סמינר רמה

בישראל

תשע”ז

Ramah Israel Seminar

2017

Handbook For Seminar participants and their Parents 2

CONTENTS Page I. INTRODUCTION 3 II. PREPARATION TIMELINE 4

III. PRE-DEPARTURE 5 A. Passport Instructions 6 B. Immunizations 7 C. International Flights and Airport Procedures 8 D. Luggage 8 E. Travel Insurance 9 F. Clothing & Equipment 10 Recommended Packing List 10 G. Laundry 13 H. Spending Money and Currency Exchange 14 I. Conference Call 15 J. High School Credit

IV. SEMINAR PROGRAM 15 A. Kvutzot (Bus Groups) & Bus Request Forms 15 B. Host Shabbat 16 C. ETGAR 17 D. Communications: Mail, Fedex, Fax and Email 18

V. STANDARDS AND RULES 21 A. Medical Form and Information 21 B. Medical Care & Health Insurance 22 C. No Smoking Policy 22 D. Security 22 E. Statement on Standards and Procedures 23 F. Termination of Participation 24 G. Emergency Scenarios 24

VI. BACKGROUND: Life in Ramah Seminar . 25 A. Staff and Organizational Structure 25 B. Room Assignments 26 C. Itinerary / Educational Program 26 D. Religious Atmosphere and Practices 27 E. The Hebrew Challenge. 28 F. The Journey to the Negev Desert. 28 G. FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about Seminar 29 H. Preparation: Intellectual and Personal 33 I. Suggested Reading List 35 J. Ramah Israel: The Whole Picture 37

RAMAH POLAND SEMINAR 2017 - INFORMATION and GUIDELINES 37

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I. INTRODUCTION

As Director of the Ramah Israel Seminar, I take pleasure in sending you the Ramah Israel Seminar Handbook.

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to find all of the information you will need between now and your arrival in Israel. Therefore, we have created the: All-you-ever-needed-and-wanted-to-know-about Ramah Israel Seminar The Handbook will guide you through the pre-Seminar preparation period and will serve as a resource for your parents/guardians throughout the summer. Our hope is that the Handbook will give you a sense of what to expect from the Seminar program - and from yourself – throughout the summer. Although we will usually address the Seminar participant, all of the information should be read and referred to by parents or guardians as well.

How to use this Handbook:

We organized the material in your Handbook under two main categories:

“Procedures” – This includes all of the information requiring forms or payment to be sent or submitted by various deadlines. All forms are available on our website and can be accessed through the Seminar Home Page at http://seminar.ramah.org.il .

“Background” – This category includes descriptions of the Seminar program and how it fits into the Ramah experience, along with suggestions of how you can prepare yourself mentally and practically for the summer in Israel. We suggest reading this section carefully as the summer approaches.

To begin with, we highly recommend that you and your parents/guardians skim through the entire Handbook in order to familiarize yourself with its contents. Relevant material can then be read or re-read as you prepare for Seminar.

We are very excited about our specialized tracks: Seminar Shvilim, Yedidim and Hi-Tech. These programs are great options for anyone interested in a specialized experience. The information found in this handbook is relevant for all Seminar participants.

We look forward to a wonderful summer!

Hold on to this Handbook!!!! It will be your Seminar guide until August 7th! להתראות בארץ! Rabbi Ed Snitkoff Director Ramah Israel Seminar

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II. PREPARATION TIMELINE

The following is the application schedule. All forms are available on line. Please use this Timeline as your personal form and payment checklist (the last column is provided for you to check-off the items you have completed).

APPLICATION PROCESS PROCEDURES DATE DUE DONE ! AND FORMS Seminar Application Poland Seminar Application PART 1 & PART 2 (For Poland applicants only)

Online Application, Seminar/Poland Authorization Form Priority deadline Photo, Forms and Deposit of $1000. for application Jewish Education Form and deposit is

Deposit January 15 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION February 10 Full Tuition Payment Due April 1

Overseas Flight Confirmation March 15 Form Domestic Flight Plans Form April 15 PART 3 Medical Form March 31 Send by mail or

upload Forms and Information Hebrew Questionnaire March 31 Available On-line Send by mail or upload Independent Study Program April 15 Assignments Due (if applicable) Send by email Bus-Group/ Kvutza Request Form March 31 ETGAR Registration Form March 31 Passport Information Form March 31 Host Shabbat-Visitation Form June 15 High School Credit Form May 31 (optional) (to be printed out & mailed) Payoneer Expense Card and Phone Sign up by Rental Information (optional) June 15 Airport Procedures PART 4 Kvutza (bus-group) Assignment Information Available in Kvutza Itinerary Poland Itinerary and kvutza

June assignment

Baggage Tags Last Minute Announcements

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Cancellation Fees: Cancellations received before March 31, 2017 $400 (USD) Cancellations received between April 1st and April 30th $700 (USD) Cancellations received between May 1st and May 31st $1200 (USD) Cancellations received after June 1st No Refund . It is recommended that you purchase a trip cancellation policy to cover any possible financial loss should you have to withdraw from the trip.

Preparatory Assignments for Poland trip: st First assignment due January 31 Your application will not be acted upon until this assignment is received. th Second assignment due March 15 th Optional third assignment due April 15

Scholarship Information Visit our website at http://seminar.ramah.org.il/tuition-scholarships/

III. PRE-DEPARTURE

A. Passport Instructions

PLEASE APPLY FOR YOUR PASSPORT IMMEDIATELY. Obtaining a passport can take weeks, sometimes months.

When you receive your passport, please place a piece of white tape across the bottom of the outside front cover and print your name upside down. (While this request may sound unusual, it facilitates a safer and smoother handling of this vital document in Israel.) Complete the Passport Information form (online) by March 31, 2017.

IMPORTANT NOTE: U.S. Passports must expire no earlier than six months after the Seminar program ends.

U.S. CITIZENS

Application forms for passports may be obtained at any county clerk's office, as well as at some post offices. Be sure to have with you the following:

1. Your birth or naturalization certificate for proof of citizenship. If you have had an American passport before, neither of these documents are needed. Just bring your old passport. Birth certificates must bear the seal and signature of the registrar of birth. The expiration date on the US passport must be at least 6 months after the return date.

2. Two recent, identical passport-size photographs, 2" square, full face on a light, plain background. Snapshots and vending machine pictures are not acceptable.

3. Proper identification, such as a laminated school identification card with picture and signature. (The clerk will sometimes ask for parental verification.) This is not necessary if you have had an American passport with an identifiable photo before.

4. There is a fee for applying for a passport; fees may vary slightly from office to office. 6

CANADIAN CITIZENS Canadian citizens should apply for their passports with the Canadian authorities. Be sure to bring your valid passport with you to the air terminal on the day of departure.

CITIZENS OTHER THAN U.S. OR CANADIAN Please contact us regarding re-entry permits and transit visas.

IF YOU WERE BORN IN ISRAEL

Regardless of what citizenship you currently hold, if you were born in Israel (or at least one parent has Israeli citizenship even as an immigrant), contact the local Israeli Consulate and/or shaliah aliyah to determine what procedures you need to follow before leaving for Israel.

PASSPORTS MUST BE BROUGHT WITH YOU TO THE AIRPORT ON THE DAY OF DEPARTURE. U.S. Government regulations prohibit anyone from leaving the country without a valid passport in his/her possession. Remember not to leave anything on the plane, including ticket stubs, baggage checks, etc. It has happened in the past that, inadvertently, the return domestic ticket has been discarded. This led to complications in the return flight. Participants should give all tickets and travel documents, including their passports, to the Seminar staff upon arrival in Israel.

We highly recommend that you make two photocopies of the inside cover/first page of the passport (including your picture and passport number), in addition to uploading a copy of the passport to your application.

Keep one at home and bring one with you to Israel, kept separately from your passport when you travel to and from Israel.

Ramah staff will keep this copy in the safe with your passport until the return flight. In case of loss, many border crossings/ airports will recognize a passport copy as legitimate proof of citizenship, and it will usually be possible to re-issue the passport from a copy.

B. Immunizations All information concerning immunizations can be found on the Medical Form. Please be certain that all of your immunizations are up to date. National Ramah Commission policy states that in addition to all state required immunizations, all Seminar participants must receive vaccinations for Meningitis and Hepatitis A.

There may be other vaccinations added to the list of required vaccinations over the months preceding the program. You will be informed. Participants who have not completed the REQUIRED vaccinations will not be permitted to attend the program.

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C. International Flights and Airport Procedures

1. FLIGHT SCHEDULE and AIRPORT PROCEDURES Participants in the Poland Seminar will be flying from: JFK (NY), LAX (LA), YYZ (Toronto) or ORD-Ohare (Chicago), to Warsaw on Sunday, June 18, 2017. They arrive in Israel on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 , and will return to North America on Sunday, August 6, via Europe. Please be aware that the flight originating at JFK, will return to Newark on August 6. Participants will be accompanied to their domestic flights by Ramah Staff.

Participants in the six-week Israel Seminar program will be flying on Tuesday, June 27, from NY, LA or Toronto and will return to North America on Sunday, August 6 or Monday August 7, depending on flight schedules- please pay careful attention to your own flight schedule.

Please complete the Online Flight Forms by March 15. Updates about the flights and specific instructions for the day of departure, will be sent to you as needed.

Ramah staff will meet participants at various airport terminals and escort them to our check-in location. The information that you provide on the Flight Confirmation Form and the Domestic Travel Plans Form will assist us in making the most effective plans. Please note that Ramah will provide chaperons on flights with 20 or more Seminar participants.

PARTICIPANTS FLYING INTO THE NEW YORK AREA In May, we will provide times, meeting places, and instructions for all passengers arriving at all NY area airports. If you are flying into the NY area, you may wish to contact a fellow Seminar participant to coordinate travel together from your home city to NY. In the past, parents have taken it upon themselves to organize domestic group flights.

CHANGES IN DEPARTURE OR ARRIVAL FLIGHTS may be requested by participants. Participants wishing to make a change are asked to indicate the requested change in the Flight Confirmation Forms, after the reading the instructions. Availability is not guaranteed and there may be an additional charge for any deviation from the Seminar itinerary.

