An Update of Activities Taking Place in the Region- Tamuz תשס"ח/July 2008
Issue No. 2
Another month has gone by, the school year is ending and we happily bring you news and updates from the field in Issue No. 2.
From the Steering Committee
Subsequent to the committee's most recent decisions, we have begun implementation of a number of activities:
1. We have concluded the general training process for new partnership participants. The next stage will be specific, subject oriented training within the partnership's subcommittee framework including an introduction with existing partnership activities, program and personalities in the field, needs and expectation.
2. We have expanded the number of volunteers participating in the partnership's WOW committee activities as well as adding relevant community professionals from the various municipalities. The new committee will meet during the month of July.
3. An Education Taskforce composed of active professionals representing kindergarten through 12th grade has been established. We are now awaiting the creation of a parallel taskforce in Pittsburgh so that we may formulate a number of joint activities.
4. We have concluded the placement process for the partnership's committees and taskforces and the committees have begun to work.
Volunteer Development
The taskforce for training and enrichment of P2K volunteers has been expanded through the addition of a number of community activists. The Steering Committee approved a budget of $5,000 for this subject and the taskforce staff has been charged with the responsibility for developing a program of activities. Concurrently our volunteer recruitment, training and enrichment process drew the attention and appreciation of the Jewish Agency's Israel Department and it was agreed that we would serve as a pilot group for this subject, i.e. we would receive professional guidance and even financial support for a portion of these activities.
The Temple David Mission
The 52-member mission (ages 8-80) from "Temple David" in Pittsburgh's Monroeville suburb arrived on Thursday June 19, 2008. Gathering at the "Megadim" Community Center they were met by Shula Menachem and Limor Sela from Karmiel's Social Service Administration and Partnership 2000 representatives. After a brief overview about the city of Karmiel and P2K activities, the visitors spread out over the city for two hours of volunteer service. Some of the mission's members volunteered at the "Pitchon Lev" Food Distribution Center where they packed food packages for needy families. Others helped serve hot lunches at the "Tzalachat Hama" (Hot Meal) Food Service Center. Another group joined in activities conducted at "Gil's House", a day center for adults with special needs. Other members of this mission also visited ORT Horvitz and ORT Megadim where they met with the schools' students and faculties. Both schools provided them with an impressive welcome. As she was leaving ORT Megadim Rose Schwartz, an 80-year-old resident of Pittsburgh told us, "This was an unforgettable experience! I won't forget these students for as long as I live".
The Pittsburgh UJF Family Mission
The 33-member strong Pittsburgh UJF Family Mission came on Wednesday June 18, 2008. The mission conducted visits to Kishorit, a life-long resident village for people with special needs and the Children's Village in Karmiel. For dinner, the group split up and the families enjoyed home hospitality at the homes of families from Karmiel and Misgav.
Expected July Visitors
July 1-2 This is one in a series of visits by Bill Strickland to evaluate the possibilities of developing a Youth Arts and Vocational Training Center in the region. Details about Bill and his center in Pittsburgh can be found at:
http://www.thelavinagency.com/usa/billstrickland.html
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/17/genius.html
http://www.manchesterguild.org/bio.htm
July 5-10 A delegation from the Magee Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh will visit the region as part of the support and assistance that the hospital provides to the Women's Health Center established in Karmiel to benefit women from throughout the region, a center that is funded by the Na'amat Chapters of Greater Pittsburgh. We hope that this visit will inspire joint projects and additional funding.
July 3-5 The Barbara and Larry Shuman Family
July 11-17 A delegation of 36 Pittsburgh area young people scheduled to work as counselors at Pittsburgh's JCC Summer Camps. The delegation will be hosted by 20 Israeli counterparts from the partnership communities, all of whom are members of the Karmiel and Misgav Youth Councils. The program includes home hospitality, activities related to leadership development and counseling, social activities and day trips.
July 17-20 A delegation of 12 teachers from Pittsburgh area Reform educational programs will visit the region. The delegation's schedule includes a seminar on the subject of co-existence with Mark Rosenstein, a visit to the Karmiel Children Village, a tour of Misgav with Israel Na'aman. The group will be hosted by members of Karmiel's Reform congregation "Yedid Nefesh".
July 20-27 As part of the Young Ambassadors' program, a delegation of 20 Pittsburgh young people will visit the region. The group will be hosted by 20 young people from the Karmiel-Misgav region who will participate in a series of seminars, workshops, daytrips and social activities aimed at enhancing the leadership skills and Jewish Identity. The Israeli youth will depart for a reciprocal visit to Pittsburgh on July 30, 2008.
July 24-26 A delegation of 20 Jewish educators who teach in various Pittsburgh Jewish educational frameworks will visit the region. They will attend the finale of the Karmiel Dance Festival, tour Karmiel and Misgav, participate in a Kabbalat Shabbat conducted by Karmiel's Reform congregation "Yedid Nefesh" and enjoy home hospitality throughout the region.
That's all for now. Please send us your comments, articles and stories about P2K activities in the partner communities.
Wishing you pleasant reading and an enjoyable summer,
Yael, Keren and Aya- The Partnership 2000 Staff