|
|
 |
The First Day |
|
|
The first day of the Mechina started in Yerushalaim. The students enjoyed some pizza
and went to the Kotel for Mincha followed by lots of good singing and dancing, during
which Rav Erez spoke about the importance of Yerushalayim and of starting the school
year with a visit to the heart of our nation and country.
|
|
|
The Morning Routine |
|
|
The typical morning starts with Shacharit, followed by a short Halacha class and
breakfast. Then the students independently study the book of Yehoshua with guiding
source sheets, finishing one chapter every day. Needless to say we find it very
important to study the books of Nac”h as they, and especially the book of Joshua,
are a vivid source of Jewish leadership, the importance of the land of Israel, of
our history in the making, and are full of many examples or role models which we
can learn from and reflect on for our personal lives.
|
|
|
Gibushon
|
|
|
During our first week the Talmidim participated in the “Gibushon”. Gibush in Hebrew
means “bonding”. The goal of a Gibush is to help the participants reach beyond themselves,
beyond their limits, to give them a chance to help each other, and most importantly
it is an opportunity to bond with their friends.
For the Gibbushon, the students hiked through Nachal El-Al, whose refreshing waterfall
was very welcomed, cooked an amazing stew over the fire for dinner, camped out,
each student and staff member introduced themselves and shared with everyone what
their expectations are for their year in LYA, had “guard duty” and the next day,
-Erev Shabbat after Shacharit, some activities, and breakfast, we hiked back home.
|
|
|
Gush Katif
|
|
|
The students also helped a family that had to relocate to Avnei-Eitan after being
expelled from Gaza with thousands of other Jews in the “Gaza Disengagement” and
has know taken on farming.
|
|
|
Rosh Hashana
|
|
|
The Mechina started learning about the various aspects of the Teshuva process and
ways to achieve it.
Also during that time the students heard a fascinating talk given by Dr, Richard
Jaffe, a former American who made aliyah many years ago from L.A and who has a daughter
living in the moshav. He is a famous expert doctor of podiatric medicine. He spoke
about his personal Aliyah as well as the medical and business world in Israel in
comparison to the United States. The students were very interested in his talk and
enjoyed it a lot.
During Rosh HaShanna-Shabbat the students were guests for some of the meals in the
home of families living in Avnei Eitan.
|
|
|
Preparing for Yom Kippur |
|
|
In the past two weeks the Mechina visited various Graves of Tzaddikim in the
Galilee, then they traveled to Tzfat where we had a tour of the old city, visited
the graves of the Arizal, and of Rav Yosef Karo, had a talk from a local musician/Kabbalist,
and ended the night with Arvit and Selichot followed by singing Neshma songs in
an ancient water cistern. As many of the students said it was a very unique and
moving experience.
|
|
|
Alumni Update |
|
|
- This year started with lots of visits from our graduates. We want to thank them
individually for coming to visit and share their experience with our students
- Thanks to Aaron Fisher for carrying out the Gibbush and making the new students
face new challenges.
- Ben Spialter used his short vacation from the army to visit us and share his experiences.
We are very thankful for that.
- Shalom Bar-Erez and David Goldberg spend Yom Kippur with the Mechina. The students
really enjoying the visit.
- Congratulations to Michael Lunzer for finishing his advanced training and on receiving
his green beret.
- Mazal Ton to Yerachmiel (Rocky) Strazynski on his engagement to Miriam Adler
- We want to wish Chaim Safier good luck on his search for money on the Big Apple.
Keep us updated and don't forget to share…
- We would like to encourage our graduates to come visit and spend time with
us. We greatly enjoy those visits.
- Rabbi Erez and Alon are traveling to the US on November, if you want to meet with
them or help us on any way please contact us.
|
|
|