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Dear NCSY JOLT Israel Family, Baruch Hashem we had an amazing week with our Simcha LaYeled kids! It was a moving and growth filled experience for all of us. Things have been pretty hectic these past two days but I plan on writing a bit more about our experiences for you later today or tomorrow. For now I want to let you know that Chasdei Hashem almost everyone is back to themselves and the virus is nearing the end. Most of the kids were not effected at all and the ones who were are on the mend. We stayed in a beautiful camp ground in the Golan. It is earthy and outdoorsy but the fresh air is healthy for everyone. To be clear we are not in tents we are in air conditioned yurts. It is "glamping" if you will. Everyone has a mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket and towel. Some love it, some do not but EVERYONE will remember it. Also, as with every place we have stayed, the food here is awesome. Even many of my most finicky eaters told me how much they enjoyed dinner last night (This is a real accomplishment). Today is going to be an awesome day in Teveria doing raft building, eating out together in a really nice restaurant and then free time on the boardwalk. and then we will be pampered for the next two days in Kibbutz Lavi. Tomorrow there is an expected heat wave so we will have some local stuff planned with a relaxing day which will do everyone a lot of good! Let's talk about the free shabbos. The game plan is to be at the Alozoroff station in Tel Aviv this Thursday between 4-5 P.M. and in Jerusalem in front of the OU Center in Keren HaYesod between 5-6 P.M. I will have more exact times to tell the kids to share with their host families as we see the traffic on Thursday. This is a pretty solid time frame to work with. My hope is to hit the earlier time and not the later ones. If anyone has any questions or needs clarifications on this please don't hesitate to be in touch. Sunday morning the drop off in Jerusalem is 9:30 A.M. at the Har Hertzel parking lot and about 11:00 A.M. at the Alozoroff station in Tel Aviv. This summer has been remarkable in so many ways. I am humbled by the growth I see in the kids and inspired by their own development as leaders. The feedback that I am getting from all of the parents who have been in touch with me has been beyond encouraging and I am thrilled that your children are having the time of their lives. It is my greatest pleasure to provide this experience for them and I can't wait to see what the next two and half weeks brings. As always thank you for trusting your children to my care. If I can be of help in any way please do not hesitate to be in touch with me. I am always excited to hear from you all and get your feedback. I look forward to being in touch with you in the coming day. With warmest wishes -Rabbi Weinberg |