ARRIVAL IN ISRAEL Upon your arrival, Ramah staff will be waiting at Ben Gurion Airport to greet you and your luggage. Please inform relatives and friends in Israel that they should not plan to meet you at the airport. The airport scene will be much too hectic and the chances are that relatives may not even see participants at the airport. Relatives will find it much more worthwhile to make contact once the groups have arrived at their respective bases.

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D. Luggage

1. LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS AND RULES

Ramah is not responsible for luggage fees charged by the airlines.

ALL RULES AND CHARGES CONCERNING LUGGAGE ARE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE AIRLINES, AND CAN CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT WARNING.

PLAN AHEAD Fees will be charged for a second checked piece of luggage on international flights, and on the first bag as well, on domestic flights. You will need cash or a credit card.

Luggage Fees: *There is a limit to luggage according to its size and weight, and fees will be charged by the airlines for overweight/over-sized bags. Please check the websites of the airline you are using for the most specific and up-to-date information about luggage fees, weight/size restrictions and penalty fees.

CARRY-ON LUGGAGE: Each passenger is allowed one carry-on, and one personal item. Please check with the airlines about specific restrictions with regard to liquids, cosmetics, and medications in carry-on luggage. If you are bringing medications, bring a note from your physician explaining the need for the medication. This may be required to pass security.

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO INFORM OUR OFFICE OF ALL PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS YOU PLAN TO TAKE WITH YOU IN YOUR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE BY MAY 15ST, 2017.

2. PACKING TIPS IN CASE OF LOST LUGGAGE Unfortunately, luggage may get lost in transit. Be sure to have underwear, socks, and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag. Also, glasses and contact lenses, daily medication, and tefillin should be with you at all times.

3. LABELING BAGGAGE You will receive RAMAH LUGGAGE TAGS and specific instructions on labeling your bags in the June Packet. Since bags pass through a lot of hands, there is a possibility that the Ramah tags may be torn off in transit. We therefore encourage you to attach additional ID tags to each bag. For easy recognition and identification of your bags, it is recommended that you put some kind of distinctive mark on them (e.g., colored ribbons or tape) in such a manner that it won‟t fall off or get caught during handling. Every piece of luggage should be labeled with the following: a. Your name b. Your home address and phone number c. Your Seminar Kvutza/group assignment – (which you receive in the June)

Many Seminar past-participants recommend using luggage with wheels. Luggage brought for the summer undergoes a large degree of wear and tear. Participants are advised to take this into consideration when deciding which luggage to bring. You should be aware that for security reasons, luggage and personal searches are often conducted.

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4. Travel Insurance Ramah does not assume responsibility for loss or theft of money, credit cards or valuables, nor for damage to or loss of baggage. Ramah will also adhere to the cancellation fee schedule as outlined on Page 5. We strongly recommend a package travelers' insurance policy (supplementing Ramah’s medical insurance) to cover the following: 1. loss and theft during trip 2. baggage and trip/flight insurance 3. Supplemental accident and health, for full length of trip, including transportation

If you are considering travel insurance (including baggage coverage) for your child, you may consider www.groupinsuranceisrael.com It is recommended that you confer with your insurance agent about other policies. No policy will cover the loss incurred if a participant is dismissed from the program.

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E. Clothing and Equipment

The "Packing List" below has been revised in consideration of suggestions made by participants on previous Seminars, but clothing lists are hard to compile. Each traveler has his or her own needs and desires, and knows him/herself best. We recommend that you bring just one suitcase to be checked in.

THE SEMINAR SHVILIM (Outdoors) SUPPLEMENTAL PACKING LIST WILL BE PUBLISHED SEPARATELY.

CLOTHING POLICIES:

● One-piece bathing suits or full tankinis are required for girls. A T-shirt over a bikini is not an acceptable alternative. ● Bathing trunks (not Speedos) are required for boys. ● Underwear, boxers and bras may not be visible. ● See-through tops, “low-rider” pants, crop-tops, short shorts or skirts, backless tops and similar clothing will not be allowed. ● Tank tops will not be permitted during touring, hiking, all tefillot, shabbat meals, and at religious sites. This includes spaghetti straps or any sleeveless top – for both girls and boys. ● Respectful dress (not hiking/ touring clothing) is expected to be worn for Shabbat at all services (including afternoon/minha services) and in the hadar ochel. Girls: Please do not plan to wear sleeveless or spaghetti strap dresses on Shabbat, by covering your shoulders with a scarf or shawl. This does not work. ● Note from past Seminar participants: “Bring lots of white t-shirts, extra socks, more hiking (junky )clothes, less nice clothes.” ● Flip-flops, clogs, CROCS, open-backed shoes are OK on the base, but will not be permitted on any walking outings, including in a city and certainly for walking on rocky terrain. ONLY CLOSED BACKED SHOES WILL BE ALLOWED ON WALKS OFF OF BASE. THIS IS FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.

● In light of the expensive cost of overweight and/or bringing a second bag, some Seminar participants now buy many toiletries and bulky items in Israel. We visit a shopping center within 3 days of arrival.

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Recommended Packing List (Asterisks refer to important notes on next page) Women 3 light weight dresses/ skirts & tops combination for Shabbat (long skirts- to or below knees, sleeved dresses & tops) 2 pairs jeans or light weight pants 5 pairs shorts 1 Light skirt (below the knee) that can easily be put on over clothes *10-12 T-shirts and tops (short sleeved) 1 pair Shabbat shoes (nice sandals o.k.) Personal hygiene supply (Can be purchased in Israel through the summer) Bathing cap – required for some pools

Men 4 shirts (white,Shabbat, button down or polo) 10 short-sleeved, T-shirts 2 pairs long pants (jeans, etc, to include Shabbat pants) Shaving equipment (220V) 5 pairs Shorts **KIPPOT, TEFILLIN, TALLIT

For Men and Women 1 good pair hiking boots/closed sturdy walking shoes (no CROCS on hikes) 1 pair sneakers 1 pair sandals (straps around heel, not flip-flops) Underwear and socks (10 day supply) 2 bathing suits 4 Pairs heavy-duty socks (for hiking) 2 long sleeved shirts/ sweatshirts "Camelback” or similar (total 3-4 liter capacity) *** Plastic Shower/water shoes (with back) for Dead Sea and beach /or extra pair of old sneakers 1 hat (not bandanas) Prescription medicines, Hand sanitizer Camera (or Iphone) Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Insect repellent with DEET for hikes and outdoor camping Second pair of eyeglasses, extra contacts (bring prescriptions) Flashlight/Batteries 1 Beach Towel, 3 Bath Towels 1 bar soap/ toothbrush/ toothpaste/band aids/comb/ brush 2 pairs pajamas laundry bag School-size backpack for hikes, Large backpack for overnights (carry - on can be used) Sewing equipment (optional)

POLAND Rain gear: umbrella, rain jacket with hood (poncho), Waterproof shoes. Warm, light jacket/fleece Toilet Paper (for long bus trips) Insect repellent (Note: Laundry service will be available in Israel within the first two days of arrival)

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** RELIGIOUS ARTICLES:

1. KIPOT are mandatory for all boys and must be worn at daily services, during meals, study and whenever deemed appropriate by the staff. Bring several along.

2. BOYS MUST BRING TEFILLIN with them to Israel and wear them at weekday Shaharit. Any boy who comes to Israel without Tefillin will be required to purchase a pair, immediately upon arrival, at the minimum cost of $350.

3. A TALIT is also mandatory (for boys) unless one wears a "Talit Katan."

(All of these aforementioned religious articles are optional for female participants).

4. SIDDUR (prayer book): A Seminar siddur will be provided as a gift for your use throughout the summer, and for you to keep

MODEST DRESS The staff will inform the participants when it is necessary to wear modest clothing (usually in preparing for a visit to religious institutions or sites). For boys, long pants are required. For girls, a modest skirt (to or below knees) and top which is modest, (not low-cut), and covers the shoulders is generally sufficient. As mentioned above, sleeveless or tank tops are not allowed during most touring, hiking, all tefillot, and at religious sites.

Hats and Water You are required to have a proper hat & canteen (we recommend a 3-liter “camelback”) for all outings, which can also be purchased as part of a back pack.

Back Pack and Overnight Bag You will need a school-size backpack for daily trips and a larger overnight bag or backpack for trips like the Host Shabbat (this can be your airplane carry on).

HELPFUL HINTS FOR PACKING

A ll bedding is provided, including sheets, blankets, and pillows. (You provide your own towels.) As noted, sleeping bags will be provided when needed.

● Given the nature of our touring and traveling throughout the summer, items sometimes get lost, stolen or damaged. Therefore, we urge you not to bring expensive clothing or equipment (especially computers and smart pads/phones that are expensive). We reiterate that Ramah will not take any responsibility for the damage or disappearance of any personal items.

● You also may find it helpful to consult friends who have been on this trip before for further insights.

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ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES Electricity in Israel runs on 220V, 50 cycles (in North America it is 110V, 60 cycles). In order for your American hairdryers, shavers, etc. to work in Israel, you must use a 110 to 220 converter. These easy-to-use items can be purchased at electrical stores in North America, along with plug adapters, which allow you to use a 3-pronged plug in the Israeli 2-pronged outlet. Please note that some of the small appliances mentioned above are manufactured for international travel (110-220v), and require only a plug adapter. Always be familiar with the electrical needs of your appliance before purchasing and using converters or plug adapters.

HIKING AND ROUGHING IT

An integral part of our program involves hiking in terrain which can be rough on clothing and footgear. Accordingly, participants should bring durable hiking boots as well as shirts, long pants and shorts which can withstand heavy wear and tear. Moreover, there are several outings during which clothes will get very dirty/dusty. In addition, sturdy shoes are needed for hiking in water. If the hiking boots you bring are not completely waterproof, we urge you to bring shoes with good traction (preferably closed shoes, not CROCS) for this purpose.

G. Laundry Each participant will be responsible for doing his/her own laundry. Given that each group has a different schedule and each person has different clothing needs, it is not feasible for Ramah Seminar to provide in-house laundry services. Therefore, we have excluded laundry costs in the price of Seminar.

The laundry service costs approximately $12 per laundry bag (up to 5 kilos). Parents should take this cost into consideration when determining the amount of spending money to budget (see below in Section H).

