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February Edition
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  The February Edition of Footprints  

The official MASA Activities for Participants newsletter
Incubator initiative bold step by MASA to raise a "new crop" of programs
MASA has introduced a new initiative that provides professional guidance, counseling and direction to those who want to develop new programs for MASA.  Incubator Director, Hagai Shaanani, explains he is ready to help individuals and organizers at every stage of program development, from brainstorming to implementation.  Read on to see what new projects are currently in development!  by Sidney Slivko

MASA MAP's film screening: Beaufort confronts Israel's changing reality
Speaking to a packed theater at the MASA MAP Beaufort film screening, author and screenwriter Ron Leshem described his former level of disconnect to the experience of Israeli soldiers serving on the front lines during the first Lebanon War, a realization that compelled him to write Beaufort.  The novel rocked Israeli society and was made into a feature film, a feat believed impossible in a country that traditionally keeps contemporary war out of its entertainment medium. By Erin Kopelow

Just a normal day...
Machon LeMadrichei Hutz La'Aretz (in conjunction with AJ6) participant and MDA volunteer Paula Strauss shares her experience at the recent suicide bombing in Demona on February 4, 2008. "It was...deffinately a call I will never forget, and hopefully something none of us will never have to see or experience again!"  by Paula Strauss

Presidential Visit
Recently deciding to make aliyah, Pardes participant Rebecca Zimmerman shares her experience on being in the eye of the international storm surrounding Bush's latest visit to Israel, as well as her feelings concerning the level of involvement international players insist upon having in Israeli affairs.  by Rebecca Zimmerman

The new look for fall 2008: The Gap Year
Support for a gap year has migrated from England to the shores of the United States.  MASA recently took 29 high school college counselors on a tour of post-high school programs in Israel.  Read about their experience and how you can get involved in promoting a "year on." by Erin Kopelow

Women's Shabbaton analyzes Religious Zionist Movement's evolving relationship with Israel
Women from six different MASA Orthodox programs took part in MASA's 60 Years of Israel, 100 years of Zionism Shabbaton over the weekend of January 11th to 12th.  Through lectures, discussion sessions and tours, participants analyzed the history of the Religious Zionist Movement and delved into the complexities of their personal connection with the State of Israel. By Erin Kopelow

Participant Profile: Istanbul native and Ulpan Akiva participant Isak Mizrahi
Ulpan Akiva participant Isak Mizrahi was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey.  "It's a really cool Jewish Community" Isak says with pride.  "Small but cool."  With over 26, 000 Jews Turkey holds the second largest Jewish population living in a Muslim country next to Iran. Read about his experience here in Israel and the realities he faces at home. By Erin Kopelow

Upcoming MAP Events
Idan Raichel Project
Exclusive MAP Concert

February 28, 2008
Tickets on sale now!!
Contact Joey Meir 052.303.3088 /
joey@eventil.com

Israel Political Issues
MAP Shabbaton

February 22-23, 2008
Contact Yael Barkan /
yael.barkan@gmail.com

Building Future Leadership Seminar Series

Session B now open for registration!!
click for more information and past participant testimonials

The Jewish "Peoplehood"
MAP Forum

Programming conducted in English, Russian, Spanish
and French
February 19, 2008
Contact Yael Barkan /
yael.barkan@gmail.com

Film Screening of Ushpizin - "The Guest"
Exclusive MAP event with writer and starring actor Shuli Rand
Orthodox event - men and women seated separately 

March 13, 2008
Contact Joey Meir, 052 3033 088 /
joey@eventil.com

Shout Out to all those little moments that make each day in Israel unique and oh so worthwhile.

SO to the taxidrivers who always want to know where I'm from, whether I'm making aliyah and help me practice my conversational Hebrew.
Submitted January 14th, 2008

SO to Israeli bank tellers.  I can tell you really care.
Submitted January 19th, 2008

SO to the Israeli doctor who told me because I was pretty I had nothing to worry about.  I'm not really sure what that means, but glad there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
Submitted January 7th, 2008

SO to the snow days!! And SO to a total of 3 days this week with NOTHING in Jerusalem being open.  Mazal I bought milk on Monday.
Submitted February 3, 2008

To submit your Shout Out (SO) or Anti-Shout Out (ASO) email masamap@masaisrael.org or send Erin a message via Facebook at Erin MasaMap.

MASA staff top Israeli movie picks
 In the spirit of  Beaufort's international acclaim and recognition by the Academy Awards, MASA Info and MAP staff have put together a list of our top Israeli film picks.  These are in no particular order. We are not the academy. Everyone is a winner.

Links in the Chain Seminars
Reflective Encounters with the Holocaust 
An experiential educational program that prepares you to confront the challenges facing the Jewish people's future through in-depth study of the Holocaust and related issues.

8 encounters, 36 participants from across the globe. A lifetime of learning.
Join us and become A LINK IN THE CHAIN. elanayael@gmail.com

RemangarFlamenco
A night of Flamenco dancing and musical performances in a joint collaboration between Israeli and Spanish Artists 


February 26-27, 2008
Givataim Theater, Tel Aviv
03 5739 140
        March 1, 2008
        Jerusalem Theater, Jerusalem
        02 5605 755

Merkaz Hamagshimim Trivia Night for Victims of Terror Help raise money for terrorism victims in Sderot and the Gaza periphery

Join fellow Anglos for a fun evening of trivia to raise money for a worhwhile cause.   Spend the night racking your brain for the answers to obscure questions while having fun with your friends while helping those in need. The evening will feature lots of fun questions, drinks and snacks plus great prizes!  Teams of 4 - 8 people.

Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah, Dor Dor V'DorShav 7A, German Colony, Jerusalem
Wednesday, February 27 @ 7:30 PM
25 NIS including drinks and snacks – 100% of revenues go to help the people of Sderot and surrounding area!

For more information or to register, please e-mail Jared at jsarfin@gmail.com or 052 4646 796.

Spending spring semester in Israel? Interested in connecting with the Reform movement? 
If you, or someone you know, is spending spring semester in Israel, and would like to experience life outside the hallowed halls of (insert institution here), send 'em my way.

My Name is Callie Souther and I am one of the three Kesher (the Reform Movement's college-age programming) in-Israel interns this year. Kesher-in-Israel offers Reform programming (both on and off the Hebrew University campus) as well as opportunities to experience Israel off-campus.

If you know of anyone who would be interested in connecting with the Reform Jewish community in Israel, please put them in touch with me.

Thanks!
Callie Souther
callie.souther@gmail.com

Run for Hadassah
March 27, 2008 

Registration for the 16th Jerusalem Half Marathon has begun!!

You and your friends are invited to join hundreds of dedicated runners who come yearly to enjoy the clear air and rich heritage of Jerusalem. 

Be a part of a distinct group of runners who are teaming up with The Merkaz YJ Impact!, Hadassah and Young Hadassah International to raise money for Hadassah's Center of Excellence for Individualized Medicine. 

For more info and registration contact  Deena@themerkaz.org
or call 02-561-9165 ext. 203

Thinking of pursuing your studies in Israel?  Check out the upcoming higher education fair

ISRAEL STUDIES EXHIBITION
May 15, 2008 - 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
May 16, 2008 - 10 a.m. -3 p.m.
Israel Trade Fairs and Conventions Center Ltd., Tel Aviv

For more information and registration contact:
Amber Centner Amberleac@moia.gov.il  



 


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