Two historic events in the two places I have considered home, the election of Barak Obama in the US and the attendence of close to one hundred thousand on Saturday night, at the ceremony in Tel Aviv, commemorating the assassination of Prime Minister Itzchak Rabin 13 years ago, reminded me that the source of my discontent and uncustomary but nevertheless prevalent cynicism in recent years, has been the tragic loss of hope that things might be different and better.
It is necessary to look at our problems and challenges straight in the eye and instead of disparing, change what can be changed. You have already done that last week, voting for a President whose policies will be based on hope instead of fear who has the vision and courage to, as Robert Kennedy once said, " see things as they should be and ask 'why not'". The scars we all carry from historical racism and injustices of the past have been aired and now you have the opportunity to make dreams and the historical promises of the United States part of the mainstream.
I , like many others , have been unable to stop crying during the past week.I feel overwhelmed by the historical significance of this year's elections and by appreciation of those who dedicated their lives to and sometimes gave their lives for the values which we believe in. Leaders with visions, leaders with guts, leaders who recognized what was good and strong and right and who led us to each's "Promised Land".
In Israel, our leaders have demonstrated an unprecedented and dispicable lack of integrity, abuse of power and selfishness bordering on criminal, which has permeated the type of people we have become. I blame them for helplessness and hopelessness , for the violence in our families and on the streets, aggression on the roads, the callousness of some of our soldiers, the apathy of our young, the disintegration of our educational system and the increasing polarization between Jews and other Jews and Arabs and the rest of the world.
Until last week I was disillusioned by America and Americans. Hadassah was one of my few sources of pride because of your constant and consistent commitment to what is good and right. Hadassah has always chosen to do what is human, what is kind, what is right. Americans have spoken and decided. One hundred thousand Israelis came to Kikar Rabin on Saturday night to show that they still believe that things can be better ,that peace is possible, that there is always hope. I wish for Israel what you have already begun to achieve - healing and strength .
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Mazal tov
September 4th, 2008
Liz Arviv, who graduated from Shfeyah in 2000 sent me an email and photos today , proudly announcing that she is engaged and planning to get married sometime soon. Many of you have met Liz who has visited Southern California and attended Convention twice talking about Youth Aliyah and Meir Shfeyah where she turned her life around. She has done all that she promised herself and us; finishing her studies at Haifa University, getting certified as a social worker and working in Migdal Haemek with children and teenagers who like herself, need someone to understand, guide and trust them . She will begin her married life as a confident, successful, professional young woman with inner strength and beauty. This is what we wish for the young people we work with. The opportunity to change their lives, believe in themselves, to aspire to what they once thought impossible and to fulfill their dreams. She is thrilled and so am I.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
A New Start
September 3rd, 2008
Our returning and first year students arrived at Shfeyah on buses, some with their families, during the morning hours this Sunday, August 31st carrying overstuffed bags full of their personal belongings and hopes that the new school year will be filled with old and new friends, counselors , house mothers and teachers who will love and believe in them, new experiences and successes which have so often alluded them. Greeted by their counselors and house mothers ,they take their things to the dormitories which will be their homes and are introduced to their roomates who will be their families during the next 10 months, unpack, sometimes tearfully and are directed to the dining room for lunch.
In our traditional opening ceremony on Sunday night in the village amphitheater, close to 600 students in grades 7-12, made a grand entrance in an orderly procession as each group, wearing festive white shirts , was ceremoniously seated .
Our external students from Zichron Yaakov and surrounding communities arrived with their parents or friends ; the returning 8th graders feeling especially confident and familiar as they return for their second year in our outstanding Mofet Program; newer, younger 7th graders a bit more reserved and hesitant as they begin in their new school for the first time.
The students and staff were addressed by Shaul Elbaz, the village director, Sagiv Cohen, the new residential director and Eli Bezalel, the school principal and then this year's 12th grade class , our largest ever, welcomed their younger peers , sang and performed and participated in a torch lighting ceremony during which the 12th graders sponsored a representative from the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th grade classes and lit a torch together. The inspirational evening ended dramtically with HaTikvah and fireworks !
Every year I am touched by the trust that these young people and their families put in us and themselves , in hope that maybe, just maybe, this year will be different and they will find themselves among people who understand, appreciate and truly care about them. Maybe this year will they finally succeed in school, learn English, understand math and master subjects which have been incomprehensible, unattainable and overhwhelmingly frustrating in the past.