An independent laundry service will be available in Jerusalem for those who desire to take advantage of it. Almost every week-day the laundry truck will pick-up and deliver prior to dinner. The use of this service is optional and will be at your expense.

During the first week in the north at our Hodayot base, laundry will be sent out one time. During the last week in the Negev, laundry is not sent out at all. You can easily purchase detergent for hand laundering. Poland participants will be able to send out laundry within a day or so of arrival in Israel.

PLEASE NOTE: Ramah assumes no responsibility for loss or damage of clothing which is washed via the laundry service(s). Participants should consider whether particularly delicate or expensive clothes are suitable for bulk laundering.

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H. Spending Money and Currency Exchange

The amount of money needed for personal expenses varies according to the amount of gifts one expects to bring home. We have also found that some participants spend a considerable amount of money on soft drinks and snacks while on the road or during free time. Previous participants have suggested $600.00 as an optimal amount of money to have available. The tuition covers the cost of a group T-shirt and group photo. Seminar participants might use their spending money for laundry (see section G above), entrance fees to optional sites or free time activities. In addition, participants must be ready to pay luggage fees by cash or credit as may be mandated by the airlines. Many participants enjoy ordering take-out food during the Jerusalem sections. We ask that parents and participants discuss this and agree upon a budget for this expenditure. Three meals a day are included in the Seminar tuition, and there is no need for this occasional treat to turn into a daily habit.

TZEDAKA There will be opportunities for donating to worthy tzedaka projects in Israel. Participants may want to set aside an additional amount of money for this purpose.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE: The Payoneer System Over the years we gained extensive experience with various methods of providing spending money to Ramah Seminar Participants. In 2007, we entered an agreement with the Payoneer company which provides a unique solution (using a Debit MasterCard), and it has met with great success. We continue the partnership and it will be through the Payoneer system that you will be able to provide spending money in Israel. It offers parents the ability to control the amount of money available, and it offers great convenience to participants.

Throughout the summer you will be able to load money into your child‟s account which they can access with with their special Payoneer/Debit MasterCard. They can pay for purchases with the card and take out cash at any ATM. If lost or stolen, Ramah will have replacement cards available, and with a single telephone call, funds will be available again to the participant.

Our office works closely with Payoneer to ensure that you receive the best fee rates possible. All information concerning sign-up procedures, money loading system, fees and commissions, will be provided on our website. You can access further information about Payoneer online. In the Spring, you will receive information concerning online registration for a Payoneer card.

Please remember that this service is a personal choice. Many families decide to send a personal credit card or debit card (not Payoneer), and have reported to pay fewer fees. The disadvantage to this is in the event of a lost card, and the need to replace it easily.

Concerning cash or travelers checks, we do not have the ability to store large amounts of cash or checks for participants, and provide regular access to them. Cash presents a higher risk of loss and/ or theft, and there will be little time within the program to access such exchange options. For these reasons we once again discourage, in the strongest terms possible, bringing cash or travelers checks to Israel (with the exception of a little cash for the trip home).

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I. Conference Call Orientation Sessions

Conference calls will be held on Sunday May 7th and Sunday May 14th with Rabbi Ed Snitkoff, Seminar Director, in order to address your questions and orient you to the Seminar program. Times and details of the conference calls will be sent to you. In addition, we suggest contacting past Seminar families to answer specific questions. Our NY office would be happy to provide you with names of Seminar families in your community.

J. High School Credit The Seminar as an institution is not in a position to "award" credit, since this can only be determined by your individual schools. In the past, several public (and Jewish) high schools have granted some kind of credit to Seminar participants, considering it either as an equivalent to an academic course or as valuable life experience.

The HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT INQUIRY form which is available on-line outlines the recommended procedures for investigating possibilities for high school credit. Also available on line is a letter describing Seminar, a course syllabus which can be submitted to the school, and a form for a school official to fill out. Please make sure to follow the procedures carefully.

In some cases we can also certify community service hours, by special request.

We emphasize, again, that requests must be received before the summer and Ramah cannot guarantee that you will receive high school credit for participating in Seminar.

IV. THE SEMINAR PROGRAM

A. Kvutzot (Bus Groups) & Bus Request Forms

From Camp Ramah you are used to being divided into tzrifim (bunks) and edot (divisions). The structure in Seminar is very different. The basic unit is called a kvutza (literally: group) of about 40 people on a bus, which remains together throughout the summer. Each kvutza combines campers from two or three Ramah camps. (For a fuller description of the Seminar structure see Section VI-A below.)

You can indicate your preference for three people with whom you would like to be placed in your kvutza by filling out the Bus Group Request Form which is available on line. Only requests received by March 31st will be considered. Shvilim and Yedidim participants do not need to fill out the Bus Group Request Form.

Please inform us in writing about any special circumstances, which should be considered in your kvutza placement. Without being nasty or spreading lashon hara, you (or your parents) may want to share social issues or dynamics that could impact upon your Seminar experience.

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Please note that we will try our best to place you in a kvutza with at least one or two, if not all three, of the people you indicate. However, given the intricacies of the task of dividing the groups, it could turn out that not all of your requests will be granted. Except in very rare circumstances, you will be placed with at least ONE of the people you requested. In any case, bear in mind that there will be many opportunities for you to spend time with all of your friends from camp. Your patience and understanding in this regard are most appreciated. Your Kvutza Assignment, as well as a copy of your specific itinerary will be sent in June, before the Poland departure.

B. Host Shabbat: July 14– 16, 2017 Participants will spend one weekend outside the home bases of the Ramah Seminar. This is defined as a "Host Shabbat" which participants can spend with relatives, friends of the family, or other hosts. We look at the Host Shabbat as an integral part of the summer, giving you an opportunity to spend time with an Israeli family on an informal basis. For those participants who do not have family or friends to visit on the Host Shabbat, or for those who prefer to remain in Jerusalem, we will offer Ramah-approved hosts.

As you can imagine, organizing and sending all of our hanichim off to different locations all around Israel is quite a challenge. For that reason, we ask the assistance of each Seminar family in helping us to plan your child's Host Shabbat experience. Please follow these steps: 1. Contact potential Israeli hosts and determine where your child will be going for the Host Shabbat weekend. It is not too early to begin e-mailing or calling your contacts in Israel to find out whether it will be convenient for them to host your child. (Let the hosts know that your child will be coming from and returning to Jerusalem on the Host Shabbat weekend.) If you feel uncomfortable making contact with someone that you hardly know, please remember that a "distant" cousin by North American standards is often considered "close" in Israel. Please provide us with all of the information requested on the form below for the Host Shabbat weekend. 2. If you have no friends or relatives in Israel who are available to host, please ask your child to start calling his/her camp friends and see if their hosts would be willing to take an extra guest for the Host Shabbat weekend. This is not an unusual or hutzpadik request to Israelis. If your child is planning to go to the host of a Seminar friend, please provide all of the information about that host on the online Host Shabbat form, and indicate the name of the other Seminar participant under "relationship to participant". 3. If you cannot find potential hosts either through your own contacts or those of your child's Seminar friends, please indicate on the form that you would like Ramah to place your child with a host family for the Host Shabbat weekend. This will also indicate your permission for Ramah to place your child with a friend‟s host, if the opportunity arises. 4. If there are security concerns about leaving the base for that particular weekend, Ramah reserves the right to replace the Host Shabbat with an in-house Shabbat at the Goldstein Youth Village, with full staff supervision. In that case, hanichim may receive visitors on Friday, July 14th. PLEASE NOTE: Please inform your hosts that all security-related policies of the Ramah Israel Seminar will be in effect during the Host Shabbat weekend as well. For example, Seminar participants are not 17 permitted to travel on public busses at any time during the program or Host Shabbat weekend. Under no circumstances can Ramah allow participants to spend the Host Shabbat weekend at a hotel, guest house, youth hostel, or any other unapproved arrangement without the direct supervision of parents or guardians. Furthermore, except under special circumstances, Ramah will not permit Seminar participants to stay with hosts who are under the age of 22. Anyone who is found in violation of this policy may be sent home at the discretion of the Ramah Israel staff.

On Friday, July 14th, you will be released from the Goldstein Youth Village in Jerusalem by 10:30 a.m. For those going to Tel Aviv or Haifa: A chartered bus will take you to the Eretz Yisrael Museum (2 Haim Levanon Street, Ramat Aviv) in Tel Aviv, arriving there at approximately 11:30 a.m. The bus will continue to Haifa (venue to be announced), arriving at approximately 1:00 p.m.. Hosts who pick participants up at the base in Jerusalem or at the bus in Tel Aviv or Haifa will be asked to sign out their guests.

On Sunday, July 16th, participants will be expected to return to the Goldstein Village in Jerusalem at 10:00 a.m.. A chartered bus will bring participants back from Haifa, departing at 7:15 a.m., continuing to the Eretz Yisrael Museum, departing Tel Aviv at 9:00 a.m.

A HOST SHABBAT VISITATION FORM is available on line. On this form you can indicate either the names of your potential hosts or the request that Ramah make suitable arrangements. Make sure to bring your hosts‟ addresses and telephone numbers (or potential hosts) with you to Israel, so that you can verify the arrangements soon after arriving in Israel.

Parents/Guardians: please be certain that the adult hosts will actually be at home on the Host Shabbat weekend and are not offering their home, either empty or with underage hosts. Every host is called by Seminar staff before Host Shabbat, and we will not allow participants to stay in homes without adult supervision.

C. Personal Choice and Special Interest Programs ETGAR Program: July 17– July 20, 2017 ISRAEL UNWRAPPED July 23 & July 24, 2017

One of the highlights of the Seminar over the past several years has been the ETGAR program. ETGAR is a special interest period offering a variety of intensive programs from which you can choose. Registration for ETGAR is without regard to the specific kvutza to which you are assigned. It‟s an opportunity to meet people from other Ramah camps and Seminar groups as well as to concentrate in an area which interests you. ETGAR choices will include: Sea to Sea Hike, Gadna, Desert Survival, and Jerusalem as Inspiration.

