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

The Carmel Fire

During Chanuka, Israel experienced one of its worth disasters with the Carmel forest fire. 43 people died. Many homes were destroyed as well. Of the 43 people who died 2 were from Jerusalem, parents of children who study at the school where my children attend.
The Yemin Orde Youth Village-home to over 5oo young people from around the world was almost completely destroyed. This Thursday night Mike's Place is hosting an evening to raise money for Yemin Orde-join everyone in raising money and awareness!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=163397613703084

Acharei Hachagim

We are now "acharei hachagim" as they say in Israel and this is the first full week of study, work etc. It is hard to get into the swing of things after so much of a break. Try to develop a routine that is good for you-making sure to get up in the morning, attending classes and getting the most out of your experience here.
Take advantage of the city as well. There are lots of things happening many of them free. This Friday and Shabbat you can experience Jerusalem as never before with "Homes from Within" a special opportunity to see private homes and other places that are normally not open to the public. It is free so on Shabbat afternoon you can certainly participate as well. Check our website for details.

Be in touch-we would love to hear from you!

Debra and Daniella

The Hidden Treasures of Jerusalem

These August days of summer in Jerusalem have been "steamy" to say the least. And we could not even look forward to cool Jerusalem nights-it has been hot!!!

Well we discovered a hidden jewel-"Emek Hamatzlevah"-The Valley of the Cross. This area between Gan Sacher and the Botanical Garden has a bike path and beautiful areas where you can walk and find a quiet spot to picnic and look at the stars which is what we did last night.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Emek Refaim and Ben Yehuda and take a quiet walk through this quiet oasis in the heart of the city. You can even walk through and go to the Israel Museum!!!

For more information about this and other great ideas of how to spend these days contact us at:

here4theyear@gmail.com

Debra and Daniella

The 10 Plagues of Facebook by Rav Shlomo Aviner

As more and more of us post, read and refer Facebook and other internet social networking sites, this is a very important piece to read! We have a responsibility to be socially responsible in all of our behaviors.
http://www.ravaviner.com/2010/07/ten-plagues-of-facebook.html

Tips to help make your year in Israel a great one!

The year programs in Israel will begin in just a few weeks. Please check out our website with lots of information about finances while in Israel, adjustment issues and other information.

And don't foget, there is still time to order your bedding and any other items you may need from us. Why "shlep" blankets, pillows, mattress covers etc when you can have it all delivered to your dorm room. We can even purchase an "egg crate" for your mattress!!

So be in touch with us at here4theyear@gmail.com and we look forward to meeting you.

Debra and Daniella

Post Pesach Plans!

The chag is over-but classes do not resume until either Sunday or Monday. Friends who have been away are slowly returning and getting settled. If you stayed and enjoyed the chag, sites sound and amazing pesach food-you still have a few days to enjoy the country and take advantage of things now that the crowds are gone.
Some of our recommendations:
1. Go to Tel Aviv. There is an incredible glass exhibit at the Litvak Gallery (www.litvakgallery.co.il) Next door is the Tel Aviv Museum which now has an exhibit of sculptures by Degas. You can enjoy the beach and check out the many kosher restaurants now in Tel Aviv. (go to eluna.com)

2. In Jerusalem enjoy MIDNIGHT BIKING THROUGH JERUSALEM
> Come cycle through the streets and alleyways of the old and new Jerusalem in the quiet hours of the night. You will be led on this extraordinary 2-3 hour tour by an experienced and licensed tour guide.

www.jerusalembiking .com

The weather is glorious all over Israel-Midbar Yehuda is green and blooming. Go out and enjoy this amazing country!

Pesach Break-Planning for Chol Hamoed

The countdown continues to seder night. We hope that you have been able to take advantage of some of our ideas and also have explored on your own.
Chol Hamoed is also bustling in Jerusalem and in the rest of the country. Advice-always plan to leave early. The entire country is pretty much on vacation so sites get packed and the traffic can be crazy. But Israelis also dont tend to get an early start!

You'll probably hear lots of laughing over Chol Hamoed-check out the Off the Wall Comedy Club:
http://www.israelcomedy.com/eindex.html


Debra and Daniella
here4theyear@gmail.com