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 Chagim continue-on to Sukkot

With the Yamim Noraim behind us we are now moving toward Sukkot. There is nothing like walking around at night to the sounds of hammering as Sukkot start popping up everywhere. You can buy a Sukkah, Schach, decorations and a lulav and etrog on almost every street corner in Jerusalem. For some of you, families are coming-for others, this is probably your first Sukkot away from family and with your yeshiva/seminary closed this may be a difficult time.
Use this time -make the most out of it. This is an incredible country and Jerusalem is a great city.
Explore and enjoy-don't get stuck and end up sitting in your dorm room-this is your year- take advantage of it.
Remember that you can be in touch with us and we will do our best to help you during this time.

Check out our website for some great Chol Hamoed ideas

Getting into the spirit of the Yamim Noraim

Rosh Hashana begins tomorrow night and you can feel it all around. Supermarkets, the shuk everywehre just packed with people shopping and getting ready for the chag. It is such an incredible feeling to know that the entire country will be celebrating this holiday! If you have the opportunity it is worth the hike to go to 'Shiloach' in Ir David for Tashlich on Thursday. You will be standing by the waterway from the time of the 2nd Beit Hamikdash.

And if you are looking for a different way to experience Selichot during Aseret Yemei Teshuva how about a Selichot Bike tour. You can join the Samson Bicycle tour on Wednesday evening September 15th for this great evening. We also found a great place to rent a bike/helmet etc so Contact us for details.

Wishing you a Shana Tova

Debra and Daniella

Staying Healthy While Away from Home

You have been in Israel for a week, adjusting to new surroundings and making new friends. The Chagim are around the corner and you may begin to feel blue. You are not alone. Many of the feelings that you have are feelings that students in campuses around the world feel as well. You may not have as much pressure this year school wise-but there are other pressures.
Take a few moments to read this great article about the 5 Big Health Issues that Students Face.
And please do not hesitate to be in touch with us.

Debra and Daniella
here4theyear@gmail.com

Start the New Year off by Giving Back and Volunteer

Welcome and Shana Tova. As they say in Hebrew-Kol Hatchalot Kashot" loosely translated to mean that beginnings are hard and this is a new beginning for you.
Now is the time though not to think about how hard it is for you,but think about how hard it is for others. True you are not going to be home with your family maybe for the first Rosh Hashana ever-but neither will many of our soldiers-who will be guarding our borders to ensure that we have a safe Chag.
True too that you are going to miss Mom's home cooked meals-but there are many families who will have no meals over the chag.

So take a step forward and volunteer!! Check out some great opportunities on our website:
http://here4theyear.com/pages/featured-columns/volunteer.php

And wishing you a Shana Tova!!!

Debra and Daniella

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