Welcome to Israel-Behatzlacha!

The young men arrriving today-women tomorrow and the learning begins in the yeshivot and seminaries around the country. The Chagim are "early" this year with Rosh Hashana, September 9th. This does not give you much time to adjust to your new surroundings, meet new friends, start learning. There are also feelings of anxiety and loneliness that will naturally come up during these first few weeks. Especially as the chagim are just 2 weeks after you arrive here-you will suddenly have to deal with a whole different way of davening. Much of the familiarity of your own shul may be missing from the davening that you will experience.
For many of you young women this year may be particularly difficult-Rosh Hashana is a 3 day chag and your school may be closed. This means you will have to find a place to stay for 3 days. The anxiety of having to be a guest possibly with a family you do not know, daven in an unfamiliar shu, may just be overwhelming.
Remember that we at Here4theyear are here for you. Please do not hesitate to be in touch with us with any issues, concerns you may have.

We look forward to being there for you throughout the year.

Debra and Daniella
here4theyear@gmail.com

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

Drink,Drink, Drink....

And we don't mean alcohol - we are talking-WATER!!!

Jerusalem and all of Israel has been experiencing a most unbelievable heat wave-temperatures in Jerusalem this week have been over 100 F. and not really cooling off at night. It is so important to drink-because we are in the Middle East-and in desert conditions you don't realize that you need to drink until it is too late.

Reminders-don't go out without a hat, sunglasses, sun screen and a bottle of water! I may sound silly and maybe a bit like your mother but these days it is important.

Keep cool and hydrated.

Debra and Daniella

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

Jerusalem Comes Alive in August

If you thought there was alot to do in July-wait until August!! The Israel Museum has officially opened. There are so many events taking place there, concerts, the Wine festival. The museum is just incredible and worth a visit.

Heichal Shlomo will be hosting rooftop concerts on Monday evenings.

The Hutzot Hayotzer art festival begins Monday night as well-artisans from all over israel and around the world and great music as well.

And this is just a sampling of the great things happening is this incredible city!!!

And for more great ideas of things to do in Jerusalem and in Israel check out this great blog:

http://israelforbeginners.blogspot.com/

Jerusalem in July

Jerusalem comes alive during the summer with lots of festivals and other happenings. The Jerusalem Film Festival is now in full swing-think of "Entourage in Cannes"-lots of fun sitting in a theatre along with a director and a few actors and being able to watch their reaction to your reaction to a film. I had the privilege to attend the opening of the festival. The film was "The Roundup" the true story of the roundup of 13,000 French Jews during WWII-a story which was kept quiet until Jacques Chirac apologized. Actor, Jean Reno along with the writer, director and producer were on hand.

As we enjoy the sites and sounds of Jerusalem, we are also busy getting ready for the arrival of young people coming to the various one year programs. Go to our website: www.here4theyear.com
Its not too late to order bedding and other things you may need to make your dorm room feel like a home away from home.
So be in touch with us!!!

Debra and Daniella