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!