Adam Link (left to right) flanked by fellow volunteers Alicia, Sarah, Illana, and Dan

Shalom Alichem,

Let me first start with one of the most interesting experiences that I had in between my move from Beit Shemesh to Jerusalem.

In between my move, I spent a week in the army in the Negev Desert. The army is a big part of life in Israel and it was an opportunity to live on a base and make believe we were in boot camp for a week. We were issued uniforms and were treated as if we were soldiers. We went on manuevers, cooked food, cleaned bathrooms, cleaned guns (I got to work in the Gunnery and hand out guns for a few hours, lots of Uzi's and Galions), and learned about and fired an M-16. I hit a 8 X 10 target 5 out of 10 times from 40 meters! We also had classes about the different parts of the military and the responsibilty of a soldier. It really gave a great insight into how kids grow up here (it is mandatory to be in the army for boys from age 18-21 and girls from 18-19).

I, also, have a much greater respect when I see army guys around town. They are really worked hard and it is very difficult mentally and physically.

Another interesting thing...I was on the radio in Philadephia speaking about my experience in Israel! One of my neighbors in Beit Shemesh asked me to be on his weekly radio show and he interviewed me about my experience here. Callers called in and asked me questions about my program and I was on for about 15 minutes.

I, also, moved from Beit Shemesh to Jerusalem right before Purim. It was very difficult for me to leave. These last few months I have worked in three places.

Mercz Yom Kissim, Senior Center

Adam's freind Rabbi Morchy

When I left my Senior Center, they threw me and my fellow Otzmahnik, a going away party. They had Cake, ballons, and a tarambuk (an Arabic drum).

Everyone was singing and dancing and crying that we were leaving. In the 3 months that we were there, we made a big impact on the center. I became very close with some of the residents eventhough there was a great language barrier. Most of the residents are Indian, Morrocan, and Yeminite and if they spoke Hebrew, it was with such a deep accent that I could only understand some of it. But none-the-less, we communicated with smiles, and gestures. My first close relationships like this...makes me think of how much we say with our faces and body language. One resident in particular really struck me, Rabbi Morchy. He has lived in Beit Shemesh since its founding, around '49, and he told me all kinds of stories about the city and its people. I worked with the Seniors in the greenhouse and garden there and he would call me every morning and afternoon to pray. He thanked me at a ceremony during the party by saying how I given my heart to the center and how the center had given me theirs. He concluded by calling for all the residents to keep me in Beit Shemesh by having me marry one of their grandchildren...a very funny guy to say the least.

Kids Club

Next, I worked at a kids club on a remote Moshav (a moshav is similar to a kibbutz except that people own their own property). I loved the kids, everyday that we were there was called Yom Kef (fun day). We taught English by mostly playing games and having a good time. We were such good teachers, the kids don't even realized that they learned a lot of English. Also, I was able to really apply and use my Hebrew. It's never been tested like this before...I had to stop fights and yell at kids. Let's just say that I had to learn at much accelerated rate...the kids didn't speak any English and expected me to speak, they couldn't understand why I didn't understand everything they said.

We played many games, mostly using me and Dan (an Otzmahnic from DC) as human jungle gyms. We also made up games and you can't imagine the joy in my heart, when they would demand that we play meflesit ("monster" in Hebrew, a game that we made up that is like octopuss). The teacher that usually works at the club is almost due with a child and she really got a kick out of and appreciated us, running around and playing with the kids...Finally, I worked in Beit Sefer Ferst (Ferst School). Everyday that we walked into the place, Dan and I felt like rockstars. The kids would come running up and talk and ask questions. We taught English there and worked in different classes as well as one-on-one with the kids. We really developed good relationships with our kids and were invited to meet their families for dinner. I returned to Beit Shemesh for Purim and was walking down the street and I bumped into 6 of my kids on the way home. My neighbor was with me and was shocked that we had such an impact on the community in such a short time. It really hit me that these kids really enjoyed my stories and conversations with them, it was a really great feeling. I also want to mention my neighbors on Rahav Ha'shita (Ha'shita Street). A great deal of them were from North America and I had some of my most interesting conversations while I lived there. The kehillat (community) is very, very special. There is a very close bond in the community and they help and look out for each other like no other. I have never seen anything quite like it. The kids play together on the street each night (I was included in this as well) and the community prays together every evening on the street at 8:30. By the way, the community is also building a synagogue and you could win the right to name the shul (website, www.name-a-shul.org). The money goes to raise funds for the synagogue, very interesting idea, check it out, I may be helping on the website om the future. I was able to attend both the services on our street and the services at the temporary synagogue many times. Also, our neighbors let us watch videos and tv at their homes, had us for Shabbat, and helped us in uncountable ways. I hope that one day I can live in such a community. Also, one of my friends on my street dedicated his website to me, www.thebuckmans.com/benjy (at the bottom), I was really touched. It's this kind of impact that I came to Israel to make, funny that that's its with an American.

Pope's here, probably will bump into him tomorrow in Jerusalem. It's a small town...

Take Care,
Hag Sameach (happy holiday, Purim),
Adam (Chaim)

Nisan 5760 - May 2000