dvir, an American-born, Israeli artist spoke eloquently and forcefully on the subject of "Is there Jewish Art?" The following evening, Sunday, our "art gallery" was again filled, this time, with a bustling audience of Russian speaking Olim, a first for JVEI. In addition to viewing the art, they heard Dr. Vadim Rotenberg speak about "The Creative Process."

A first! This coming week, JVEI will be breaking new ground again. The first JVEI program in Hebrew will take place. Together with the Temple Institute, JVEI presents a 5-part series, "In the Light of the Temple: An Introduction to the World of the Temple in Jerusalem." Rabbi Menachem Makover, Director of the Temple Institute will break ground with a lecture on "The Secret of the Temple."

Mothers & Daughters. "Reaching the Age of Mitzvot, a 12 Session, English language Bat Mitzva course for Mothers and Daughters" has successfully completed its second series. Eight "couples" (mothers and daughters) and a grandmother marked the exhilarating course with a party. The entire group had nothing but praise for the teacher, veteran educator, Rabbanit Pearl Borow. Over the twelve sessions, the young girls, in particular, became a cohesive group. The true marks of the success of the program were the calls for "More!" by all the participants. Another round of this course will begin, God willing, after Pesach. Watch for the announcements in Torah Tidbits!

Libraries... Once upon a time there was the Yair Landau Memorial Library, a reference library for Judaica, in English and Hebrew. To that library, over the years and more so recently, we have added the Book Family library of Sifrei Kodesh in the Ganchrow Beit Midrash, the Arnold Abroms Memorial Lending Library of English Judaica, Yankel Winet Torah Tape Library, which contains audio tapes of Center shiurim, many other Torah Tapes, and the Aish HaTorah Tape Library, and an “under construction” Judaica video tape library in memory of Dr. Maurice E. Joseph.

TIKVAH
Support Group. Every Wednesday evening the only Russian-speaking support group is conducted here at the Center from 6:00-7:30 P.M. with the guidance of professional psychologists. Participants can learn skills to cope with the daily stresses of the current situation in addition to the difficulties of adapting to a new country.

Art Program. Recently, psychologist Va'adim Rotenberg lectured on 'The Psychology of Creative Work' (see above).

Intergenerational Theater (Dor LeDor). Lately, at Beit Gesher, Jerusalem, the play of 'Three Scenes of a Marriage' was presented in Russian by the Israel center's Dor Ledor project. Rachel Kovner and Alexander Hazin acted while the panel discussions were led by the psychologist Va'adim Rotenberg and Zeena Shamruk. The evening was a tremendous success. Many people commented that it was the first time they learned how to deal with similar situations they experienced at home.

Recently, Tikva completed two 12- session workshops given in Neve Yaakov on 'Effective Child Rearing' and 'Fruitful Cooperation Among Children'. Currently, we are having a 12-session workshop in Pisgat Ze'ev teaching coping skills for families of the elderly. The sessions are being given by Lena Stern every Monday from 12:00-1:30pm.

NESTO
Native English-Speaking Teen Olim
This week Parshat Ki Tisa Junior NESTO takes on a new venture with its first Shabbaton at the Ariel hotel in Jerusalem. The program will include davening at the Kotel, a walking tour of the Old City, a minyan conducted solely by the young NESTOers, and more. The theme of the Shabbat is Achdut Yisrael, "Unity," and activities on the subject will include a Motzei Shabbat Tribal evening that will teach about the correct ingredients that make a united tribe.

Senior NESTO Shabbaton on March 3, at Bar-Ilan; theme is "Chaval Al HaZman' translated roughly as 'The importance of Time in Judaism and its importance'. Unique will be the madrichim from Bar-Ilan who will have individual sessions with the participants and who will, of course, conduct a number of fascinating activities during the Shabbat.

The ZULA
Did you know that every Motzei Shabbat 100 young people participate in our Zula program at Beit Gesher? Did you know that tens of kids enjoy the warmth and support that the big brothers and big sisters give them? Did you know that tens of kids are now happier and better able to find their way because of the Zula?

There are good and important things happening through and in the Israel Center, a Home Away from Home for many different people. — MP

Re: The Israel Center and Torah Tidbits
NOTICE: The OU Israel Center and Torah Tidbits do not necessarily endorse the political or halachic opinions of its advertisers, nor do we guarantee the quality of their service. Nor do we endorse any party or candidate.

The Israel Center's Beth Din to adjudicate and arbitrate monetary disputes, according to Jewish law There is a registration fee of 200nis per case No other charges for this service Please call 566-7787 ext. 204 for further information We have forms for two types of cases: Those where both parties agree to submit their dispute to the Beth Din, and those where a complainant wants the Beth Din to summon the second party. Yitzhak Fund, Esq. • Rabbi Emanuel Quint Chairpersons , Ita Rochel, Administrator

Kashrut Questions
If you find a discrepancy between the Hebrew labeling and the original packaging... or if you have any other OU kashrut questions, call this toll-free number (from Israel to NY) 1-800-949-0123 From 4:00pm - midnight, you get a human; other times, leave a voice- message OU Kashrut in Israel office at the Center: 5667787

Israel Center Cafe
After nourishing the soul, come nourish the body serving coffee, sandwiches, toasts, pizza, french fries, salads, eggs, stuffed potatoes, lasagna, soups... and more Located on the lower level of the Israel Center Hours: Sun.-Thu. - 10:00am - 3:00pm Ask about our catering services on or off the Center premises

Thirsty? We now have a hot drinks machine with coffee, tea, & hot chocolate located on the ground floor, and a cold drinks (cans) machine on the first floor near the library.

