Summer in Jerusalem

There is nothing like being in Jerusalem during July and August. The city is alive with cultural excitement. So take some time and enjoy.


Check out 50 things to do in Jerusalem during the Summer and ENJOY!!!!

Donating your Clothes and Bedding to Those in Need

As tje year comes to a close, you may find that you are overloaded with clothing and bedding that you do not want to bring back home with you. There are many worthy organizations who will accept any items that are clean, folded and in good condition.
One that we recommend is WIZO. This organization, known worldwide provides much support to women and families. They have centers all over the country.
If you are in Jerusalem you can stop by their main office on Mapu St. corner of King David St. between 8:30-6:00 Sunday-Thursday to drop off your clothing and to say hello.
If you are in the center of the country-WIZO has 3 locations in Ramat Gan:
8 Rimon St. 03-752-4717
59 Ahad Haam (Ramat Shikma Gimmel) 03-631-2020
8 Ahad Haam (Ramat Shikma Bet) 03-631-3973
Please make sure to call ahead for hours and details.

Knowing that the items that you enjoyed throughout the year will now be used by families in need is a so positive as you get ready for the next stage of your lives.

Debra and Daniella

June in Jerusalem

There is no better place to be than in Jerusalem during the month of June. The weather is glorious with warm days and cool nights. And there is SOOO much going on. Of course it is all happening at the same time so you will have to coordinate your schedules accordingly.
The annual Book Fair opens on June 15th through June 26th. It is held at Gan Hapaamon (The Liberty Bell Park). It is so exciting to be surrounded by books, authors and loads of book lovers. There are bargains to be had and it is a happening not to be missed.

The Jerusalem Celebration of Lights also opens on June 15th and runs through June 22nd. This is the most incredible opportunity to walk through the streets and alleys of the Old City surrounded by the most extraordinary light displays and exhibits.

So look forward to bumping into you and enjoy!!
Debra and Daniella

Wed May 18 is International Museum Day

What an absolutely great day to be in Israel and in Jerusalem. Many museums are free today. Check out the listing here and take advantage of this rare opportunity!

Happy museuming and hope to meet you in one of the galleries!!

Debra and Daniella

End of the Year

Your year (or two) is coming to a close. Lag B'omer is next week, and before you know it Shavuot and that is it (for now). It is normal to have feelings of anxiety about your return home. You have spent a year away, and want to be able to preserve the independence and growth you have developed during this year. At the same time, you will be moving to yet another new experience-off to college or job and this too can be scary. Click here to read more about this and ways to cope.
As always we are here to help. Feel free to be in touch with us as well. here4theyear@gmail.com

Don't let these last few weeks slip away. Yad Ben Zvi is running a Tour Marathon in honor of Yom Yerushalyim. Click here for details

Chodesh Tov: Looking Back and Looking Forward

Chodesh tov. Iyar is such a wonderful month in Israel and in Jerusalem. The weather is beautiful (although we do get a few of those Desert "shravi" heat waves) flowers in bloom and there is just so much happening. Check out our website for details about Yom Hazikaron, Yom Haatzmut and other exciting happenings.
This can also be a month of reflection. This is time to reflect upon your time in Israel, the accomplishments you have made, your growth and where you want to go from here.
It would be great to close your time in Israel with some volunteering. Get a group of friends together for Hoops of Hope happening at the end of May. Click onto our website for details.
If you are leaving-keep in touch and if you are staying look forward to seeing you.

Debra and Daniella

Volunteering in Israel

Welcome back after the Pesach vacation. Volunteering was definitely the theme during Nissan. Check out the YU blog to read about what we did along with the SDA Israel Program, organized by Ari Solomont.
Don't let the volunteering end. Soup kitchens and other volunteer opportunities are available.
Contact us at here4theyear@gmail.com for details about these and other opportunities.

Call Home!

Unfortunately, Jerusalem suffered another terror attack today-just outside of the Convention Center-Binyanei Hauma. Please call your families and let them know that you are ok. We are here for you if you want to talk-these are frightening times. Please do not hesitate to send us an email at here4theyear@gmail.com
Add a special tefillah for those who have been wounded.

Debra and Daniella

Jersualem is Hoppin!!!

No time for mid-winter blues in Jerusalem-things are just hoppin here! Tonight the 25th International Book Fair opens at Binyanei Hauma. Entrance is free and you will have an opportunity to meet authors from around the world. It is really an exciting event.