Full descriptions of the ETGAR options, as well as the ETGAR registration form, will be available on line. (Please submit ETGAR requests only on the designated form and not by email.) A new addition to the Seminar program is our exciting Israeli Culture and Society Special Interest program that we call ISRAEL UNWRAPPED. This is a great way to branch out into Israel by choosing among the following: *Defining a Unique Israeli Culture, *Many Faces: Exploring Justice, Tikun Olam and Social Protest in Israel, *Israel Advocacy: Conflicting Historical Narratives and Standing Up for Israel. (Please submit Israel Unwrapped requests only on the designated form and not by email.)

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D. Communications: Mail, Fedex, Fax, Phones, and Email

This section lists the important mailing and E-mail addresses & phone numbers relevant for before and during the summer. Make sure to familiarize yourselves with the various options for contacting us whether before or during the summer.

Ramah Seminar Office in New York Unless otherwise notified, all correspondence regarding Seminar registration and inquiries about the program should be addressed as follows:

Mailing address: Ramah Israel Seminar 3080 Broadway New York, N.Y., l0027 Telephone: 212-678-8883 Fax: 212-504-0858

E-mail: [email protected] ( indicate "Ramah Seminar" in the subject area). Website: www.ramah.org.il/seminar

Ramah Seminar Office in Israel If you are directed to contact our staff in Israel, please address one of the following:

Parent Liaison/Guidance Counselor (you will be given the name of a specific guidance counselor for your child’s bus kvutza in the June mailing) (re: family, medical or personal issues, high school credit, parents travel plans, etc.)

-or-

Rabbi Ed Snitkoff, Director, Ramah Israel Seminar [email protected]

Mailing Address: Ramah Israel Seminar POB 31709 9131602 Jerusalem, ISRAEL

Telephone: (011-972-2)-966-6203 (Within Jerusalem dial only the last 7 digits; from other places in Israel add prefix “02”) Fax: (011-972-2) 679-2069;

E-mail from June 18: [email protected]

Emergency cell phone numbers will be provided in the June mailing.

We provide the numbers above to be used ONLY in urgent or emergency cases. We define "urgent or emergency" matters as follows:

a. To inform the Israel office and/or the participant of changes in emergency contact details, or other such information; e.g., medical issues, visits of parents to Israel during the Seminar, or urgent family matters.

19 b. To relay to the Israel office and/or participant pertinent information regarding the Seminar program; e.g., changes or updates in transportation information, modifications in permission given for Host Shabbat, names and addresses of hosts for Host Shabbat, etc. c. To relay urgent and concise information regarding colleges, scholarships, and the like. Do not send lengthy application forms.

In any event, faxes and email messages which meet these criteria must be addressed to the attention of Seminar Parent Liaison.

Mail to Participants during the Seminar:

Name of Participant Ramah Israel Seminar KVUTZAT ______[assigned group name – not Ramah camp of origin] P.O. Box 31709 9131602, Jerusalem ISRAEL (Note: To avoid confusion, the zip code should be placed to the LEFT of "Jerusalem".)

For Fedex or other direct delivery services: Name of Participant Ramah Seminar in Israel KVUTZAT ______[assigned group name – not Ramah camp of origin] GOLDSTEIN YOUTH VILLAGE Rehov Katznelson 8A 9262116, Jerusalem, ISRAEL

Please be aware that all packages must clear customs, and sent goods are often charged with heavy duties and taxes which must be paid before delivery. This process can greatly delay the delivery of packages. It is NOT unusual for packages sent from North America to arrive AFTER participants have departed from Israel!

Therefore, we discourage the sending of packages except in the most pressing of circumstances.

All communications during the summer should be done through our Jerusalem office. When groups stay at Hodayot Youth Village in the Galilee, or in other locations, mail and messages will be transferred from our Jerusalem office on a regular basis.

Location of the Seminar Base: For the sake of family or relatives who might have to find our main base and office, the Israel Goldstein Youth Village (Havat Hanoar HaTsioni) is on Shderot Shai Agnon (the continuation of Tchernechovsky St.), in the San Simon area of Jerusalem. For Map Click Here.

Communicating during the Summer During the Seminar, we will update you almost every day, via e-mail and our web site (http://seminar.ramah.org.il). We operate a SEMINAR PHOTO SITE throughout the program and will be updating photos of our groups regularly. Please be certain that your current e-mail address is entered into the Seminar application site, as we will be using e-mail as our primary mode of communication. 20

Cell phones: Unlike camp, cellphones (although use is limited to certain hours of the day) are allowed on Ramah Seminar. You will receive information in April/May about cell phone and SIM rental from a recommended company, Talk & Save. All billing and payment is done directly between Seminar families and the company, which takes complete responsibility for the transaction, including delivery and pick up to the Ramah base. The rental phones are simple phones and not smartphones, and if you are purchasing a SIM and data plan, you will need to designate the size of the SIM you require, on their online site.

Over the past few years it has become clear that many Seminar participants bring some form of smart device with them, either with a local Israeli calling/data plan, or intending to rely on local wifi reception. Please keep in mind: We do not guarantee wifi availability in any of our bases, although it is possible to find hotspots at times. If you bring a smart device and do not intend to purchase a local plan, please review procedures to prevent data roaming in Israel which can lead to very high costs.

We suggest that you seriously consider the following before ordering a SIM card or a phone: a. The phones will be off for a large portion of the day; through all programmed activities; b. The phones may not be in reception range when on hikes; c. If your primary concern is emergency communication, please note that Ramah staff is available 24 hours a day for questions, concerns, and updates.

Please note that Cell phones will not be permitted to be used in Poland, or on Seminar Shvilim-(Outdoors) Masaot/Treks.

We can only allow participants‟ use of the office phone system in cases of emergency. Public phones are centrally located throughout the Goldstein Youth Village and our other bases during Seminar. Telephone cards are available for purchase at many venues.

Fax and E-Mail

Given the large number of participants on our various Ramah programs during the summer, we regret that we cannot permit personal communications via our office fax or email.

V. PROCEDURES: STANDARDS & RULES A. Medical Form and Health Information

A detailed MEDICAL FORM may be downloaded from the Seminar application. You and your parents should fill in the appropriate information and then ask your physician to fill out the form following a thorough examination. Please send it back to us no later than March 31, 2017. In addition, the online Health History form is to be fully completed.

The medical form must be signed by both a parent and physician. Without these signatures the form is invalid. For maximum objectivity we ask that the physician who signs the medical form not be one of the participant's parents or guardians.

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Please note that failure to provide all pertinent information, and/or inaccurate information, can be considered "avoidable cause" for termination of participation in the program. If you have any doubts pertaining to your child's ability to handle the trip, physically or emotionally, please contact us. Unfortunate experiences in the past have demonstrated that withholding such information is detrimental primarily to the participant.

There are aspects of the trip which are physically very demanding. Occasionally, participants have either a temporary disability or a chronic problem which limits their capacity to withstand such rigors as heat, strenuous exercise, etc. If you have any questions in this respect, please consult your family physician and contact us for guidance. We shall make every effort to accommodate all applicants, but full and clear coordination is absolutely necessary. If necessary, our clinical specialist will contact you directly with questions before the program.

Note that participants who are bringing medication, must bring enough of each medication to last the entire Ramah Seminar program. All Seminar participants must manage their own medications. Please inform us and provide a letter from your physician if you will be carrying medication and/or medical equipment on the flight.

Please consult with the Director of Seminar before making an independent determination to discontinue medication for the summer which is taken year-round. Although Seminar is not an academic program, it is intensively educational and experiential and the need for taking the medication may still apply in order to allow the participant to gain as much as s/he can from the program.

We have already requested on the application form that anyone who has under- gone recent surgery, or is under ongoing medical (including psychiatric) care, should inform us accordingly, and forward a detailed letter from the physician and/or therapist to the Ramah office. This letter should indicate the nature of the problem/issue and its treatment, including any special recommendations regarding the applicant's participation in Seminar. The physician/therapist should also indicate that in his/her estimation the applicant can successfully participate in the program. (Note: Our intention in requesting this information is to ensure that the participant will receive proper attention while in Israel. All medical information is considered confidential and is shared on a need to know basis only).

B. Allergies and Special Diets If you have severe airborne allergies, it is advisable to bring an air pillow in your luggage. We also urge everyone to bring insect repellent, and require those with allergies to bring appropriate medicines. If you need to bring an epipen, please bring a spare to give to a staff member or friend. Ramah is to be informed of all allergies on the medical form and online Health History Questionnaire. If you require a special diet, please make note of this on your application where indicated. We will make every effort to provide options to those who are medically required to follow special diets. Special diet options such as Gluten Free, will be provided only when medically indicated by your physician. Vegetarian options are provided at every meat meal for participants who sign up for vegetarian food before the program.

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C. Medical Care & Health Insurance

All participants will be enrolled in a general medical service program. This coverage is only from the time of the group's arrival in Israel until the time of the group's departure from Israel, and does not cover certain medical conditions, including problems which existed prior to arrival or which result from conditions existing prior to arrival. Medical insurance from home should be continued. Participants should bring identification cards from any health insurance program to which they belong.

Ramah‟s medical plan includes all of the services and advantages of the standard HMO type plan in Israel. We have a nurse or medic at our base 24 hours a day and also receive regular visits by our medical plan physicians as well as our consulting physician. However, any necessary referrals will be made to outstanding private physicians (including a wide range of specialists) as part of the health plan.

We also note that the medical coverage will begin on the day that the group flight is due to arrive in Israel/Europe (June 28 for most participants; June 19 for Poland) until the day that the group flight leaves in August. Parents should be sure to make arrangements for alternative medical insurance for those participants who arrive in Israel earlier, or stay later, than the group flights. We regret that we cannot make such extensions on our group plan.

D. No Smoking Policy

Ramah frowns upon smoking in all circumstances, for reasons of health and Jewish law. Therefore, smoking is strictly forbidden during all activities and in all program facilities and bases of the Seminar program, including during free time. Seminar participants should be aware that there will be no tolerance of cigarette smoking during the week in Europe and the six weeks in Israel, even with parental approval.

NOTE: The possession and/or use of a hookah or nargilah are forbidden during the Seminar program; these items may not be purchased while in Israel and if found, will be confiscated by Seminar staff.