The next morning, they sleepily trudge to the dining room for their first breakfast after what has been for some, a difficult and sleepless first night away from home. They carry school bags, sometimes tattered, and pencils, sometimes broken and new or used notebooks hoping, " Maybe this year things will be different. Maybe this year, things will be good."
And it is our privilege and almost sacred responsibility help them to believe in themselves , to trust us and to believe that together we can make a difference, together we can change and be changed, together we can make this a year they and we will always remember and cherish.
We know that it is possible. At Shfeyah it happens all the time.
Our returning and first year students arrived at Shfeyah on buses, some with their families, during the morning hours this Sunday, August 31st carrying overstuffed bags full of their personal belongings and hopes that the new school year will be filled with old and new friends, counselors , house mothers and teachers who will love and believe in them, new experiences and successes which have so often alluded them. Greeted by their counselors and house mothers ,they take their things to the dormitories which will be their homes and are introduced to their roomates who will be their families during the next 10 months, unpack, sometimes tearfully and are directed to the dining room for lunch.
In our traditional opening ceremony on Sunday night in the village amphitheater, close to 600 students in grades 7-12, made a grand entrance in an orderly procession as each group, wearing festive white shirts , was ceremoniously seated .
Our external students from Zichron Yaakov and surrounding communities arrived with their parents or friends ; the returning 8th graders feeling especially confident and familiar as they return for their second year in our outstanding Mofet Program; newer, younger 7th graders a bit more reserved and hesitant as they begin in their new school for the first time.
The students and staff were addressed by Shaul Elbaz, the village director, Sagiv Cohen, the new residential director and Eli Bezalel, the school principal and then this year's 12th grade class , our largest ever, welcomed their younger peers , sang and performed and participated in a torch lighting ceremony during which the 12th graders sponsored a representative from the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th grade classes and lit a torch together. The inspirational evening ended dramtically with HaTikvah and fireworks !
Every year I am touched by the trust that these young people and their families put in us and themselves , in hope that maybe, just maybe, this year will be different and they will find themselves among people who understand, appreciate and truly care about them. Maybe this year will they finally succeed in school, learn English, understand math and master subjects which have been incomprehensible, unattainable and overhwhelmingly frustrating in the past.
The next morning, they sleepily trudge to the dining room for their first breakfast after what has been for some, a difficult and sleepless first night away from home. They carry school bags, sometimes tattered, and pencils, sometimes broken and new or used notebooks hoping, " Maybe this year things will be different. Maybe this year, things will be good."
And it is our privilege and almost sacred responsibility help them to believe in themselves , to trust us and to believe that together we can make a difference, together we can change and be changed, together we can make this a year they and we will always remember and cherish.
We know that it is possible. At Shfeyah it happens all the time.
Monday, August 4, 2008
See you in September
August 4th , 2008
I am fortunate to be on vacation from most of my teaching responsibilities but there are letters to answer and books to order and the village is busy with preparations for the new school year. The dormitories , school and classrooms are repainted every summer, new staff are joining us , the school and residential program accept new students throughout July and August. A new group of returning students has returned for its two week work assignments - there are cows to be milked, eggs to be collected, fields to be worked and the grape harvest is near by. I ask some of the kids how their vacation has been so far. " Great ," they reply, " but it's good to be back here , out of the city."
New parents and their skeptical teenagers arrive , sometimes on foot , hiking up " Mount Shfeyah " in the summer heat, to register and meet with the village social workers and administrators . Once again the process begins and strangers become part of the Shfeyah family. Once again , a leap of faith as parents and their children hope for a new start in a new place. Most of them are not disappointed.
This summer we have hosted a Soccer Camp , a music retreat and visitors from France in our village. The evenings are full of the sounds of whistles and shouts from the soccer field and music from the dormitories. The dining room is bustling with athletes, musicians, staff and students returning from work in the fields , cows and chicken coops.
As we enjoy the last month of the summer, the long hot days, the pool and the silent afternoons when the village rests, we pray that all of our students are safe and happy, that they return healthy and rested from the summer break and that the New Year will be full of challenges , successes and hopefully,more peaceful times.
I am fortunate to be on vacation from most of my teaching responsibilities but there are letters to answer and books to order and the village is busy with preparations for the new school year. The dormitories , school and classrooms are repainted every summer, new staff are joining us , the school and residential program accept new students throughout July and August. A new group of returning students has returned for its two week work assignments - there are cows to be milked, eggs to be collected, fields to be worked and the grape harvest is near by. I ask some of the kids how their vacation has been so far. " Great ," they reply, " but it's good to be back here , out of the city."
