BJE with ALEXANDER MUSS HIGH SCHOOL YEAR 10 EMET ISRAEL PROGRAMME Information Booklet WEEK 1

BJE WITH ALEXANDER MUSS HIGH SCHOOL YEAR 10 EMET ISRAEL PROGRAMME Information Booklet WEEK 1

Jerusalem: Mt Scopus A ONE-OFF OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE ISRAEL Tour around Hod Hasharon, Gezer We are very excited to offer BJE’s Emet Israel Programme. A select group of Year Gilboa, swim at Sachne, Mt Scopus (Jerusalem) 10 students will have the opportunity to participate in an Israel learning experience Haas Promenade, Sataf, City of David, Jerusalem markets which will be custom designed for them. Kotel, Jerusalem walking tour

This is an opportunity for teenagers to visit Israel in a well-structured modern educational setting where they can explore, embrace and experience more than they could ever have imagined historically, socially and culturally as they discover the magic of Israel.

Students will depart towards the end of the school year in November and return early January. BJE has the support of school Principals regarding this Programme.

Please feel free to visit our website for more information at www.bje.org.au

We hope to hear from you soon. WEEK 2

Israel museum, Herodian House, Qumeran, Nahal Bokek, Ma’aleh Bokek Masada, Ein Gedi, Hirbet Midras, Bet Guvrin, Tel Goded Belvoir, Hamat Gader, Tzfat synagogues and artist Caesarea, Tzfat, kabbalah lesson OUTLINE OF PROGRAMME

This outline indicates the scope and sequence of activities. The full programme includes morning, afternoon and evening daily activities. Information Booklet WEEK 1

Students will depart towards the end of the school year in November and return early January. BJE has the support of school Principals regarding this Programme.

Please feel free to visit our website for more information at www.bje.org.au

We hope to hear from you soon. WEEK 2

This outline indicates the scope and sequence of activities. The full programme includes morning, afternoon and evening daily activities. WEEK 3 WEEK 5

Holocaust studies, Yad Vashem Atlit beach and camp, Acco prison, Rosh Hanikra Journey to the Arava Machon Ayalon, Latrun Arava Programme Camel riding, Bedouin experience Eilat, Red Canyon Hike Big Fin, Sde Boker, Ben Gurions grave Israel Advocacy Tel Aviv

WEEK 4 WEEK 6

Volunteering with the elderly Givat Haviva programme, Ussefiya Druze programme and dinner Y2i Seminar, Neve Tzedek, Hula Valley, Tel Chai Fruit picking Open shabbat (students free to see relatives) Katzrin, gamla, hike in Jilabun Har Herzl Museum and cemetery Examples of activities in Israel that students participate in… Religious/Festival Focus Classroom Learning Friday night Shabbat prayer singing and dancing at the Kotel, Modern Orthodox style Shabbat in Jerusalem, History of Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah in Tzfat, Carlebach style Shabbat and Havdalah The Crusaders, Jewish Mysticism, the Geography of Israel, Torah: Traditional and Modernist Views, celebrations and dancing in Tzfat, egalitarian style Shabbat in Eilat and celebrating Chanukah with Archaeology and the Tanach, Herzl & Zionist movements, Holocaust Seminar: The Rise of Nazism, students from all over the world. Jewish Persecution, The Warsaw Ghetto, Capturing Eichmann, Holocaust Denial, Emancipation, the First Aliyah and those that followed, War of Independence, Israeli Advocacy with The David Project, David Ben Gurion and The Negev, Balfour Declaration, Arab Israel Conflict Issues, IDF, The Israeli Government. Classroom learning also involves guest speakers (holocaust testimonies/advocacy training…) and video evenings (Entebbe, Sobibor, Israeli films…)

