Shalom Parents,
We had a busy and interesting first day here on Aardvark Tel Aviv!
I just wanted to let you know that apart from five students who are scheduled to arrive later tonight and tomorrow, everyone has arrived safe and sound.
After an enjoyable welcome dinner and a community meeting at the “Moadon” (our big room inside the office), the students returned to their new apartments. They cannot go out tonight because we have a busy few days ahead of us and they need to conserve their energy. (It is also important that they dedicate their first night to getting to know their roommates.)
Here is what we’ll be up to over the next couple of days:
Tomorrow we will start our day with a fabulous interactive tasting tour in the famous Levinski Market, right next to our office and the students’ apartments.
After tasting most of what the market has to offer and an academic session (in which the students will get to know the academic courses and the curriculum), your children will discuss how they would like to handle their budget for the semester and go together as an apartment to do their first grocery shop and make their first lunch.
On Wednesday, we’ll be heading to the Golan Heights. The tiyul (trip) will start at Nahal HaKibutzim (the kibbutzim stream), it is the best place in Israel to hike at this time of the year as the hike takes us through the cool river and offers an escape from the heat. In the evening, the students will arrive at Hoalo where we’ll sleep, and have an evening activity with the entire group followed by a ceremony.
The next day will be even more exciting! We’ll start at Nahal Chatzbani, one of the most beautiful viewpoints and hikes that the Golan Heights has to offer. After the hike, we’ll have time to relax at a beach on the Kineret (Sea of Galilee)! The students will return to their new homes around 18:00 with a lot of new experiences and stories.
Talk to your children on Thursday evening and ask them how the Tiyul was, it is an experience to remember. (Don’t take “it was alright…” or “great!” for an answer, ask them about the walk in the Kibutzim stream, about the view at the top of Mitzpe Ophir, about swimming in the Kineret etc.).
We also have a lot going on over the weekend, a workshop titled “How to not be a Frayer” at the Carmel Market, Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner at a synagogue, a bicycle tour, a graffiti tour and some interesting Shabbat activities, Seudah Shlishit and Havdala, and the list goes on and on..
From now on, your children are a part of a great thing called Aardvark Tel Aviv, They have an amazing opportunity to experience Israel on a whole new level, to create a new social environment, to become more independent and who knows, maybe even acquire some Zionistic ideals. I know for a fact that the development of all of these qualities can only be helped by your cooperation.
If you wish to send your child a letter or a package, please use the office’s address:
(First and last name)
Aardvark Israel
39 Levinsky St.
Tel Aviv, 6610910
Israel
The madrichim, Tali, Avia, Idan and Daniel have already started to build good relationships with your children
Your child’s Madrich/a will be your first point of contact if you have any questions or concerns.
I’m sure that this is going to be a great semester!
Sincerely,
Eyal.
