We recently traveled to Israel as volunteers to teach English to elementary school students through an organization called "Living Bridge, Partnership 2000 Arad/Tamar - New Jersey/Delaware."
We spent two weeks in Arad, which is located on the east coast of Israel in the Negev Desert, near the Dead Sea and Masada, and it is very safe to be there.
Our Rabbi, Joel Abraham, Temple Sholom, Fanwood, and Amy Cooper, Associate Executive Vice President of the Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey, encouraged and assisted us in planning our trip.
In Arad, Shimon Shamila, the Partnership Director, and Ofra Bezalel, the Living Bridge Coordinator, made our visit in every way an enjoyable and memorable one.
For the two weeks, we stayed at a lovely inn called "Boutique Yehelim." Dalia Yehel, our hostess, served delicious and nutritious breakfasts and dinners. Moreover, we got to know Dalia, her husband, Dror, and their five beautiful children. We met many of their friends at dinnertime when we had wonderful conversations. They even took us to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, where we had a lovely time.
During mornings, we taught at the Democratic School where we worked with lovely children and dedicated teachers. We learned as much from them as they learned from us.
After school, we visited wonderful museums in Arad, such as the Glass Factory and the Puppet Museum.
Ofra and our driver, Avi Ben Ezra, took us on a day trip to Jerusalem and because it was a Thursday, many b'nei mitzvah were being held. We felt excitement and exhilaration as we stood at the Western Wall surrounded by thousands of people from all over the world. After, as a lovely contrast, we had a delicious, quiet picnic in a nearby forest.
One Shabbat morning, we visited the Ethiopian Synagogue of Arad and sat in the women's section. The women were chanting the prayers in Hebrew with high spirit but when they saw us, they were very friendly and immediately handed each of us a siddur.
Throughout the service, if you closed your eyes, you might imagine yourself back to your childhood, sitting in an orthodox shul while the Rabbi and congregation were davening.
During this trip, we were fortunate to learn about a group that protects and shelters children-Children's Village. Children's Village Kfar Neradim SOS of Arad is an organization that helps children who are orphaned and those who live in unbearable situations at home. Its aim is to take a child from hopelessness today to a brighter future tomorrow.
The village consists of individual homes in which eight children live with a "mother." The "mother" is not related to the children. However, she lives with them, buys the food, prepares their meals, and purchases their clothing. She takes the youngsters to and from school, and they also attend Hebrew School. "Mother" disciplines the children when necessary and shows them much affection. An "aunt" takes over the "mother's" duties when it is necessary to do so.
The women who take these positions change children's lives in the most profound way. They help develop productive, positive human beings; they make the children feel that things can and will get better. The women try to instill values that will help them make appropriate choices throughout their lives. It all takes much love and patience.
On a lovely Shabbat evening, we had dinner with Ziva Cohen, a "mother", and her eight children "Aunt" Sandra Mariasin was also there. The table was set beautifully. The children were well behaved and recited the Hebrew prayers over the wine and challah. Ziva served a delicious meal while we became acquainted with the youngsters. After dinner, without being asked to do so, the children cleared the table.
Throughout the evening, it was obvious that the children loved Ziva and Sandra; lots of hugs all around. We noted, however, that if a youngster got out of line, Ziva stopped it immediately. In addition to the obvious necessities, the organization provides a therapy and treatment center, a daycare center, and programs to prevent children from dropping out of school.
The following Friday evening, we had Shabbat dinner with Ofra and her family. One of her guests was a handsome, articulate young man who had come with her to Marlboro, N.J. to tell American teenagers about Israel. In passing, Ofra mentioned that at one time this young man had been a resident at Children's Village but that now he lives with his parents. We have since learned that he has returned to Children's Village because he no longer wants to stay in his parents' home. Despite his difficulties, this young man will "make it"; he will lead a successful life because of the love and support he continues to receive from the wonderful people at Children's Village Kfar Neradim SOS.
Israelis are warm, hospitable and generous, and we felt at home from the moment we arrived in Israel.
One evening, we met with two wonderful women, Monique Hersh and Ruth Goldberg, who catalog books in the library in Arad. In passing, they mentioned that the library was in need of books, and we immediately knew what our next project would be.
To that end, our fellow congregants at Temple Sholom, generously contributed over one thousand gently used books, and we deeply appreciate their making the project a success.
Jewish Federation of Central N.J. as well as other Federations in New Jersey and throughout the United States work diligently to build a living bridge between American Jews and Israelis.
In order to be part of the living bridge, Federation provides the opportunity to volunteer through Partnership 2000. Some ways to contribute your talents are: working with adolescents, child care/preschool, clerical work, health care services, teaching, building/construction, sports/coaching, computers, elder services, art, music and much more.
Throughout this article, we have tried to convey our love of Israel and its people.
Please join us on our next trip to Arad as we continue to build that living bridge, a strong bond, with our Israeli brothers and sisters. You will find great meaning in your visit to Israel.
Claire Bisgay
Marjorie Cohen
Judy Felmeister
For more information on volunteer opportunities in Arad and Tamar, contact your local federation.