New parents and their skeptical teenagers arrive , sometimes on foot , hiking up " Mount Shfeyah " in the summer heat, to register and meet with the village social workers and administrators . Once again the process begins and strangers become part of the Shfeyah family. Once again , a leap of faith as parents and their children hope for a new start in a new place. Most of them are not disappointed.
This summer we have hosted a Soccer Camp , a music retreat and visitors from France in our village. The evenings are full of the sounds of whistles and shouts from the soccer field and music from the dormitories. The dining room is bustling with athletes, musicians, staff and students returning from work in the fields , cows and chicken coops.
As we enjoy the last month of the summer, the long hot days, the pool and the silent afternoons when the village rests, we pray that all of our students are safe and happy, that they return healthy and rested from the summer break and that the New Year will be full of challenges , successes and hopefully,more peaceful times.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A Life - June Walker
June Walker throughout her life and even through her death has linked herself with the well being and betterment of women ,children and the Jewish people through education, health care and advocacy . As Hadassah Treasurer and President she involved herself with passion and compassion with the Meir Shfeyah Youth Village where I am privileged to live and work since 1989.
June was not only our advocate and leader but a friend who took time to know us and the children we work with the commitment, intelligence and uncomprimising honesty which characterized everything she did.
Inspite of her frailty during the past few years, June continued to work for what she believed in with enthusiasm and dignity until the very end, the very last days of her life. We were fortunate to have been able to spend time with June in June during her last visit to Israel when she made a special trip to Shfeyah in order to assure Shaul and me of her commitment to the projects she had undertaken. Her undying commitment.
We are blessed to have known her and to be a small part of the work that she and Hadassah do to make the world a better place. She is deeply loved and missed.
Starting with a death
June 28, 2008
Dear Colleagues,
It is with profound sadness that we write to tell you that June passed away peacefully last night. As you all know, June has been very ill over these past months. She struggled with her usual sheer determination and will, in spite of her pain and weakness. Her determination is an inspiration to us all.
The funeral arrangements are as follows:
11:00 AM Thursday, July 31st
Congregation Beth Hatikvah 36
Chatham RoadSummit, NJ
The cemetery is at Beth Israel in Woodbridge, NJ
Shiva will take place at the home of June's sister, Linda Thailer
June's family asks that donations be made to Hadassah for the JuneWalker Education Center at Meir Shefaya.
May her memory be a blessing and may June's family, and all who loved June be comforted among the mourners of Zion.
Nancy and Morlie
July 29th, 2008
We are deeply and sincerely saddened by news of June's death and comforted only by knowing that she was doing what she cared about until the very, very end of her life and that she left us peacefully.
June was dedicated to the people, places and things she loved with uncompromising honesty, astuteness and compassion. Her commitment to her family and the families of people she had never met, in the States and in Israel was unwavering. Even during those times when she became weaker and frail, she continued to act on behalf of what and who she loved with enthusiasm and dignity.
We expected nothing less of her and her legacy to us is to expect nothing less from ourselves.
With great sadness and great love we send you our sympathy.
On behalf of all of the Shfeyah family,
Lauren Stern Kedem
Kfar Hanoar Meir Shfeyah
Israel
Dear Colleagues,
It is with profound sadness that we write to tell you that June passed away peacefully last night. As you all know, June has been very ill over these past months. She struggled with her usual sheer determination and will, in spite of her pain and weakness. Her determination is an inspiration to us all.
The funeral arrangements are as follows:
11:00 AM Thursday, July 31st
Congregation Beth Hatikvah 36
Chatham RoadSummit, NJ
The cemetery is at Beth Israel in Woodbridge, NJ
Shiva will take place at the home of June's sister, Linda Thailer
June's family asks that donations be made to Hadassah for the JuneWalker Education Center at Meir Shefaya.
May her memory be a blessing and may June's family, and all who loved June be comforted among the mourners of Zion.
Nancy and Morlie
July 29th, 2008
We are deeply and sincerely saddened by news of June's death and comforted only by knowing that she was doing what she cared about until the very, very end of her life and that she left us peacefully.
June was dedicated to the people, places and things she loved with uncompromising honesty, astuteness and compassion. Her commitment to her family and the families of people she had never met, in the States and in Israel was unwavering. Even during those times when she became weaker and frail, she continued to act on behalf of what and who she loved with enthusiasm and dignity.
We expected nothing less of her and her legacy to us is to expect nothing less from ourselves.
With great sadness and great love we send you our sympathy.
On behalf of all of the Shfeyah family,
Lauren Stern Kedem
Kfar Hanoar Meir Shfeyah
Israel
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