E. Security

Please refer to our latest security guidelines on our web site at www.ramah.org.il/seminar

We understand the concern of participants and parents regarding security in Israel. We will continue to follow the long term policies we have always adhered to and assure you of the following:

1. All of our trips follow the security regulations designed by the Ministries of Defense, Education, Tourism, and Police Department, which are confirmed daily. We are included within the itinerary approval mechanisms of the Ministry of Education and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, and adhere scrupulously to all instructions and precautionary measures recommended by these organizations.

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2. Our bases are under 24-hour security surveillance. In addition, we explain the security situation to all of the participants at the beginning of the summer, and advise them of the precautions they should take even in the most unexpected circumstances.

3. As of this date, there will be no unstructured, unsupervised free time off of the program bases during the Seminar program. While there will be free time on the bases and also more informal opportunities for exploring Israel (e.g. shopping), participants will be under staff supervision. (Except for Host Shabbat).

4. It is relevant to note that the security measures we have taken have resulted in a safe record over the past 64 years. If the situation warrants, we will not hesitate to implement even stricter rules and procedures. Whatever precautions are taken, we hope to continue to visit and enjoy all of Israel.

5. We reiterate our commitment to constant re-evaluations of the security situation. We will, when and if necessary, make whatever alternate arrangements are necessary in order to ensure the wellbeing of all our participants.

SAFETY IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY AT ALL TIMES.

F. Statement on Standards and Procedures

With your Seminar application, applicants and parents/guardians were asked to sign an Authorization confirming that you reviewed the Statement about your commitment to abide by the basic behavioral rules of the Seminar (& Poland Seminar). We cannot stress enough how serious we are about our expectations with regard to your compliance with all those rules. We will not hesitate to curtail or terminate your participation in the Seminar if you violate those rules. In case you don‟t remember precisely what those rules are, we provide a brief summary of the major sections:

● Whereabouts: We must know where you are at all times. No venturing into areas which are stipulated as being off limits (e.g., being unaccompanied in the Old City of Jerusalem). No staying in hotels or hostels unless supervised by an adult. ● Drugs and Alcohol: Purchase, possession, or consumption will result in being sent home. ● Religious Norms and Attendance: Complete attendance in the Seminar programs expected. Adherence to all religious policies, including keeping kosher, wearing kipa and tefillin during tefillot (for boys), Shabbat observance, etc. ● Social Norms: Vandalism, thefts, shoplifting, and the like, will result in being sent home. No intimate sexual behavior. ● Ear/Body Piercing, Tattooing and Branding during the course of the Seminar are all forbidden. ● Smoking: is not permitted at all on Seminar and during the Poland Seminar.

Important Note: At the conclusion of Ramah Seminar, every Ramah camp director receives a detailed evaluation of each participant from their camp who participated in the program. These evaluations are used to determine the suitability of candidates for future opportunities and employment in camp. 24

G. Termination of Participation Please note the following policies concerning termination of participation in the program during the summer:

If participation is terminated for unforeseen and unavoidable cause (e.g., unexpected health problem), or for foreseen or avoidable cause (e.g., health problem of which Ramah was not advised) the flight home will be arranged immediately with additional costs incurred thereby being the responsibility of the family involved, and with a refund of tuition fees only in the amount of per diem sums actually saved as a result of termination of program participation (approximately $35. per day). If termination is for behavior which prevents continued participation in the program, the flight home will be arranged immediately, with additional costs incurred thereby being the responsibility of the family involved, and with NO refund of tuition fees, as per the Statement of Standards and Procedures, signed by all participants and parents/guardians. Ramah will try to communicate prior warning of consideration of expulsion both to the participant and to his/her parents, though prior warning will not necessarily be communicated in any cases judged by Ramah to be an extreme deviation from the Seminar norms (e.g., use of alcohol or drugs). Ramah will be the exclusive determinant in judging the necessity for, and the nature of, termination of participation in the program.

H. Emergency Scenarios We ask that all parents consider the following scenarios and prepare accordingly:

a. There have been occasions when a Seminar parent is asked to travel to Israel for the well- being of a Seminar participant. This could be a medical or emotional emergency. Please be certain that parent/guardian passports are current and in your possession (not in a bank‟s safety deposit box, for example) during the time that your child is in Israel. b. There have been occasions when a Seminar participant must leave the program for a period of time, for medical or personal reasons. Please consider and consult with your friends and family in Israel to determine that they would be available and willing to assume responsibility for your child if such a situation arises. c. If parents are planning a vacation during the Seminar program, it is critical that you provide us with all of the information about the dates, itinerary, and telephone contact numbers. The emergency contacts that you have designated (whether in North America or Israel) must be available to Seminar staff during the times that parents are away. If the emergency contacts that you have listed on your Seminar application form are not going to be available during the entire Seminar program, please provide with alternative emergency contacts when you send us the information about your travel plans. d. If a Seminar participant must be hospitalized, s/he will be accompanied by a Seminar staff person at all times. If the duration of a hospital stay is prolonged (longer than 3 days/2 nights) , Seminar parents may be asked to come to Israel or authorize the adult supervision of family/friends in Israel.

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VI. BACKGROUND: Life in Ramah Seminar

A. Staff and Organizational Structure

THE RAMAH PROGRAMS IN ISRAEL, which include the Ramah Israel Seminar, the Ramah Israel Institute, Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim (TRY), USY High, and many other projects, are directed by Mr. Meir Hoyzman. Rabbi Ed Snitkoff is the director of Ramah Seminar. The directors reside permanently in Israel. Also working with the directors are administrative staff, educational advisors, a guidance counselor/parent liaison, and medical staff who supervise all activities and assure the smooth functioning of the Seminar throughout the summer.

As mentioned above, kvutzot (bus groups) are the basic organizational and educational units of the Seminar, comprised of an average of 40 participants. Each kvutza is staffed by five staff members who come from a variety of backgrounds (including Israelis, North Americans, and those from other English speaking countries; some with Ramah camping experience, others with counseling experience from other frameworks). The tzevet (staff) form a team possessing a broad range of skills and knowledge (such as: guiding experience in Israel, Jewish history, Israeli music and dance, tefilla skills, and the like). The tzevet accompany the kvutza throughout the summer and have direct responsibility for carrying out the integrated educational program and caring for the individual needs of the hanichim.

The five kvutza staff members are: ● The Rosh Kvutza (group leader) is the supervisor of the staff and hanichim, and is responsible for the overall vision and functioning of the kvutza, including the educational program, logistics, and group and individual needs. ● The Mehanech/et (tour educator) works in coordination with the Rosh Kvutza, and is responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and executing the content of the program in the field, using specific sites and sources to present the daily theme, in the context of the broader themes of Seminar. ● The three Madrichim (counselors) are primarily responsible for the personal well- being of the hanichim. These madrichim serve as role models and take an important role in the informal educational aspects of the program, including planning tefillot, peulot erev, and Shabbat activities.

Kvutzot are usually made up of participants from two or more Ramah camps. In this way Seminar participants will be with some of the people they know from their own camp, yet you also have the opportunity to get to know new people from other camps as well.

Usually the campers from a given Ramah camp are divided among two to three different kvutzot, within the same division (known as a Hativa). Although each kvutza has a different program for each day, the Hativa has the same general base schedule. Thus, the 3 kvutzot will be based together in Jerusalem, up North, during „closed‟ Shabbatot, and in the Negev. Within the hativa, participants from one kvutza can arrange to see friends from another kvutza during common free time. There are also "choice days" during the summer, when participants from one kvutza can choose to do activities with friends from other kvutzot. The Host Shabbat weekend will take place at the same time for the entire Seminar. The ETGAR and ISRAEL UNWRAPPED programs mix participants from all the different Ramah camps for the three or four day duration.

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B. Room Assignments

Each of the buildings at our two bases (Goldstein Youth Village in Jerusalem; Hodayot Youth Village in the north) is divided into a series of rooms housing 3 to 6 people. When you arrive at your base for the first time you will probably find that the staff will have preassigned you to a room, each room housing participants from 2 or 3 different Ramah camps. We have found this to be the best way for people to get to know each other and for the group to meld. Of course you will still be in close proximity to your friends from camp. Our participants from previous summers have expressed great satisfaction with this arrangement and have recommended that we continue with it this summer.

C. Itinerary / Educational Program The Ramah Seminar program is the result of decades of careful planning, field testing and revision. In the Ramah Seminar we attempt to integrate fully the formal and informal learning experiences so that our two primary goals - studying and experiencing Israel - enhance one another rather than conflict. The subject matter of the Seminar is Israel, in all its aspects.

Concentrating on contemporary developments and problems, we seek to understand them in light of Jewish history and in light of the various visions of what Israel might be. Our purpose, however, is personal rather than merely academic, and you will constantly be encouraged to judge your own reactions and understanding of Israel as part of Jewish history, in light of those of other Jews from Israel and other countries.

The daily Seminar schedule combines elements of formal study (religious as well as historical and modern texts) as well as informal methods of guiding and teaching. The array of creative and interactive programs are designed to inspire participants to broaden your knowledge base, to think, to take „notice‟ of Israel, to use your Hebrew, and to develop your Jewish and individual identities. Like Camp Ramah, the Ramah Seminar is committed to creativity, learning, and to the Jewish and personal growth of each individual.

The Seminar program is divided into six (two to four-day) units, in which each unit is based on a specific theme (for example: The Dream and Reality of Israel, The Spirituality of the Desert). Each thematic unit includes: an introduction, visits to sites and study of texts relevant to the theme, informal Hebrew workshops, and interactions with “real people” representing Israeli society. Most units also include hikes, swimming, or some outdoor adventure activity. Within each unit, there will be time will be set aside for discussion, reflection, and “processing” of the personal relevance of the theme to the individual Seminar participant. Evening activities, special tefillah experiences, and Shabbat programming will also be related to the themes of each unit.

D. Religious Atmosphere and Practices The Ramah Programs in Israel are committed to a religious lifestyle, which parallels the religious community of Camp Ramah. Seminar and Israel offer a wonderful opportunity for participants to explore, learn, and experience aspects of a vibrant, religious life they may have never been exposed to.

