In January, 2008, MASA invited a group of North American high-school guidance counselor to Israel to visit MASA gap-year programs and meet the participants. Here are some of their reactions:
|
Melissa Gartner
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School
Rockville, MD |
|
Madeline Schwartz
Solomon Schechter High School
Long Island, NY |
|
Marc Lindner, Ph.D.
New Community Jewish High School West Hills, CA |
|
Eileen Blattner
Shaker Heights High School
Cleveland, Ohio |
|
Anne Marie (Missy) Sanchez
Woodward Academy
Atlanta, GA |
|
Cathy Schreiber
Royal Vale School
Montreal, Canada |
|
Audrey Lewis
The Jess Schwartz Jewish Community High School
Phoenix, Arizona |
|
Anne Levy
Gann Academy
Boston, MA |
|
Levia Nahary
Santa Fe Prep
Santa Fe, New Mexico |
|
Jennifer Lee
Milken Community High School
Los Angeles, California |
|
Marjorie Jacobs
SAR High School
Scarsdale, NY |
|
Janet Dwoskin
Bialik High School
Mnontreal, Canada |
|
Rabbi Lee Buckman
Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit
West Bloomfield MI |
Melissa Gartner
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School
Rockville, MD
I grew up a fairly secular Jew for whom religion was an aspect of my identity but not a priority in my life. I identified with my Jewish roots and heritage but religion was little more that that for me. Israel was always a possible tourist destination, but it was just one of many places on a list. Sadly, it took me 37 years to get there only to realize that it should have been a priority all along.
I recently returned from my first trip--a MASA mission to Israel designed to teach 36 North American high school and college counselors about long-term "gap year" programs for high school graduates. MASA, meaning journey, is a joint project of the Jewish Agency and the government of Israel; it basically serves as the umbrella organization for 150 of these programs. The mission of MASA is to help young people "build a life-long relationship with Israel and a firm commitment to Jewish life." Toward that end, all of the programs, ranging from one semester to one year and wildly diverse in their focus, share a few core components: intensive Hebrew language instruction (Ulpan), academic learning (secular and/or Judaic), community service, and integration into Israeli life.
The itinerary for our trip was carefully planned to combine exposure to the Israeli people and country with detailed exploration of specific MASA programs. Given that this was my first trip to Israel, I was especially grateful for the opportunity to tour cities, see the significant sites, and also learn about various MASA programs. The mission was successful in achieving the balance between education and cultural exposure, and I came home well-equipped to talk to students not just about program details, but also about the environment--the historical feel of Jerusalem, the artistic vibe in Haifa, and the young, hip energy in Tel Aviv.
While all of the people who spoke to us were exceptionally professional, I was always happiest and most engaged when the students spoke about their own experiences on their MASA programs. I was impressed by their passion, independence, and sense of purpose. I was thrilled when I actually got to see JDS students, alumnae who have decided to do "gap year" programs. On that note, one of the participants offered the suggestion that these programs not be called "gap year", but rather, that they be called "foundation year,” or perhaps "bridge year." This differentiation was formative in my understanding of the programs and I take home that suggestion as one of the valuable lessons of the trip.
I saw two JDS graduates at the Interdisciplinary Center who are working toward their undergraduate degree from Israel's first private college. I also saw a student who is part of Young Judaea's year course program, currently working on an ecological farm. All three young women, living in their own apartments, and integrated into Israeli society, struck me as independent, responsible, and mature beyond their years. They were all so enthusiastic, eager to recount their experiences, and excited to share their love of Israel with me. We met with students in every program we visited, ranging from Hebrew University to the Rimon School of Music. We talked with students from Nativ, Year Course, Ben-Gurion and Haifa University. We interacted with young people from Bar Ilan and Tel Aviv University. Whether they were studying Talmud at Bar Ilan, working on a kibbutz, volunteering on an ambulance for Magen David, studying environmental science at Ben-Gurion, or staging a puppet show for young children, all of them were convinced that their experience was better than everyone else's; all were sure that their's was the "most amazing."
Since my return, I have been asked about my favorite experience or moment. I'd have to say that I was particularly moved at Independence Hall where the passionate docent recounted the day, the ceremony (4pm, May 14, 1948), and the attacks eight hours after Israel was declared a Jewish state. Her talk to us on that day ended with a recording of the ceremony 60 years earlier. We heard Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion declare Israel a state and we heard the orchestra play Hatikva (the Hope) for the first time. In tears and silence, I listened to it, sensing the hope of that day and feeling the courage--in an almost palpable way-- still pervasive in this very young country.
