Shalom Parents,
We have had a busy and interesting first day here at Aardvark Tel Aviv!
I just wanted to let you know that with the exception of two 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. (Besides, it is important for them to spend their first night meeting their roommates.)
Here is what we’ll be up to in the next couple of days:
Tomorrow we will start our day with a fabulous interactive tasting tour in the famous Levinski Market, just next to our office and the students’ apartments.
After tasting a great deal of what the market has to offer there will be an academic session in which the students will get to know the academic courses and the curriculum. Your children will then discuss how they would like to handle their budget for the semester and as an apartment go to do their first grocery shopping and make their first lunch.
On Wednesday, we’ll be heading to Midbar Yehuda along with the group from Jerusalem. The Tiyul (Trip) will start with a hike at Nahal Og, which overlooks the Dead Sea and runs by two beautiful waterfalls. We’ll eat lunch on Kalia Beach and then spend the day enjoying the natural spa that is the Dead Sea. On Thursday we’ll continue south towards Masada and the students will split into two groups – either hiking to the Masada fortress or through upper Ein Gedi. The students will regroup for lunch at the foot of the Masada Mountain and soak in the sunlight before heading back to their new home in Tel Aviv.
Be sure to speak to your children on Thursday evening and ask them about the Tiyul, it is an experience to remember. (Don’t take “it was alright…” or “great!” for an answer, ask them about the cool waters of Nahal Og and about the view from Masada, it’s breathtaking!)
We have a lot going on over the weekend as well – a “How to not be a Frayer” workshop at the Carmel Market, Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner at a synagogue, a bicycle tour, a graffiti tour, some interesting Shabbat activities, Seudah Shlishit, 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 ideas. I know for a fact that all of this will be furthered with a little help from you.
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
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 for any question or concern you might have.
This is going to be a great semester!
Sincerely,
Eyal