Winter in the States has been crazy. True we don't want all of that snow but we are nostalgic for winter sports etc. Well don't despair because Ice Skating is coming to Jerusalem-March 10th -April 14th!!!

So get out and enjoy this amazing city. For more information about these and other great ideas check out our website.

Afraid to "Disconnect"?

Texting, "bbming" have become second nature and such an acceptable means of communication but we just dont think twice about reaching for the phone and sending a message. But there are times when it just is not appropriate, when sitting in class, even when you are out with friends-you need to put the phone down and connect with one another face to face!!! It can be hard sometimes. We are all so used to instant responses and always being on that having a quiet moment in conversation can sometimes be uncomfortable but relish the quiet. In class-take the time to listen to the teacher to connect to the material and just put the phone down!!!
Psychologists have coined the term, NOMOPHOBIA to describe the fear of letting go of the phone. We are able to put the phone down on Shabbat-try to extend it and it give it a break during the week as well.
We are hear as well to help you deal with anxiety and other issues that you may be dealing with as the year in Israel comes to an end.

February in Israel

3 ways to remind yourself it is ACTUALLY winter in Israel

The sun is still out, so it must be...February? If you've already forgotten what winter feels like, here are a few ways to enjoy the winter season like Israelis do.

* Krembo
It used to be that you couldn't buy ice cream in Israel in the winter. So, obviously, an alternative was needed—enter Krembo, the delicious winter treat of a cookie, topped with whipped marshmallow-y fluff, dipped in a layer of chocolate! The art is removing the foil wrapper without crushing the delicate dessert. Every Israeli has an opinion about how to best eat one's krembo (cookie-first? cream-first?). Ask your Israeli friends—we dare you.

* Sachlav
Israel's answer to hot chocolate on a cold day, sachlav is a thick milk/semolina-based drink flavored with rosewater, coconut, pistachio, and cinnamon. It might look a little strange, but what is five months in Israel without being a little adventurous? Try this uniquely Middle Eastern winter comfort food while it is still in season.

* And to remember the winter back home...Ice Skating!
Even though the water probably won't freeze by itself, you can still get your ice skating fix in Israel! Visit the only Olympic-sized rink in Metulla at the Canada Centre (they also boast hockey games, an indoor pool, bowling and more), or just go for a few hours of fun at Luna Park in Tel Aviv.

Even if the weather is nice enough to go to the beach some days, you can still take advantage of the Israel's uniquely winter activities. (from the Masa Journey website)

Let us know about how you are spending winter in Israel!

Support the Lone Soldiers of the IDF

Whether you are here for the year or here for semester break-help support the young men and women who leave their families and friends to come to Israel and serve in the IDF. This Shabbat, Shabbat Shira, The Chief Chazzan of the IDF, Shai Abramson, will officiate on Friday evening and Shabbat morning accompanied by The Jerusalem Great Synagogue Choir conducted by Elli Jaffe . Click here for the schedule

On January 27th the Great Synagogue will host a Wine and Cheese Party in honor of the Lone Soldiers. Proceeds from the evening will go to the Michael Levin Home for Lone Soldiers
Contact us at here4theyear@gmail.com for details and tickets. Tickets are 50 NIS for students.
Hope to see you there.

Virtual Israel Night Expo Tonight-January 9th, 2011

Virtual Israel Night Expo also known as "The VINE" in an online event where you can meet and ask questions to staff, students and others in programs in Israel. The Israel Programs will be broadcasting live video, much like a Skype meeting. All you need is your computer and telephone to attend and best of all it's FREE to attend!

THE VINE ALSO OFFERS FREE VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS
Financial Aid Workshop Rabbi Josh Kanter, Director Torani Programs MASA
Learn about financial aid programs offered.
12:00pm ET / 9:00am PT / 10:00am MT / 11:00am CT / 5:00pm UK / 7:00pm Israel

Israel - Your Bright Future in Israel!
Nefesh B"Nefesh Discusses Aliyah
Learn about options for higher education and employment opportunism in Israel
3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT / 1:00pm MT / 2:00pm CT / 8:00pm UK / 10:00pm Israel

Israel Guidance Counselors' Round Table
Israel Guidance Counselors get together in a web conference to discuss
important issues, share ideas and solve problems. (Israel Guidance
Counselors Only) Hosted by Rabbi Jeremy Spierer, Israel Guidance SAR
High School NY
12:00pm ET / 9:00am PT / 10:00am MT / 11:00am CT / 5:00pm UK / 7:00pm Israel

REGISTER NOW: http://www.virtualisraelnight.org