As part of Seminar, hanichim will be observing the laws of Shabbat and Kashrut, as determined by the Rabbinic authorities in the Conservative Movement. Attendance on the 27

Seminar program constitutes agreement to adhere to these rules. These include a number of regulations, which we encourage participants to become familiar with prior to the summer. To be clear, these guidelines apply AT ALL TIMES during the summer, to and from Israel, during free time and the Host Shabbat.

One of the special aspects of the Ramah Seminar in Israel is that you will be meeting people from different Ramah camps who come from various Jewish communities throughout North America. As customs, melodies, and procedures regarding Tefillot (prayer services) differ from camp to camp (and within each camp) the Seminar offers a wonderful opportunity for you to learn from each other and to partake in a variety of prayer experiences.

Mandatory tefillot (prayer services) are held three times a day. This reflects the general Ramah framework of teaching tefilla as a religious obligation incumbent upon everyone above bar/ bat mitzvah age. Since the schedule of the Seminar varies greatly from day to day, shaharit (morning service) and minha (afternoon service) are usually "davened" (prayed) as a kvutza/bus group. Often this will occur out in the field at appropriate sites (such as at the ruins of an ancient synagogue or in a beautiful spot in nature). The weekday arvit (evening) service will be held at the bases (Goldstein – Jerusalem, Hodayot – up North) every night.

In order to help those for whom the flow of the daily tefillot is somewhat foreign, learning opportunities will be available to gain greater familiarity with the siddur and customs.

Our staff is very sensitive to the fact that there are variations in customs and styles of services from camp to camp, and even within each camp. Egalitarian (where females may take all leadership roles in the service), Torah-egalitarian (where females have some, but not all honors in the service), and non-Egalitarian (where only males read from the Torah/have aliyot and lead all obligatory parts of the service) options may be available at different times throughout the summer. You will have opportunities during the summer to lead services, according to the style you prefer. Frequently, however, there will only be one service for the kvutza or even for the whole Seminar (e.g., some Friday evenings). In such cases, it will be impossible to satisfy everyone's taste or approach. We ask that you be patient and understanding in such circumstances, being assured that you will have the opportunity to pray in the style that you prefer on other occasions. Please be aware that options will NOT be available every day on Seminar as they are in some Ramah camps.

The Seminar staff is prepared to discuss the educational implications of these policies with each kvutza. The success of the Tefillot during the Seminar as with any other aspect of the program is dependent on the cooperation and patience of everyone involved. It is our hope that in the spirit of pluralism, and of authentic grappling with the Tradition, the religious sensitivities of all participants will be tolerated and accommodated.

Note: when subdividing the kvutza into different minyanim is deemed impractical for the group, the person who is chosen to be the hazzan/it for a given service will determine whether the service is "egalitarian" or "nonegalitarian."

E. The Hebrew Challenge Transmitting Hebrew to hanichim continuously challenges us as we reevaluate and build the Seminar program. As holding formal classes or an ulpan does not suit our program or goals, we attempt to integrate Hebrew in the informal approach of Seminar education. We approach Hebrew not as one theme to be addressed during one day, or as one program, but rather as a 28 continuous backdrop to the entire Seminar program. That includes casual conversation, directions, site programs and activities, signs, music, and so on. Several times a week, we will offer a Pinat Ivrit, which is a brief Hebrew workshop appropriate to the theme of the day. We will encourage you to take advantage of the Hebrew speaking opportunities throughout your structured time within the kvutza, „hanging out‟ time on the bases or around Israel and with your relatives and friends on the Host Shabbat.

Speak Hebrew! Use every opportunity in – !!דבר / דברי עברית :Our basic message to you is Israel to speak Hebrew, even if you feel like you will sound silly or awkward. Speak to your madrichim and fellow Seminarniks in Hebrew, as well as to the felafel salesman and the bus driver. Yes, most people will respond to you in English, but don’t give up! From our experiences, those hanichim who have made the effort to use their Hebrew have found, that after a few rough starts, they began to improve and learn. It‟s all up to you.

To give yourself a head start, if you are not currently studying Hebrew language, find a Hebrew phrase book, or conversational Hebrew text-book, and begin drilling yourself on basic conversational situations: asking directions (especially to the closest restroom), buying items in a store, starting up a conversation with someone new, talking about where you‟re from, asking about sports or other interests, etc.

F. The Journey to the Negev Desert

Seminar offers an expanded Negev tiyul, which will include six nights and seven days of “wandering in the desert”. This exciting southern excursion will include extensive hiking, a kibbutz experience, a group Shabbat in a Negev community, interaction with modern pioneers of the desert, and desert adventure. Seminar‟s approach to the week-long southern tiyul will use the desert as a backdrop for exploring our Jewish roots and for personal and spiritual reflection.

G. FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about Seminar

Based on our experiences with orientation sessions about the Seminar, we present the following set of questions-and-answers. Some questions are posed in the voice of parents; most from the standpoint of the Seminar participants. If you have other questions about the nature of the program, please address them to the New York office (see section IV-D above).

1. “In what ways is the Seminar like camp, and how is it different?” While it is very hard to describe any experience without actually going through it (let alone a place like the State of Israel!), The following should help clarify some of the key issues.

There are many aspects of Seminar which carry-over from the Ramah camping experience: a. As in camp, we try to provide you with a vibrant, Conservative religious framework where living Jewishly comes second-nature. The tefillot, Shabbat atmosphere, and emphasis on Jewish ethical behavior (mitzvot ben adam lchavero) which were present at camp all are present in the Seminar.

29 b. We strive for excellence in our formal and informal programming which are the benchmarks of the Ramah experience. Rather than throwing together an itinerary of disparate tours and activities, every day of the Seminar program is carefully thought-out against the back-drop of our educational goals. When you look back at your camping experience, it all seems to “fit together.” That’s the way we want you to feel about your experience in Israel. c. You will be experiencing Israel with people who, like yourself, have spent one, two or many summers at a Ramah camp. Despite differences among the Ramah camps there is a distinct common denominator (mechaneh meshutaf) among all Ramah camp alumni. Moreover, some of your Seminar madrichim will have come up through the Ramah ranks and know very well what the Ramah experience is all about. d. As at camp, we encourage you to speak Hebrew whenever possible (though most guiding and discussions are in English). Although we don‟t have shiurim b’Ivrit (Hebrew lessons) like at camp, several days a week there will be a brief workshop focusing on Hebrew related to the theme of the day, or giving you tips for using your Hebrew as you experience Israel from day to day.

There are many other similarities between Camp Ramah and Ramah Seminar; however, it will help enhance your Israel experience by anticipating the differences between the two. Here are just a few examples:

e. Israel is not a "camp." Sounds logical, right? But many people come on Seminar expecting to see almost a replica of their Ramah camp in Israel, and are disappointed to find that it's not there! By definition we are always moving around. The Ramah Seminar is not located in a campsite (though we have our home-bases at the Goldstein Youth Village in Jerusalem and Hodayot in the north); rather it is set in a complete, old/new society and country called "the State of Israel!" Our kikar is the Galilee; our waterfront the Med, Red, Dead and Kinneret Seas; our sports fields are places like the Judean and Negev Deserts; our hanutiya is every corner kiosk, the soldiers of the IDF serve as our shomrim, and the local “townspeople” are almost all Jewish! f. Although you will find you have a lot in common with the other participants (see “c” above), remember that Seminarniks come from no less than seven different Ramah camps. Each camp has its own history, t-shirts, traditions, songs, in-jokes, melodies and approaches to prayer, and ways of doing things. Of course, one of the great aspects of Seminar is to explore Israel with the buddies you‟ve bonded with every summer. Keep in mind, however, that this is one of the few opportunities to get to know such an array of Ramah campers, it is crucial that you come with an open mind to learn about, and appreciate, the subtle (and not-so-subtle) differences among the camps.

g. The pace and scheduling of the Seminar is very different from camp. We have no perek alef or perek bet…. No two days look alike. In fact, every day of the Seminar could be compared to a Yom Meyuchad at camp! We get up at different times (usually very early), daven in different kinds of minyanim, eat different kinds of food (remember, be open to new experiences!) and then head out on the bus for vistas and sites which change from day to day. This fast and every-changing pace is both very exciting and disconcerting at the same time. It takes getting used to.

h. Finally, we‟re bringing you here to see Israel as it really is: with all its beauty and goodness, as well as with its challenges. We want you to see that being Jewish in Israel is not more or less than being Jewish in North America -- or at Camp Ramah...it's DIFFERENT! While we try to create a Ramah-like atmosphere at our bases and within our groups, we cannot control or program everything that goes on outside. (Even our bases are not for our exclusive use; there may be others present whose customs or rules may differ from Ramah's.)

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Much of what you find in Israel will match or surpass your expectations -- but there may be many aspects of Israeli society which you might find disappointing. Our counseling staff is there to help you make sense out of everything you see and learn.

2. "OK, So every day is different. But what would a typical day look like?"

The daily schedule will vary depending on where we're based (Jerusalem, North, Negev) and the particular program for that day. To give you an idea, let us run through a typical day when we are based in Jerusalem. (We use a 24 hour clock system, as in Israel; for "PM" times, simply subtract 12):

06:15-(yawn!) Kimah - Wake-up 07:00-Tefillot - Services 07:45-Aruhat Boker - Breakfast (buffet style - often after breakfast we pack our lunches to eat while we're on the road). 08:30 - Bus leaves for the day's tiyul/field trip. (Most days combine sightseeing with discussions, meetings with people, some kind of game or role-playing, just-for-fun activities, etc.) 13:30-Aruhat Zohorayim - Lunch (if we eat back at the base; time may vary if we‟re eating in the field). 14:00-Continue the day's program (some days will offer a chance for free time, on or off the base) 18:00- Return to the base for Aruchat Erev - Dinner. 20:00- Peulat Erev - Evening program (for example, a game or discussion, or an introduction to the next day's activity followed by committee meetings, etc.). After that, some free time at the base. 22:30-Curfew meeting and time to be back in the dorm. This is an approximate time, however, if your group is getting up extra early for their program the next day, curfew may be set for an earlier time.

23:00 (usually) in-room curfew

3. "Won't I feel 'out of it' spending six weeks in a foreign culture?"

