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!

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 Current Security Situation in Israel

One of things you may have learned and experienced this year is that the Middle East is a quiet yet somewhat volatile region. We are safe but yet we must always be careful. These past few days have demonstrated this. A flotilla of boats tried to sail to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. Israel is not at all opposed to delivering aid and does also provide aid and support to that region. However, the country has a policy that all shipments must first dock in Ashdod and be inspected and then can continue escorted. Unfortunately, Israel has had the experience where humanitarian aid was in the form of ammunition.
The flotilla had been notified and warned several times during this past week. They chose to break Israel security law and continue sailing. This left Israel Defense Forces with no choice but to board the ships. They were not prepared for what insued, as has been described "a lynch mob" Israeli soldiers defended themselves and in the course of this defense both our soldiers and people on the ship were injured and some of those members of the ship were killed. The response from the world has been a denunciation of Israel's actions. As a result, there has been an increase in rioting and other violent responses on the part of the Arab population in Israel. Today many Arabs in the Old City are on strike.

During this period of unrest it is best to be careful. Stay in groups and stay away from areas where you may confront a difficult situation.

If you have planned a trip to Turkey it is recommended by the Israel Government to stay away from that region at the present time.

Keep safe and make this end of the year memorable.

Debra and Daniella

YOM YERUSHALAYIM

It is hard to believe that the year is coming to a close and many of you will be returning to your homes and going on to the next phase of your lives. But there is still much to enjoy in this great city of Jerusalem! Next week will mark the 43rd anniversary of the reunification of the City of Jerusalem- there are lots of celebrations. Festivities begin on Tuesday night May 11th with learning, singling and dancing at Yeshivat Mercaz Harav in Kiryat Moshe. During the wee hours of the morn, hundreds of young people will dance to the kotel and daven shacharit.
Later in the afternoon of May 12th, thousands of youth from around the country will converge upon Jerusalem. They will march down Agron St. toward the Old City-every gate will be open and people will come from all sides and finally meet at the kotel- a site not to be missed.

Look forward to dancing with you

Debra and Daniella