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Frequently Asked QuestionsOur letter to the Editor in response to an article written in the Jewish Week about gap year programs was published and you can read it here Click here to read the article. There has been much discussion about the Gap year of study in Israel and its value. You can read an educational discussion which took place on the Lookstein Center list serve know as Lookjed We have compiled the discussion and you can read it here
We feel that it is important to read this and be informed about what to expect of your child and of the school during the year abroad. General InformationHelp: my son/daughter, who just doesn't know how to get around Jerusalem and feels very isolated! There is a new site with the most up to date Jerusalem Bus Maps: http://busmap.co.il When do the clocks change in Israel?Clocks are moved back in Israel on September 27th. Check out this great site and create your own personal clock and be in sync with your child in Israel: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=110Adjustment Questions-The Yeshivot/seminaries are going to be closed from after Yom Kippur until after Sukkot. We are not planning to be in Israel for Sukkot and do not have family here-what is our son/daughter to do?This is a difficult problem and one that comes up year after year. The one year programs have more recently tried to be sensitive to this issue by not "officially closing" -the dorms are open but there are no classes and no meals. So, yes, your child has a place to sleep but what about meals, a feeling of being included, of celebrating the chag. My first suggestion to you is to be in touch with the school and share your concerns. The administration is only aware that this is an issue if it is brought to their attention. Find out if someone from the school would be able to host your child. It is difficult as for many of them-they have already been guests for Rosh Hashsana and Yom Kippur and it isnt easy. Network with other parents and work out a plan-going together to a family for the chag, taking advantage of the so many wonderful things happening in Jerusalem and around the country (see What is happening this week) during the week. Encourage your child to use this time to get to know their neighborhood and the country. There are some interesting volunteer opportunities available during this Sukkot holiday (scroll down to our volunteer page under featured columns) which would be a great way for your child to get to know the Israeli community while helping out . Feel free to contact us at:here4theyear@gmail.com for further assistance. -My son/daughter has just arrived in Israel and must find a place to stay for the High Holidays-please advise!Beginnings are always difficult and more so when you are in a new country, new school and need to make new friends. On top of this your child is suddenly confronted with having to find a place to stay for the High Holidays. This can be a bit uneasy for someone who hasnt yet made friends and does not have close family. Your first response may be to just take a hotel room for your child. We would recommend that you work with your child and the school in finding a place with a family. It will be a good opportunity to bond with another classmate and to be a part of a family during this important time. Work with your child on the best way to be a guest yet feel at home. You may suggest that your child offer to pay for the High Holiday seats as they can be costly (as you know from your own shul). Have your child offer to bring something-a dessert perhaps. Have your child inquire about children and possibly then bring a game for them. It is also important that your child help out during the time that he/she will be staying at someones home. It is also quite accecptible for a guest to bring his/her own bedding. Don't forget that in Israel there is no"Sunday" and the day after Shabbat, or holiday it is back to work and school for everyone. Staying with a family can be a wonderful learning experience and a great way to begin to feel the "beat" of this great country! Ketivah V'Chatimah Tovah!How do I chice a program for my son/daughter?
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