I'd be remiss in writing only about Israel because, in my mind, one of the greatest achievements of this trip was bringing together a group of 36 North American counselors, to allow us to learn and grow together, and to then promote these programs in our respective communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to travel with all of the other counselors, but particularly grateful to have met MASA staff, including Avi Rubel and Noa David. I leave the mission fully confident that they will support my efforts and am excited to foster this relationship by inviting Avi back to his alma mater (yes, he really is an alumnus) to speak to the JDS community.
This mission--my experience as a first time visitor to this country, amplified by the students' adventures there-- has pointed out to me how valuable a bridge year can be. After only a taste of the country on a 10 day trip, I leave Israel impressed with the culture and people and convinced that the experience a young person could have on a long-term program would be exponentially more powerful, meaningful and beneficial. I now have lots of information about foundation year options and look forward to sharing the program details with students and parents at CESJDS. I took from the mission the sense that there is a program out there for almost any kind of student, an increased ability to help identify a good match for each student, and finally, a renewed commitment to help all of our students find a way to take advantage of this transforming experience.
Please check out the website (www.masaisrael.org), or stop by the guidance/college counseling office for more information.
Back to top
----------
Madeline Schwartz
Solomon Schechter High School
Long Island, NY
As I reflect back on the incredible week I spent in Israel learning about the many programs available to students who wish to study there, I am still “flying high”. MASA, which means journey, is an umbrella organization of over 150 programs in Israel that vary in duration from 5 months to year for young adults ages 18-30. The goal of MASA is to bring 20,000 students to study in Israel. All MASA programs provide Hebrew language instruction, Jewish and Zionist history and education, meaningful encounters with Israeli peers, and field trips and cultural activities. A generous stipend is awarded to every participant.
On this trip, I was privileged to be able to visit and learn about nine different options for the post- high school student, ranging from the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, to NATIV, to Young Judaea, to studying at the Universities of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Ben-Gurion, Bar-Ilan, Haifa, and IDC Herzliya. There are many exciting choices to suit everyone’s interests.
I came away with the sense that the young people who are participating in these various programs are experiencing a once in a life time opportunity to connect with Israel, grow personally, and transform into sophisticated, knowledgeable, and competent adults. Each and every one thought his of her program was “the best” and “amazing” (a word we heard over and over). They seemed to thrive on the important role they are playing as they volunteer, learn, and interact in Israel. This experience is laying a strong foundation with which to build on their educations as they plan to continue in college. Many are going to be able to transfer college credits from the classes they are taking while in Israel.
There are so many benefits to choosing to take a year to explore and grow. I truly believe that the students involved in these programs will bring a new perspective to their lives and will be so much richer for it. To learn more about the program, you can go to the MASA website, www.masaisrael.org, or make an appointment to see me in the College Office, where I can share with you the MASA program catalog and my personal impressions. Every student will be better for taking advantage of this incredible opportunity.
Back to top
----------
Marc Lindner, Ph.D.
New Community Jewish High School
West Hills, CA
Near the conclusion of our MASA Israel Journey, we gathered to discuss what we’d learned, what we’d felt, and how we’d grown. Many of the participants articulately shared their perspectives, in all cases with great emotion, but I was rendered speechless. How could I possibly describe the enormity of this trip in a matter of minutes? Only with the benefit of time for reflection have I been able to synthesize what happened to me during my first trip to Israel. In that which follows, I’ve only scratched the surface of the power that the MASA Israel Journey holds. And to be clear, my reflections emanate largely from the collective, shared experiences of my outstanding colleagues who traveled with me and were a source of true inspiration.
Our MASA staff, Avi Rubel, Noa David, and Aaron Goldberg created, as a colleague put it, “a well-oiled machine.” Each day’s events were carefully orchestrated to combine exposure to the people and country of Israel with the details of various MASA programs. At the start of our journey, I gained a first-hand, visceral sense of Jerusalem’s Old City. Thousands of years of history live in those walls, in those stones, and in that soil. It’s a history fraught with conflict, struggle, and triumph—a history that is part of my identity—a history that all young Jews should feel by walking those paths.
A few days later, we visited Independence Hall in Tel Aviv. We heard from a fiery Israeli who described the declaration of Israel’s independence in 1948. The ceremony, led by Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, was organized and conducted quickly, as an attack from hostile neighbors was imminent. Nearly 60 years later, the attacks are still coming, but the country has made great progress. Long-standing agricultural and desert areas are combined with booming, modern industry to form a current-day Israel of great diversity and breathtaking beauty. It is THE Jewish state, their Jewish state, our Jewish state.
