Dear Parents,
Today was yet another great tiyul day in the North, with much variety, excitement, and love of the land. Back in Chispin, the special programming continued, and the day concluded with a strong night seder.
This time the tiyul options included a challenging hike down the famed Arbel Cliff, spectacular off-road biking near the Jordan River, and a tour of ancient Katzrin and the Talmudic village there. The common thread in each of these very different trips was greater familiarity with the beautiful areas of the Golan and Galil. The Katzrin group had the distinct privilege of being accompanied by both Rav Schachter and Rav Sobolofsky, and their presence and contributions to the tour made it a true “Only on NCSY Kollel” experience.
Each group was also treated to ice cream to cap off the tiyul, and with temperatures rising this week in Israel it was most welcomed and appreciated.
Upon our mid-afternoon return, we took a break from the usual basketball leagues for a mega-tournament featuring some other sports. There were matches in soccer, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, 3 on 3 basketball, and even 4 team dodgeball. These games gave a chance for some new alliances to be formed, and for those who do not relate well to the basketball leagues to participate in the fantastic NCSY Kollel sports program.
Please note the following update to both out itinerary and our free Shabbos plans:
After careful consultation with our situation room, we are planning a day trip to Beit Meir on Thursday. This trip will allow for further interaction with our staff in the center of the country, a chance to play some hockey, another opportunity to bring personal items up North, and time to access the safe and ATM machine.
Because of this travel, we will begin the sign-out for the Free Weekend on Thursday night. We will again have a drop off in Yerushalayim at the OU Center, 22 Rechov Keren Hayesod, at approximately 8:30 PM.
The free weekend will again be extended to Sunday morning. Sign in will begin at the OU Center at 8:30 AM and the buses will depart at 9.
Please let us know as soon as possible if either the pick up or drop off times will be problematic for you.
Those who are staying with us for Shabbos will return to the North on Thursday. We are still exploring options for enhancing our next weekend together.
Thank you for your cooperation in filling out the new free weekend form.
With heartfelt prayers for a real and just peace,
Moshe Benovitz