Support the Lone Soldiers of the IDF

Whether you are here for the year or here for semester break-help support the young men and women who leave their families and friends to come to Israel and serve in the IDF. This Shabbat, Shabbat Shira, The Chief Chazzan of the IDF, Shai Abramson, will officiate on Friday evening and Shabbat morning accompanied by The Jerusalem Great Synagogue Choir conducted by Elli Jaffe . Click here for the schedule

On January 27th the Great Synagogue will host a Wine and Cheese Party in honor of the Lone Soldiers. Proceeds from the evening will go to the Michael Levin Home for Lone Soldiers
Contact us at here4theyear@gmail.com for details and tickets. Tickets are 50 NIS for students.
Hope to see you there.

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 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