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 two students who will be landing in an hour and another student that will arrive on Thursday after being delayed by the storm in Texas. Our hearts are with her and we are all praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Texas.
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 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. (Furthermore, it is important that they dedicate their first night to getting to know their roommates).
Here is what we’ll be up to in the next couple of days:
Tomorrow we will start with a fabulous tasting tour in the famous Levinski Market, right next to our office and the students’ apartments.
The students will be able to taste a large selection of what the market has to offer. They will also have a session we call “Basic How To’s” covering where to shop, do laundry, and so on. The students will then 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 will 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 to escape the heat as the trail takes you through the cool river. In the evening, the students will arrive at Hoalo where we will sleep, and have an evening activity with the entire group that will be followed by a ceremony.
The next day will be even more exciting! We’ll start at Jilabun, one of the most beautiful hikes that the Golan Heights has to offer. During the hike, we will go through some historical sites that directly affected the history of the country during the Six Day War. After the hike, we will have time to relax at a beach by the Kineret (the Sea of Galilee)! The students will arrive back at 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 the Tiyul was, it is an experience to remember. (Don’t be satisfied by “it was alright…” or “great!” – ask them about the walk in the Kibutzim stream, about the view at the top of Mitzpe Ophir, about the swimming in the Kineret etc.).
We also have a lot going on over the weekend as well. A workshop entitled “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, Havdala, and the list goes on and on..
From this moment 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.
Please note:
Aardvark “Winter Break” will be from December 29th to January 7th. If you are thinking of flying your kids back home or someplace else that would be the perfect time to do so. 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
Sahar, Tal, Ilay and Daniela already started to build good connections with your kids.
Your child’s madrich/a will be your first contact person for any question or concern you might have.
I’m sure that this is going to be a great semester!
Sincerely,
Eyal.