Regarding MASA programs, there’s something for everyone. We visited Young Judea Year Course participants, had lunch with them in their dining hall, and learned about the variety of programmatic and religious offerings available to them. NATIV participants joined us in their Jerusalem facility. They proudly described their program’s Conservative orientation and the rich experiences they’re having in various Israeli communities. Students at the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music shared their experiences at the school and treated us to an evening of live music! We were greeted warmly by Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, Ben-Gurion University, Bar-Ilan University, Haifa University, and the Interdisciplinary Center in Hertzliya, all of which have study opportunities for overseas students. The list goes on and on.
As a Jewish man with Jewish children of my own, I now have a better understanding of the importance of Israel for all Jewish people. Having survived near extermination by the hands of Nazi Germany less than one century ago, Israel is evidence that we will endure. Being in Israel infuses us with pride and a heightened understanding of who we are; it treats us to pieces of history that resonate throughout our world; and it gives us immediate perspective on the great fortune of other countries who’ve enjoyed relatively peaceful existences over time. The benefits waiting for young people in Israel are too important to overlook. Regardless of the particular program selected, spending time in Israel will undoubtedly give young Jews a more complete foundation from which to live with identity, wisdom, purpose, meaning, and joy.
Back to top
----------
Eileen Blattner
Shaker Heights High School
Cleveland, Ohio
It is now my secxond week back, and I would expect to be back in the saddle. I am not. I keep thinking about all of you and the incredible (dare I say amazing) experience we shared. I know that in additon to all I learned about the MASA programs, and about Israel, I learned much more associating with you. I began to see Israel through different eyes. Reading your comments in the last couple of days has been fun. Ann, I loved your quotes as I did Missy's Yiddish note. I think we created a monster in her. The depth of feeling and the passion our mission created is a tribute to Avi and Noa and the second Avi. A million thanks to all of you. I hope to see many of you in Seatle. Bob joins me in expressing his thanks and in saying he loved meeting and sharing with all of you. - We have written an article for the Cleveland Jewish News which we hope will be published. I have also written a letter for our temple bulletin and hopefully for my school newspaper. Love, Eileen
Back to top
----------
Anne Marie (Missy) Sanchez
Woodward Academy
Atlanta, GA
I keep thinking of our "amazing" journey with MASA. Traveling with each and all of you was an education in itself. I learned so much about Israel, the MASA opportunity, the Jewish faith, culture, and language while sharing ideas about our own mission of working with high school students to help our students grow and find their fit and their paths. Thank you for your warmth, your humor, your stories, and your kindness (even if you do speak with an accent).
I thought you would be interested in knowing that Sharon Karpel, Ginny Maddux and I did go on Friday to Masada, the Ahava outlet ( where I personally improved the economy by several percentage points) and the Dead Sea. Friday afternoon we bobbed in the sea as we read booklets from the universites we visited, then we slathered in the mud. When we washed it off, we were dazzling!! Cleopatra was right. (You may not even recognize us when we meet again...wishful thinking?? We finished our "treatment" with a float in warm sea water pool that was so soothing that it was hard to leave. I'll send pictures as soon as I can figure out how to put them on snapfish. I have loved looking at the albums posted there--so many memories.
I just want to reiterate that I adored schlepping in the shuks with ya'll while we all looked for chatzskas amidst all the schlock. Although at times I was fa-mish-ed, ya'll were mehiya, particularly Avi and Noa who are mensches. I was talking with my machatunim about your mitzvahs. You should be so kvell. I was so comfortable being with you that not once did I break out in a schvitz because I loved the whole magillah. For a girl from Arkansas, I've come a long way, baby.
Shalom and hugs to each of you,
Missy
Back to top
----------
Cathy Schreiber
Royal Vale School
Montreal, Canada
It’s only a week ago…I’m SO lonely! What does one do for post- Israel withdrawl syndrome? I can’t put into words how deep my feelings go. How grateful I Am to have lived this experience with such an eclectic group of professionals “ us folks”. I’ve acausted my senior students and much to my surprise, they are excited to learn more. I know that this is only the beginning of a beautiful relationship with Massa, Israel and all of you. I do “Missy” impersonations in Yiddish for everyone who will listen, as they smile and nod politely. Cathy, get a grip! For those of you who did not have a palm/or astrological reading, I owe you. For now this is a very big thank you to all (especially the firm of Avi, Avi, Aaron & Noa)
Back to top
----------
Audrey Lewis
The Jess Schwartz Jewish Community High School
Phoenix, Arizona
“Ahalan”-or hello to you all,
I have been waiting for the right opportunity to re-connect—thanks for this Anne; it is wonderful and helps to re-capture the glow.
