Dear Friends and Partners,
On this Hanukah eve, we see light prevailing over darkness, the few over the many and the warmth of family togetherness. We wish you and your loved ones a happy Hanukah.
Following from the many student and children activities on the customs and history of the Holiday of Lights - we, the Ibim family, light the candles of Hanukah together this year. We recite the traditional prayers, revel in the holiday atmosphere of songs and games, and of course, enjoy the tasty treats.
After the initial absorption period, this past month brought a welcome routine for the ulpan students, anxious to move ahead with their Hebrew studies. It also allowed the Ibim staff to get on with their work of absorption and education.
In this newsletter, I will highlight some of the past month’s activities. The December newsletter will come out in 2011, so we will reconnect again next year!
I must add that in these moments, our hearts are with the people of Israel and the families of those who were tragically lost in the Carmel fire. We wish a speedy recovery for those wounded, and strength to those firefighters and others who labored unremmittingly to fight the dreadful fire. We hope to see a quick end to this conflagration, so we can work towards rehabilitation of the Carmel - one of the most beautiful spots in our small country.
All the best,
Soni Zinger
Director, Ibim-San Diego Student Village
