Dear NCSY JOLT Israel Family,

I apologize for the lack of correspondence this week. It's been nonstop as I am sure you are hearing from your kids. I don't have words to describe the levels we are starting to reach. We have hit all the normal familial milestones which is perfect. It means that the next week and a half that we have left together is going to be extraordinarily moving and emotional. Baruch Hashem we are doing it right and the kids are the great recipients. The growth that I have seen with so many of our JOLT Israelers is amazing. You have probably noticed it as well. We have had some hard hitting conversations and the kids are internalizing these lessons. The lessons will continue and so will the learning and growing! 

This week was amazing We spent time learning about Old Yafo, Water skiing in Tel Aviv, independence hall, the famous Shuk HaPishpishim, in Shilo at the site of the Mishkan, meeting the Samaritan high priest on Har Bracha, sheep herding in Itamar, Mincha overlooking Shechem and Kever Yosef HaTzaddik, taking a tour of Chevron, worked in Oz V'Gaon clearing rocks and brush for trees to be planted, handed out food to soldiers in Yehuda V'Shomron, heard a fantastic shiur from Rav Shachter about leadership and had time to ask Sheilos, Ir David, Chizkiyahu's tunnel, Tour of the Rova, night time Kumsitz overlooking Har HaBayis, artifact sifting, Kotel Tunnel tours, Stand With Us- Israel advocacy, Meah Shearim, Givat HaTachmoshet....I am exhausted just going through everything!! This is just one week!! It's absolutely mind blowing. 

Yesterday was amazing, due to the generous donation of a benefactor everyone was able to choose a Sefer of their choice. The kids loved it and so did we. We tried to match each kid up with the Sefer that fit them.

This Shabbos we are in Yerushalayim Ir HaKodesh. We will be davening at the Kotel tonight and eating at Aish HaTorah. After the meal we will be having a special program at the Kotel. I am looking forward to telling you about it. 

This summer has been just magical. The ingredients are perfect, the advisors are beyond amazing and we love the kids like our own children. It's a beautiful thing when I hear the kids telling me that they don't want the summer to end.  Truth be told...neither do I!

This is going to be an intense week of emotional ups and downs, but we will be the lucky beneficiaries of everything this emotional rollercoaster has to offer. 

I want to wish you all a sweet and beautiful Shabbos from the holiest city in the world. May we only hear good news and calm.

With warmest wishes

-Rabbi Weinberg

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