We had the amazing (had to) good fortune to have Dr. Yossi Olmert Ph.D., from the London School of Economics in Middle East history, come and speak to our student body and faculty this morning. By the way, he is the younger brother of Ehud Olmert and also headed the Syria and Lebanon desks at Tel Aviv University’s faculty of Middle East Studies until 1989.
He has been a visiting scholar at numerous universities and think tanks, including Cornell University, York University in Toronto, and City College in New York. He has written numerous books and hundreds of articles on the Middle East. His speech was factual, statistical and sad. There were 2 terror incidents just last night; one in Jerusalem, and one at a school in Gush Etzion. We pray for them all.
My first question is: How do we inspire our own; fellow Jews and non-Jews, students and their parents and their parents, to have the passion it takes to support Eretz Yisrael? Our wonderful and amazing experience awaits those whom we inspire to take this journey.
My second question, and one asked of Dr. Olmert this morning is this: Why are we doing such a bad PR (public relations) job in exposing the wonders of this great land that the Jews have created in such a short 60 years? Dr. Olmert answered, “we know we are doing a bad job of promotion”. End of story.
Therefore, it is up to us to “get them out of the educational system to learn”, just as we learned, to let the world know the “Israel” we saw with our own eyes, ears and heart. I am personally up to this challenge…and it seems so are you.
Shabbat Shalom to you all….
Back to top
----------
Anne Levy
Gann Academy
Boston, MA
Shalom, y'all,
(Apologies to Missy for borrowing her line!). After less than a week back in Boston, I'm ready to return to Israel. Since I can't, I'll remind myself and you of our whirlwind and, yes, amazing visit, through verbal nuggets from the sublime to the ridiculous.
"Blood is more flammable than fuel."
-- Yaniv Ofek, IDC Research Fellow
"It's an anxious world."
-- Ted deVillafranca
Avi Rubel: "The students [on the MASA program on political policy] spend a whole day with the Prime Minister. You can't do that in the states."
Anne Levy: We don't have a prime minister in the United States."
Avi: "Avram, could you just pull over and open the back door to let Anne out?"
"I wanted to get out of the educational system to learn."
--student on Siach program
"If you're at a roadblock, don't continue."
--presenter at Ben Gurion University
"That's right, it's not there."
-- tour guide at Independence Hall, asking students to find references to
Jerusalem in Ben Gurion's speech--and thereby getting them to read the
whole document
"Israel is some sort of a germ. It grows in you."
"You do not feel alone in Israel."
"You only need a few crazy people to make things work."
--all three of the above by the woman who presented Tel Aviv
University
"I like Jewish music and Israel is a Jewish state....That's the skinny of it."
--British drummer at Rimon
"On the back page [of my list of Yiddish words] I have words I cannot use but which might come in handy sometime."
--Missy Sanchez
"It has been an incredible journey."
--Ginny Maddux
That it has.
Shabbat shalom
-
Back to top
---------
Levia Nahary
Santa Fe Prep
Santa Fe, New Mexico
I thought New Mexico was "la, la land". I just want to quickly echo all the warm sentiments floating over email this week. This trip felt like such a once in a lifetime opportunity and I can't say enough how grateful I am to have been invited to participate. Thanks Avi, Noa, Aaron!
I met with the executive director of the Jewish Federation of New Mexico at the beginning of the week and he is excited to have me do a few presentations to jewish communities around the state about the trip and what MASA has to offer, and I already turned in an article to him regarding the trip for next month's issue of The Link (New Mexico's Jewish newspaper).
This was the college trip of all college trips! I really enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and making a whole bunch of new friends as well. I especially liked Cathy's impromptu astrological reading, Shimon's many wise words and dry sense of humor, and I am absolutely in debt to the kindness of a roommate - Anne - who noticed I had left ALL of my hanging clothes behind in the closet and so kindly dragged them back to the US to return to me.
I am totally up for a MASA reunion at the Seattle NACAC, and if anyone wants to visit the Land of Enchantment, just let me know!
With much warm regard,
Levia
Back to top
----------
Jennifer Lee
Milken Community High School
Los Angeles, California
Greetings from rainy LA!
MASA was definitely an incredible journey and I learned so much about the programs, the country, the history, the people - it was all so wonderful. Many students, faculty, and friends have been asking about my trip and I have been talking non-stop about it. I already have some students who are interested in taking a year off before college and I certainly know which programs to recommend now.
