Shalom Parents,
We had a busy and interesting first day, here at Aardvark Tel Aviv!
I just wanted to let you know that everyone has arrived safe and sound. (Except of 2 students which we are still waiting for).
After a good welcome dinner and a “get to know the group and staff” meeting at the “moadon” (our big room inside the office), the students will return 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. (Anyhow, it is important that they will also dedicate their first night to meet their roommates).
Here is what we are up to in the next couple of days:
Tomorrow we will start our day with a fabulous tasting tour in the famous Levinsky Market, right next to our office and students apartments.
After tasting most of what the market has to offer and a session we call as “Basic how to’s” (where to shop, do laundry, where is the cheaper places etc.), your children will discuss how they would like to handle their budget for the semester and go as an apartment to do their first grocery shopping 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 to hike in Israel at this time of the year. The hike itself goes inside the cool river. At the evening, the students will get to Karey Deshe – where we’ll sleep, and have an evening activity with the entire group that will be followed by a ceremony and a surprise.
The next day will be even more exciting! We’ll start at the Jilabun – one of the most beautiful overlooks and hikes that the Golan Heights has to offer. During the hike, we’ll go through some historical sites that changed the history of the country during “the 6 Days War”. After the hike we’ll have time to relax at the Kineret beach (Sea of Galilee). The students will be back to their new home around 18:00 with a lot of new experiences and stories.
Talk to your children on Thursday evening and ask them how was the tiyul, it is an experience to remember. (Don’t be satisfied when they say “it was alright..” or “great!” – ask them about the walk in the Kibbutzim stream, about the view at the top of Mitzpe Ophir, about the swimming in the Kinneret etc).
We have a lot going on during the weekend as well – “How not to be a Frayer” workshop at the Carmel Market, Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner at a synagogue, a tour in Neve Tzedek and some interesting Shabbat activities, Seudah Shlishit and Havdala, and the list can go 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 ideas. I know for a fact that all of those concepts will not bolster without your cooperation.
Please note:
Aardvark “Winter Break” will start from December 29th to January 7th. If you are thinking of flying your kids back home or someplace else that will be a perfect time for it. During the winter break the students will be able to use and sleep at the apartment and the madrichim will be available for any problem, though there will be no schedule during that time.
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
Expect to receive another email from your children’s madrich/a later on today (if you haven’t gotten one already) introducing themselves and providing you with their contact information.
Your child’s madrich/a will be your first contact person for any question or concern you might have.
And again, this is going to be a great semester!