The Arnold Abroms Memorial Lending Library: Hours - SUN., MON & WED: 10-5, TUES: - 10-4; THURS: 1-3,MON & WED eve.: 5-8pm

Yankel Winet z”l Torah Tape Libraries including the Israel Center Torah Tape Library and the Aish HaTorah Tape Library at the Center• Sunday, 11:00am-1:00pm, 3:00-5:00pm; Monday - Wednesday, 10:00am-1:00pm

Join 100,000 Jews in reciting the Prayer for IDF soldiers daily and help raise funds to benefit our Israeli soldiers. Buy Tefila L'chayalei Tzahal cards (for yourself, family, and friends) for 5NIS each and be a part of this mitzva! All proceeds benefit injured and needy soldiers. Cards are available at the Israel Center - just ask for them at the front desk

Torathon 5763 • May 1st & 2nd from 8:30am Thursday to 10:45am Friday (26¼ hrs.) • More hours than the marathon has miles! • Shiurim All Day and All Night and...• Carlebach-style Rosh Chodesh davening • Festive breakfast • More details to come...

NCSY Summer 2003 Camps
IMAGINE:13 glorious days living, learning, dancing, swimming, camping, hiking
WHO? 6-11 graders - boys/girlsSeparate campuses
WHEN? Wednesday thru Tuesday, July 2-15
WHERE? Keshet, Ramat HaGolan
WHAT? Chugim, daily Torah learning, camping, water hikes, Shabbat NCSY ruach, sports, overnights... and more
Safety precautions and procedures per Ministry of Education and Chevra L’Haganat HaTeva • For more information and registration, call Ahuva 02-5667787, ext. 242

Torah Tidbits are available on the internet on the OU’s website www.ou.org/torah/tt. You can download all of it at once or whatever sections you want. Palm version too.

If you are a member of the Israel Center...Thank you; If you were a member and your membership lapsed...Please renew; If you’ve never been a member...Please join
Yearly membership is 225NIS (family included); LIFE MEMBERSHIP - $500 (payments poss.) • Membership includes lower rates for all Israel Center programs, tiyulim, etc. and a subscription to Jewish Action, the Orthodox Union’s popular quarterly magazine - You can cut and send this form to us atP.O.B. 37015, Jerusalem 91370 or call us (566-7787 ext. 204) with the details and arrange credit card payment by phone or email to trochel@netvision.net.il; Special note to TT readers who do not regularly participate in Israel Center activities (or never): You actually do participate in an Israel Center activity... called: Torah Tidbits; Many people feel that just for Torah Tidbits alone, it’s “worth it” to become members of the Israel Center.We hope you feel that way too.

Purim Goodies from Herby's Bakeshop, Mehadrin, Rabbinate of Binyamin Reigion
Hamentaschen: 18NIS per ½-kilo pkg - Apricot, Apple, Poppy, Date, Whole Wheat
Apple Pie: 30NIS
Pecan or Blueberry pie: 35NIS
Challot: whole wheat or sweet white• Small fancy - 12NISLarger break-a-part - 16NIS
Pick-up on Monday, March 17thTaanit Esther, 9:00am to 4:00pm • Call or email your order to trochel@netvision.net.il
Herby’s for Purim —It ain’t just hamantashen!`

NESTO - Native English Speakin Teen Olim
Senior NESTO enjoyed a one-of-a-kind 'Jewish Family Feud'. With questions like:
What are the 5 top Ashkenazi dishes?
Who were the first 5 Neviim in Tanach?
What are the 5 most used Yiddish sayings?
As usual, we had a good time.
Junior NESTO met up in the Malcha Mall for a superhero scavenger hunt. Our three teams: Superman, Batman, and Spiderman ran around the mall using initiative, imagination, and leader- ship skills. All teams did surprisingly well, bringing back hidden pictures, spotting hidden madrichim, collecting banana peels, unpopped kinds of corn, signatures and all the kind of investiga- tive information. Besides a stranger turning to me and asking if those were my kids searching for the funniest name for a shade of lipstick, everything went smoothly. "You can take our freedom, you can take our women, but you can never take our NESTO scavenger hunt". (Mel Gibson's unforgettable famous words).
See the Israel Center Scene in this issue of TT for more on NESTO.
That's all from us for now, Shabbat Shalom
The Israel Center's youth program for Anglo-Israelis • tel. 566-7787 ext. 250 • fax: 561-7432 • chaveabrahams@hotmail.com • Chaim Pelzner, Director, Chave Herschberg, Coordinator, Mimi Edel, Bat Sherut, NESTO is partially funded by the Jewish Agency for Israel