The week in Israel was a transformative trip and I am still processing all that I experienced. What made MASA even more special were all of you and I know that we gained so much more than just an educational trip. I'm so thankful to MASA (Avi, Noah, Aaron and everyone else who helped) for this "AMAZING" experience and for the opportunity of getting to know each of you. We should definitely have a NACAC reunion and stay in touch.
If anyone is ever in LA (la la land), please let me know and I would love to meet up!
All the best,
Jen
Back to top
----------
Marjorie Jacobs
SAR High School
Scarsdale, NY
Dear Group,
I feel that I have been floating since our plane ascended from the ground in Israel last Friday. What an incredible experience. Seeing Israel through the eyes of all of the young people on the MASA programs and traveling through Israel together was truly enlightening. The bonding, sightseeing, insightful dialogue, shopping and seeing the extra bags loaded with goods from the market, the food, the spirit, the true sense of sharing in the dream of Israel as a reality, all created a new reality for me in my personal Israel journey.
We should definitely have a reunion at NACAC and continue to share our pictures and reactions. I have a number of kids who are already applying to the Young Judea Program for next year and I am encouraging one student to try the Rimon experience. Now we know the magic they will live together.
Missy and I saw each other in Washington yesterday and agreed that we still are functioning in a different time zone, but with amazing smiles and wonderful memories of each of you and our shared adventure.
Warm regards,
Marjorie
Back to top
----------
Janet Dwoskin
Bialik High School
Mnontreal, Canada
Dear Avi, Thank you so much for all you have done for us. The trip itself was AMAZING but the opportunity to bond with such a wonderful group of people was "priceless". Leonie and I have already spoken to teachers and some of the students about the marvelous opportunities that are available in Israel. The teachers were anxious to learn more and are looking forward to our presentation. We would love to have you come to speak to our students and to see Montreal in March or the beginning of April. The principal is out of the school until Wednesday. As soon as she gets back we will get back to you with some possible dates. Again, this was the most inspiring week that I have spent in a very long time and I am confident that Montreal will soon be sending many students on a foundation year or another program through MASA. Janet
Back to top
----------
Rabbi Lee Buckman
Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit
West Bloomfield MI
Dear Everyone,
I'm back in Detroit, to no surprise, awake at a jet-lagging 2 am. It usually takes a few days for my body to recalibrate. I hope you returned safely and quickly to your families.
I enjoyed meeting all of you and look forward to working together to generate more interest in long-term experiences in Israel.
If anyone writes an article, please share it. We can all benefit from your creativity. I'm attaching a few items to get things going.
John Boshoven, our former college guidance counselor, wrote an article for our local Jewish newspaper. That is the attachment "Consider a Gap Year in Israel."
The attachment "MASA MISSION" outlines the case for a transition year in Israel and includes reflections on each place that we visited two years ago. I don't remember who wrote it.
"College can wait" is a story a local reporter wrote about the year in Israel before college.
The attachment called "oped" isn't really related to transition years in Israel but deals with the meaning of Israel in religious terms.
"LBarticle2" is the article I wrote for the Jewish News. It's in pdf form and may take time to download; I couldn't find the original word document.
Finally, after our last mission, here's a draft of an action plan for our school. I've pasted it below. I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Current Juniors
Ask a junior family to host a meeting at their home for junior parents to learn about a transition year. ?Have a student and parent speak about what it was like as a student (or parent of a student) on one of these programs.
All Students
Devote one Town Hall meeting to transition year programs. ?Invite students that participated on transition year programs to share their experiences.
Next year's juniors:
Early in the year, convene a meeting with all junior families and introduce the idea of transition year programs as we are explaining the college application process. ?
This year's seniors:
We'll be in Israel in May-June. ?Invite all our graduates that are currently in Israel to spend shabbat with us. ?The latter will be on a panel to discuss and share their experiences with our seniors. ?I'm hoping that, at the very least, the seniors will begin to consider a junior year program and that maybe one or two would consider deferring college--even though it's late in the game--to study in Israel for gap year.
Other ideas:
*create a brochure promoting gap year programs with student and parent testimonials
*put something on our website about study/volunteering in Israel and a link to MASA
*make sure to include gap year opportunities in the one-on-one junior conference
*revamp junior questionnaire to include interest in gap year
*create a bulletin board in school just about Israel programs
*send copies of articles we write to all junior and senior parents.
*collect video testimony of our graduates in Israel and create a 5 minute DVD for our students about transition year programs.
Shalom to everyone,
Lee B
Back to top