Much of what goes on in Israel and in the Seminar will be familiar: You'll know many of the other participants from camp or other contexts, you'll hear a lot of English particularly in Jerusalem (but don't lose out on the opportunity to put your Hebrew to practice!), and you'll hear the latest songs from North America and Europe on Israeli radio.

But there definitely will be things which are different: the diet, while on a high standard for Israeli institutional food, is – well - different! (O.K., so maybe you're not used to cucumbers and tomatoes for breakfast -- it's what people eat here. But Ramah throws in some Cornflakes on many mornings). The customs and mentality of the people on the street may also be strange to you. Behavior that seems to you to be rude may be perfectly acceptable in Israeli society. When you go to different synagogues in Jerusalem you will find customs which are not only strange but which may make you uncomfortable. Similarly when you go off on your Host Shabbat you just might find that your hosts (even if they're your own relatives) will have a way of observing Shabbat or Kashrut which is not the way you observe at home nor the way we observe at Ramah.

The key to getting the most out of the Seminar is to come with an open mind....and heart. While we all have our preconceptions (and sometimes MISconceptions) about Israel before the trip, try to leave them behind. Accept the people (in all their variety), food, customs, manners, language, sights, colors and odors...for what they are. Experience everything for what it's worth; don't let the differences alone keep you from learning. Much of the time you'll feel right at home. At those times when you just feel out of it, think of yourself as an anthropologist coming to learn everything you can about this "exotic" and exciting culture.

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4. " Will I be with my own kvutza (bus-group) all the time, or will I get to be with kids from other kvutzot?"

As explained above, since you will be staying at the same base as the other participants in the hativa (division of two - three kvutzot) you will have an opportunity to spend time with friends from your camp in other kvutzot, and get to know others outside your kvutza. Some of those times are free time at the base (on some late afternoons or evenings), free time on the base on Shabbat, Seminar- wide activities at the base, and so on. While you shouldn't expect to become good friends with all the other 300 teen-agers, you will be able to meet people from all over North America.

5. "Suppose I get along OK with my madrichim, but I have a personal problem that I really don't want to discuss with them…”

We are very fortunate to have on our staff two professional guidance counselors. They are available for consultation: to discuss problems with or simply just to talk to. You can approach your yo‟etz/et directly and s/he will reassure you of confidentiality. Parents can similarly feel free to contact him/her within any concerns they have.

6. "How much free time is there? I want to be sure I have time for myself, but what is there to do?" We've found that some people can't get enough free time; others would rather be programmed all day long. Your madrichim will be giving you all kinds of ideas of how to use unscheduled time, be it a couple of hours at the base, or a block of time at the end of a tiyul day.

For your information, the Goldstein Youth Village (the hava) has a swimming pool which is available during afternoon hours - when there is sometimes free time in the schedule, and on Shabbat. The hava also has several basketball courts and a tennis court. Ramah has some sports equipment which may be signed-out (basketballs, Frisbees); however, we do not have tennis rackets. At our base in the North, Hodayot, there is a swimming pool which will be available to us on a regular basis (except on Shabbat). They also have some limited sports facilities.

7. "As parents, we're a little concerned about sending our children so far away from home. We know they'll be safe and secure, but does the staff provide adequate supervision at all times?" Our counselors (all of whom are in at least their early or mid-20's) are thoroughly trained in looking out for all areas of the welfare of the participants, from security and health matters to just helping them have a good time. Besides having an effective participant-staff ratio (approximately 1 - 10) for all scheduled activities, we have developed an intricate system of establishing staff presence during unscheduled time. (See under “Security”, section V-D).

HOWEVER...having said all the above, it must be pointed out that it is not possible, let alone appropriate, for our staff actually to be with and directly supervise our participants 100% of the time 24 hours a day. At age 16 - 17 your teens are used to having - and certainly deserve - a minimum of independence without someone looking over their shoulders. To help the participants use their independence and free time wisely, we give them (on their very first day) a full orientation to our rules and procedures with regard to health, safety and security. Ultimately, however, it is up to the PARTICIPANTS as to how they will act -- both in the presence of the staff and on their own. Much depends on the trust which has been established between YOU and your growing children and the trust which we attempt to establish with them for the short time that they are here.

8. "How serious is Ramah about the 'Statement on Procedures and Standards' which my parents and I signed? Wasn’t that just a formality?" 32

The Statement on Standards and Procedures that both YOU, the participant, and your parents signed (see section V-E) is taken very seriously by our staff. We simply cannot run the educational program of the Seminar without minimal adherence to our basic rules of behavior -- from conforming to religious norms to abstaining from that which is prohibited (drinking alcohol, staying unsupervised in hotels, etc.). We don't intend to "breathe down your necks," and we go under the basic assumption and trust that you will follow our rules. However, we will not hesitate to enforce the rules which you yourself have agreed in writing to follow.

Our staff in Israel and in North America does not work hard to bring you to Israel just to look for the chance to send you home. Nothing pains us more than to prevent a fellow Jew from experiencing the wonder of Israel. However, for the benefit of all concerned we must take necessary measures to assure the integrity of the program and - most important - the health and safety of our participants.

9. "With all our moving around, I’m afraid that my personal things are going to get lost. What can I do about it?" To begin with: Don't bring anything of great monetary or sentimental value. Unfortunately our participants have fallen victim to damages, petty thefts, pick-pocketing, and of course simple misplacements or "I think I left my camera on the cab...but don't worry, I remember the taxi driver was an Israeli.…" Instead of a fancy camera with all the attachments, a simple camera will do nicely, and there won't be the heartache if something should happen to it. The same goes for jewelry, disc players, sunglasses, etc. The rule is, if you will be heartbroken if you can't bring a given item back home with you, consider leaving it at home in the first place.

Similarly, regarding money: avoid bringing cash except for a small amount you may need in the airport.

H. Preparation: Intellectual and Personal

Many participants have asked how to prepare for SEMINAR 2017. One obvious suggestion is to speak to people from your community or camp who were on the Seminar in the immediate past. Other than that, our best recommendation is to read. Virtually any book on Israeli history or society – fiction or non-fiction – would be helpful in “psyching yourself up” for the Seminar experience. Below is a short, suggested reading list to choose from. You might want to explore other titles by visiting your local synagogue, Jewish community library or local Jewish book store. You also might try looking at the lists under Israel/Judaism on the Web.

The list is not meant to be comprehensive. Certainly you could add other volumes that you would consider important, including writings of recent leaders of Israel (Abba Eban, Moshe Dayan) and the like. More important than the specific volume read is the attempt to deepen the summer experience through reading.

Any addition to your personal background about Israel prior to your arrival will add immensely to your summer experiences. We also encourage you to bring along a book or two to read while your in Israel. We have been told by Seminarniks that reading Exodus or The Source while traveling in Israel can enhance your experience greatly.

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Surf Israel-

Another way of preparing yourself for the Seminar is to surf the Web for all kinds of sites on Israel. The Foreign Ministry of the Israel Government has a rather extensive site on a variety of different topics related to the country, the government and society: www.mfa.gov.il. You may also want to check the Websites for the Jerusalem Post, www.jpost.co.il, and Haaretz, www.haaretz.com for articles about the developments of the here-and-now about Israel.

Another Site we recommend is the Makom Israel Site, a Jewish Agency department that is trying to reframe the way American Jews view Israel. www.makomisrael.org

We will be sending you new ideas throughout the rest of the year. If you have any ideas, please share them with us.

BASIC GEOGRAPHY Finally, we also encourage you to familiarize yourself with the map and geography of Israel, especially regarding the places you will be visiting on Seminar. Following is a list of geographic areas, cities and sites that we will be visiting or at least mentioning during the Seminar. You can use a map or guidebook to do this, but it great fun to download Google Earth and focus in on Israel for a bird‟s eye preview of this summer‟s landscapes.

Jerusalem Mediterranean Sea Negev Mt. Gilboa Tel Aviv Dead Sea Sharon Mt. Carmel Jaffa (Yafo) Sea of Kinneret Upper Galilee Mt. Meiron Haifa Red Sea Lower Galiee Mt. Hermon Eilat Jordan River Galilee Panhandle Ramon Crater(Makhtesh) Tiberias National Water Carrier Golan Heights Eilat Mountains Gush Etzion Hula Lake “The Green Line” Mt. Tabor Mamsheet Ein Gedi springs Judea Jerusalem Corridor Masada Yarkon River Samaria Mt Arbel Hodayot Ein Ovdat Judean Desert Negev Highlands (by Kibbutz Lavi) Katzrin Nahal Arugot Jezreel Valley Nahal Kisui Mt Tzfahot Banias Coastal Plain Zfat (Safed, Tsfat) Bar Kochba Caves Shfela (lowlands) Mareisha (or Marisa) Haifa Judean Mountains Bet Guvrin Tel Dan Arab Israelis in the Galilee Zippori (Sepphoris) Nahal Yagur The Bedouins

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Below is a link to a Geography game from the JNF (Jewish National Fund) that is particularly good. You must match parts of the country to the map. Try it!

It is in Hebrew, so you can practice two things at once: http://www.greenwin.kkl.org.il/contests/Erez_Ir_game030406.swf

I. Suggested Reading List Here is a suggested list which will hopefully provide a background to deepen and intensify the summer experience. Most of the suggested books are available in paperback.

Alan Dershowitz, The Case for Israel, 2003. Alan Dershowitz, The Case for Peace: How the Arab-Israeli Conflict Can be Resolved , 2006

Amos Elon, The Israelis: Founders and Sons, Bantam Books 1972 (Covering several of Israel‟s basic concerns, in terms of the dreams of the founding generations and the problems faced by Israelis today .

Daniel Gordis, If a Place Can Make You Cry: Dispatches from an Anxious State, 2002

Chaim Herzog, The Arab-Israeli Wars: War and Peace in the Middle East, Random House, New York, 1984. (Paperback; thorough and captivating military history of Israel from the War of Independence, 1948, through the “Peace for the Galilee” Campaign [the War in Lebanon], 1982).

David Horovitz, Still Life with Bombers: Israel in the Age of Terrorism, 2004.

Lapierre and Collins, O Jerusalem, Pocket Books, 1972 (Existing coverage of the fighting around and in Jerusalem in 1948).