Volunteer Projects WIZO Youth Villages, packing Chanukah gifts for underprivileged children, The Jaffa Institute, Yad LaKashish: Lifeline for the Old, working in KKL forests and visiting their projects around Israel, afterschool Learning Centre for disadvantaged children in Tel Aviv, visit to Dialogue in the dark (the blind museum in Holon), and serving and making food for the needy. Examples of activities in Israel that students participate in… Religious/Festival Focus Classroom Learning Friday night Shabbat prayer singing and dancing at the Kotel, Modern Orthodox style Shabbat in Jerusalem, History of Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah in Tzfat, Carlebach style Shabbat and Havdalah The Crusaders, Jewish Mysticism, the Geography of Israel, Torah: Traditional and Modernist Views, celebrations and dancing in Tzfat, egalitarian style Shabbat in Eilat and celebrating Chanukah with Archaeology and the Tanach, Herzl & Zionist movements, Holocaust Seminar: The Rise of Nazism, students from all over the world. Jewish Persecution, The Warsaw Ghetto, Capturing Eichmann, Holocaust Denial, Emancipation, the First Aliyah and those that followed, War of Independence, Israeli Advocacy with The David Project, David Ben Gurion and The Negev, Balfour Declaration, Arab Israel Conﬂict Issues, IDF, The Israeli Government. Classroom learning also involves guest speakers (holocaust testimonies/advocacy training…) and video evenings (Entebbe, Sobibor, Israeli ﬁlms…)

Tiffany H Andrew S

Having visited Israel and been part of the Jewish people I now feel more connected than I ever have I have been following the interesting weekly reports from Israel, looking at the great photos and before. I feel inspired to surround myself with Jewish people and take part in more Jewish activities. speaking to my son daily for the last few weeks. As expected, the trip is turning into a life changing experience for Eden (and I am sure for the other kids too). It appears very well planned, organised and conducted at every level. The kids are experiencing the beautiful country of Israel on a level that not Jessica K many people get a chance to. As a school boy, growing up in Israel, I have been lucky to visit many of the places that my son is now Before going on the BJE EMET Israel Programme I never really thought much about Israel but being visiting and also learnt all about Jewish/Israeli history/tradition. It is fantastic that Eden will now be there made me fall in love with the people, the religion, the culture and just everything! able to have this knowledge and experience too. I am sure we will share this (thru discussions) for a long time after his return. I will always remember that fact that I had my delayed adult Bat Mitzvah on the EMET Israel Programme and how it changed my views on Judaism, I feel much more connected now. I will always cherish the I can sense certain changes in him which I am very pleased with, in particular certain signs of maturity, amazing friendships I formed and always remember the amazing places we visited. independence and a stronger connection to his Israeli and Jewish roots. I am very happy with this decision we made to send him there, and I am hopeful that his association with BJE continues for many years to come. Yuval R

At the beginning, I didn’t expect much from the programme but as soon as we all got together at the airport I already felt a sense of family. During the 24 hour ﬂight to Israel we all bonded very quickly and Leah S became a strong group. As the days in Israel progressed we all gained friendships that were so strong that we just always enjoyed each other’s company. Israel was an experience like no other I’ve had or Words cannot express how grateful we are to you for giving our son Simon the amazing opportunity to probably will have. I feel so privileged that I could be a part of such a wonderful experience. visit Israel! He indeed had the time of his life. When we tried to speak to Simon, he was way too busy to chat and when he did it was very brief. Simon learnt a lot and since being home doesn’t stop talking of his trip and enjoys looking back at the Alana J photos. He has also been in touch with the group and making arrangements to meet. Before the BJE EMET Israel Programme I considered myself an atheist. Although I am still uncertain He even called Alon (the Israeli madrich) just to say hi. about a higher power, I can no longer deny that Judaism is a huge part of me and always will remain We hope this programme continues for years to come as we believe it is an amazing opportunity for those my religion and my people. Before the BJE EMET Israel Programme, Israel to me was a country that children who study at public schools who otherwise wouldn’t know any different about their culture had a lot of political issues. That’s all I ever heard. Now Israel isi a place of mmense culture and ancient and history. history. A place any Jew can approach and feel more at home than their own house.

