Day 3: Friday, April 13th: blog from Laurel and Sara
We started our day at 6:30 to pray, then soon after we got on the bus. The bus ride was one hour to get to an archaeological dig site. At the dig site we dug up dirt from over 2,000 years ago and found shards of pottery that used to either be plates, cups or bowls. We went into tunnels from thousands of years ago, and one tunnel had candles to light the way. In the tunnels we went into there were holes from where the people used to raise pigeons for sacrifice, food, and fertilizer (We are sure you... Read More
More Photos: Thursday, April 12th – Yom haShoah
Photos from Yad vaShem, Har Herzl, the bus, and Ben Yehuda Street:
Day 2: Thursday, 4/12- Yom haShoah blog post from Ilai and Robert
Robert and Ilai reporting from up high in the mountains of Jerusalem. Waking up at 6:45, we got a bright and early start to our day. Today was Yom HaShoah so appropriately we started at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum. We had a meaningful tour and reflected on our history as Jews. After that we went for lunch at Machane Yehuda, a shuk. We got souvenirs and authentic Israeli food. We continued onto Mount Herzl and saw the honorable soldiers whose lives were lost during their service. We heard stories from members of the staff about their friends and family... Read More
Day 2: Thursday, 4/12 – Yom haShoah
Students went to bed early last night and woke up this morning full of energy. They began the day at Yad vaShem (Israel’s Holocaust Memorial Museum), had lunch at Machane Yehuda, and went on to Har Herzl, where they learned about soldiers who died defending Israel, and visited the grave of Hannah Senesh. They are now on Ben Yehuda street, “running around like crazy and having a great time” in Laura’s words. The chaperones report that Senesh students are connecting nicely with the kids from Gottesman and that it’s been a great first two days. I hope to have more... Read More
Wednesday, 4/11: Blog from Tye and David and more photos!
A report on today’s activities from Tye and David: When we walked into the airport we were given warm hugs and love and it felt like Israel loved us too. After our flight we exited the Tel Aviv airport and were greeted by our friendly tour guide Orna and our madrich (counselor) Ori. We were then driven to the Lookout (Haas Promenade/Tayelet), from which we saw the whole city of Jerusalem. It was beautiful and we all felt a holy Jewish spirit touch ours. Next we went to the Hezekiah water tunnels in the City of David. Then we explored more... Read More
Wednesday, 4/11: Arrival in Israel!
Enjoy these great photos of the 8th graders’ airport arrival and welcome to Jerusalem. The chaperones report everyone is tired but doing well. At Ben Gurion Airport: View from the Tayelet/Haas Promenade: Orna, our guide, helps Risa take on the shape of Israel!
Tuesday, April 10th: And they’re off!
The 8th graders are all gathered at Newark Airport, ready to begin their Israel adventure. Watch this space for updates throughout the trip!
Week 28: Monday, March 26th – Thursday, March 29th
Hebrew Dear parents, It’s hard to believe, but Pesach is here! Over the last few days, the students were busy acting out various conversations they will have in Israel and learning new Israeli songs. I want to encourage you to further discuss with your children the importance of practicing their Hebrew while they are in Israel. I feel like the kids are ready and very enthusiastic about the trip and I look forward to meeting them in a week and a half at Ben Gurion airport! I wish everyone Hag Pesach Sameach VeKasher! Andreea Humanities Literature and Writing: This week,... Read More
Week 27: Monday, March 19th – Friday, March 23rd
Advisory The advisory team and Jen lead a session on factual communication. We discussed various ways in which people communicate when they have a difference of opinion, and we discussed Emotional communication vs. Factual communication. In Emotional communication, the interaction is based on feelings, vs. in Factual communication, where the conversation is based on facts and does not contain any personal remarks. We would like to encourage you to continue this conversation at home with the children. Hebrew This week the 8th grade use a variety of techniques in order to practice conversations in Israel. Here is a sneak peek of... Read More
Week 26: Monday, March 12th – Friday, March 16th
Hebrew This week, the students practiced writing a flowing paragraph in Hebrew by writing a paragraph in the future tense about what they will do when they reach their special place one day. Next, the students started their prep unit for the Israel trip. Feel free to ask them to teach you all the new words, expressions and songs they learn in class! I wish everyone a nice weekend, Andreea Heritage הורים יקרים השבוע עסקנו ביחידה החדשה “זכויות הילד”. במסגרת זו התלמידים דנו בשאלה, מהי זכות? מי אחראי על הזכות שלי כילד? האם יש הבדלים בין זכויות הילדים בעולם? האם... Read More