Walter Laquer, A History of Zionism: From the French Revolution to the Establishment of the State of Israel, 2003

Golda Meir, My Life, Putnam, 1975 (Autobiography of one of Israel‟s most colorful, important and fascinating leaders).

James Michener, The Source, Fawcett Crest, New York, 1965 (A long novel, primarily a collection of short stories based on the archaeology of the Land of Israel).

Self Portrait of a Hero: The Letters of Jonathan Netanyahu, Ballantine Books, 1980 (The collected letters of the hero of the raid on Entebbe, from age 17 to his death at the age of 30).

Joan Peters, From Time Immemorial: The Origins of the Arab-Jewish Conflict over Palestine, 2001

Donna Rosenthal, The Israelis: Ordinary People in a Extraordinary Land, Free Press, 2003.

Tom Segev, One Palestine, Complete: Jews and Arabs Under the British Mandate, 2001

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Robert Slater, Rabin of Israel: Warrior for Peace, Harper Mass Market Paperback, 1996. (Thoroughly researched, journalistic exploration of the Yitzhak Rabin: the man, statesman and soldier. Cover the assassination and aftermath.)

Gil Troy, Why I Am a Zionist: Israel, Jewish Identity and the Challenges of Today, Updated Edition, 2006

Leon Uris, Exodus, Doubleday, Garden City, NY, 1958. Paperback: Bantam Books, 1989. (The classic novel cover the period from “illegal immigration” and the Jewish underground armies during the British Mandate, through the creation of the State. Probably the best known novel about Israel‟s beginnings.) Shavit, Ari My Promised Land ,

You can also visit the MakomIsrael site to access excellent materials and sources about Israel and Israeli culture. http://makomisrael.org/

J. Ramah Israel: The Whole Picture

At Ramah Israel we are involved in year-round programming for every member of the family. Approaching Israel as a dynamic arena in which various expressions of Judaism vie with one another, we engage our participants in both intellectual and experiential exploration of the Jewish tradition against the backdrop of Jewish statehood. In doing so we encourage the development of a personal understanding of one's Jewishness and an individually meaningful relationship to Israel and the Jewish people. Ramah Israel provides Israel programming for the Ramah camps in North America, as well as working with a broad range of Jewish schools, agencies for Jewish education, and Jewish communities in creating Israel programs specific to local needs.

In addition to Ramah Seminar in Israel, Ramah Israel currently operates the following programs:

Machon Ramah (Ramah Israel Institute) - Custom designed 2-3 week Israel programs developed in conjunction with local rabbis and educators for families, adult groups, Bar / Bat Mitzvah pilgrimages, and study-tours from day schools;

Jerusalem Day Camp - Summer sessions for English speaking children from abroad and Israeli children, including a unique program for those with special needs;

Staff Preparation - Mishlahat - Selection and training of dozens of Israelis traveling each year to North America as part of the delegation integrated in to the staffs of Ramah camps, bringing campers into personal contact with Israelis.

Ramah Jerusalem High School – Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim (TRY ) - Fully accredited semester-long high school program for sophomores, juniors and seniors; comprehensive general studies curriculum plus an enriched experiential course of Israel, Judaic and Hebrew studies such as is possible only in Jerusalem. February – June.

TRYQUARTER – 8 week academic and experiential program for high school juniors and seniors. Includes an intensive enriched experiential course of Israel and fully accredited general studies. Ramah-flavor observance of Jewish ritual, tefilla, and shabbat. February – March.

להתראות בסמינר רמה בישראל !!!!

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RAMAH POLAND SEMINAR 2017 INFORMATION and GUIDELINES

I. FLIGHTS AND AIRPORT PROCEDURES See pages 7 - 8 above with regard to flights, airport procedures and baggage charges.

II. BAGGAGE

WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU BRING ONE PIECE OF LUGGAGE FOR POLAND AND ISRAEL, FULLY UTILIZING YOUR CARRY ON AND ADDITIONAL PERSONAL ITEM. Remember that the airlines will charge for the second bag on international flights. If you decide to bring a second bag to check-in, you must inform us by May 15.

III. CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

Your choice of clothing for the Poland Seminar should reflect the mood and importance of this very special journey. .

A clothing list for Seminar and Poland can be found on page 9. We suggest that you check the weather in Poland online in the week before departure to get a sense of what the forecast is. Please remember that the weather in Poland during this season is volatile. It can storm and it can also be very sunny and warm. Please be prepared for a wide range of weather possibilities, and do not forget insect repellent.

(Remember that laundry service will be available in Israel within the first two days of arrival)

Modest, appropriate dress: Girls should be sure to bring skirts which are knee-length and shirts which are elbow length. No tank tops, sleeveless tops, exposed tops, or other immodestly designed blouses are permitted on the Poland Seminar. On all occasions, girls will wear long pants or long skirts, not shorts.

FOOD ITEMS Most of the food provided on the Poland Seminar is pre-cooked and frozen kosher food, which is imported to Poland. There are also a small number of local caterers that we use. It will not be easy to find kosher snack food in Poland for the long bus rides. Ramah will provide bottled mineral water at all times on the bus. We will also provide some cookies, crackers, and candies from Israel and the U.S.

We suggest that you take along some of your favorite snacks and high energy foods (be sure all have kashrut certification). dried fruit (raisins, etc.), instant cocoa/tea/coffee nuts, granola bars, fruit roll-ups, instant soup packets mini cereal boxes hard candies, gum peanut butter (plastic container) & crackers

Money matters: For incidental expenses and emergency purposes we suggest bringing about $20. - 75. in cash. You shouldn't have to spend all of it. It is helpful to have $5.-10. worth in single bills. We discourage purchasing gifts while in Poland. Do not count on using ATMs in Poland. 37

JOURNAL It is advised that you bring a notebook to serve as a journal. Also bring extra pens and paper. If you like to draw, bring sketching paper and pencils.

IV. HOTELS, ITINERARY AND EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS This list will be provided in our June mailing.

Cell phones or use of smart devices are not permitted on the Poland Seminar.

V. BUS DIVISION There will be three Poland Seminar buses. A Bus Request Form for the Poland Seminar is available on line.

Although the three groups will be following parallel programs and doing some activities together (especially on Shabbat), each group will operate independently, and will stay in separate hotels. Please note that you will be assigned to the same bus throughout the Poland Seminar. Two or three participants will be housed per room in the different hotels. Hotel rooms will be assigned by the Poland Seminar staff.

VI. OPTIONAL PERSONAL PRESENTATIONS IN POLAND (Assignment Three) As you know, everyone is required to complete two Poland assignments as outlined in the Seminar application page. Every participant is also given the opportunity to prepare a brief outline on a topic of interest to you that relates to the themes of the Poland Seminar. If you have not already done so, please send in one paragraph with a proposal of your topic ([email protected]) by April 15th. This outline will be approved by the Poland educational team. We encourage everyone to do this.

Please plan an interesting talk of about five minutes. Our experience has shown that an investment of an hour or two of research will be sufficient to prepare a short, interactive presentation on your subject. Please include: why you chose this topic and what you gained from the research. We suggest that you photocopy relevant articles or selections, in order to be able to review the material in transit or in Poland. If you are telling a personal story, please try and bring pictures or other artifacts to enrich the biography. You will have a chance to review your topic with a staff member before your presentation

Please try and bring the following information with you to Poland: the name/s of family or friends who perished in the Shoah, including their Hebrew name and parents names, their place of birth, and age and circumstances of death. It will be very meaningful to share this information in Poland.

VII. HEALTH ISSUES Ramah is arranging for all participants to have complete medical coverage beginning with the Poland Seminar and of course throughout the six-week Israel Seminar. To be on the safe side, participants should have with them proof of medical coverage in North America. Please send your completed Medical Form to the New York office by March 31. Our staff will need to review it in order to be completely prepared for the pre-Seminar experience. 38

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you may want to carry a spare in case of loss or damage. Take your lens prescription with you. If you are using a prescription medicine or special cosmetic, take an adequate supply to last the entire summer. Be sure the medicine is clearly marked with your pharmacist‟s labels and doctor‟s instructions and keep it in your HAND luggage (not your suitcases) for easy access. Unless you request otherwise, you will hold on to your own medicines and administer them yourself.

VIII. SAFETY AND SECURITY As with our trip to Israel, it is vital that participants follow basic instructions about security issues - outlined below - in order to ensure a safe and successful trip. All of these rules will be reviewed and expanded upon during our orientation and throughout our trip in Poland.

* Never leave the group, or hotel, without permission from the staff. Free time in major cities will be confined to designated areas and staff members will be readily available for emergencies. Keep your hotel room locked at all times (even if one or more are sleeping in the room). Do not admit anyone to your room who is not part of the Ramah trip (including hotel personnel) unless you have received instructions from the staff.

* Throughout Poland, a professionally-trained armed guard will be accompanying the group at all times. It is important that you cooperate in any way possible to allow him to do his work.

* Do not reveal information pertaining to the group's plans or timetables to anyone not associated with the trip (including the names of the hotels in which we are staying).

* Before leaving home for your flight, be sure to make a photocopy of ALL travel documents (tickets, passports, etc.) as well as any other documents that you might be traveling with. Keep one copy at home with your parents; take another copy with you and keep it in a bag separate from the original documents (or, if possible, in your pocket). In this way, we will be equipped to deal with the possibility of your documents being lost or stolen.

* Keep your passport and travel documents with you at all times (such as in a waist-pouch), unless your staff asks you for them. Similarly, never leave these documents, or money, in your hotel room. In most cities, we will deposit all of these items in the hotel safe.

* We suggest that you avoid drinking water from the taps. Ramah will provide bottled mineral water for the entire trip in Poland.

IX. RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE POLAND SEMINAR With your Seminar application and deposit, you were asked to sign an Authorization indicating that both the applicant and parents/guardians reviewed and confirmed the Statement on Standards and Procedures. This two-page document outlines Ramah‟s policies regarding whereabouts, drugs and alcohol, religious norms and attendance, social norms, smoking, public relations, and supervision. All Poland Seminar participants and parents/guardians are asked to review this document carefully in preparation for the trip. !להתראות בפולין