Tiffany H Andrew S

Desiree F Adam A Dylan had the most brilliant time. He left as a boy and came back as a man. He absolutely raved about EMET Israel has changed the way I feel about being Jewish, I used to hear about Israel and not feel the tour and the entire organisation. I am really so pleased that we made the sacriﬁce and sent him. much, but now that I have actually been there, it has made me feel much more connected to Israel and the Jewish people. Being part of the BJE EMET Israel Programme meant that I became a proper member of the Jewish Community in Sydney as well as internationally. It also gave me a chance to make more Jewish friends. I deﬁnitely see Israel in my future. Taking part in the EIP changed me not spiritually or religiously but rather I have been affected in a political way. I now take more interest in Israeli & Middle East politics. IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Security BJE YEAR 10 EMET ISRAEL PROGRAMME Both BJE and AMHSI are very sensitive to security in Israel and the safety of the students. The following precautions are taken: The Programme 1. In Israel, daily communication is in effect with appropriate authorities to receive relevant security information. The aims of the programme are: • To strengthen the students ties to Israel, the land, the people and Judaism. 2. Student trips are accompanied by guards as currently required, under Israeli law, for all school groups. • For students to become aware about Israel and their connection to the global Jewish community. 3. AMHSI will change the itinerary, if necessary, to meet current security needs. • To familiarise students with Israeli History, Geography, Society and Culture. 4. The campus is completely fenced with guards on duty as mandated by Israeli authorities. • To strengthen students Jewish consciousness, commitment and values. 5. Students must always check out and in with their counselors. There are two counselors assigned • To explore the students past in order to plan for their future. to each dormitory and they live in the dormitories with the students.

• To connect students with their own Jewish community. 6. Upon arrival in Israel, students are given clear and strict instructions on security and emergency procedures. Together with our Israeli service provider – the Alexander Muss High School (AMHSI), we have designed a programme which will fulﬁll these aims and will place this learning in the very real and 7. In the event of any special circumstances, you will be kept updated with information as it becomes available. exciting context of Israel. The scope and sequence of activities is carefully planned to provide students with a vast and substantial array of experiences.

The programme is based at an International School Campus – the Alexander Muss High School in Hod HaSharon. Hod HaSharon is a typical, mainstream, non-tourist town located north of Tel Aviv. Shops, cafes, Western and Israeli eateries, friendly residents and shopkeepers help students feel at home. The staff in Israel views security as the highest priority. There is also a pharmacy, supermarket and a bakery. These shops are within walking distance of the campus. Application Process

1. Register your child’s interest by emailing [email protected] or phone: (02) 9365 7900

2. Interview process: You will be required to attend two interviews. The intended participant and a parent must be present at these interviews. We look forward to meeting you. IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Security BJE YEAR 10 EMET ISRAEL PROGRAMME Both BJE and AMHSI are very sensitive to security in Israel and the safety of the students. The following precautions are taken: The Programme 1. In Israel, daily communication is in effect with appropriate authorities to receive relevant security information. The aims of the programme are: • To strengthen the students ties to Israel, the land, the people and Judaism. 2. Student trips are accompanied by guards as currently required, under Israeli law, for all school groups. • For students to become aware about Israel and their connection to the global Jewish community. 3. AMHSI will change the itinerary, if necessary, to meet current security needs. • To familiarise students with Israeli History, Geography, Society and Culture. 4. The campus is completely fenced with guards on duty as mandated by Israeli authorities. • To strengthen students Jewish consciousness, commitment and values. 5. Students must always check out and in with their counselors. There are two counselors assigned • To explore the students past in order to plan for their future. to each dormitory and they live in the dormitories with the students.

1. Register your child’s interest by emailing [email protected] or phone: (02) 9365 7900

2. Interview process: You will be required to attend two interviews. The intended participant and a parent must be present at these interviews. We look forward to meeting you. BJE WITH ALEXANDER MUSS HIGH SCHOOL

YEAR 10 EMET ISRAEL PROGRAMME