July 2015 - Page 3 of 3

Day 6: Nursing Home & Shalva (Bus 1). Yad Lekashish & Aleh (Bus 2)

What a day on NCSY GIVE today! After having an awesome weekend up north doing team building activities, we finally made it to Mevaseret! It was officially our first day of Chessed! We spent the whole day around Jerusalem! Bus 1 started the day off by going to a nearby nursing home. As we sang, blew up balloons, and danced for the elderly, many smiles were forming. Not only did it bring happiness to the elderly to have guests but it was very special for the GIVErs to see how much joy they brought to THEM! Afterwards we headed to Gan HaPa’amon to have a delicious lunch. Later that day we went to visit the organization, Shalva. Shalva facilitates children and adults with disabilities from birth until age 21. The facility is open 24/7. We met with a man named Yossi Samuels. Shalva was started because of Yossi and his condition — he is blind and deaf. Yossi made everyone on GIVE feel like the sky is the limit in what you want to do. Despite Yossi’s condition he learned how to speak and read sign language. He also works and rides horses. What the people of Shalva accomplish was extremely inspirational and touching. After we got a tour of the colorful and fun building, we got to hear the Shalva band! They were so talented! We were all in awe as to what these kids could do! As the kids and adults of Shalva performed, GIVE danced along with the rest of Shalva! We then got onto the buses and drove to a place called Maaleh. It is a film making school. We watched a film that a women created about a personal life story. She explained to us how the process works and what it takes to make a successful film in the school.

Bus 2 began their day by going to Yad Lekashish — a facility for elderly foreign individuals to provide an opportunity for them to have different working opportunities. Such as, jewelry making, metal melting, and painting. The girls got to meet these individuals and see their beautiful artwork! After meeting them, the girls got to go to a gift shop that contains all the various artworks created by them. They then met bus 1 for lunch in Gan HaPa’amon! Later that day, the girls heard from Neil Lazarus, from “Awesome Seminars”. He spoke about the current political situation in the Middle East. Following that, bus 2 went to a place called Aleh. Aleh is a home for individuals with physical disabilities. The girls sang, danced, and played guitar for both children and adults. After all that excitement, both buses ended of the day with a big boom! We had a huge yummy meal at Papagayos!!!!! After a long day filled with dancing and smiles it’s time to call it a night!

We can’t wait for tomorrow!!!

Day 5: Rosh Hanikra & Repelling

Written by GIVEr: Liat Levkovich

Today was a crazy day on Give! The fun began with our packed suitcases and happy faces, early in the morning. We took advantage of the davening our last day in Tzfat, looking over the beautiful scenery. Then we had breakfast and had our first actual chabura, a learning group with an advisor, studying about middot and bonding with a small group of girls.

We were on our way to tour Rosh Hanikrah. We viewed a short movie about this extraordinary place. Many photos were snapped and Hashem’s wonders and beauty was so evident there. Afterwards we had an unique lunch of pizza with various toppings and it was an “all you could eat buffet.” This surely filled our stomachs for the unexpected endless trip to a mountain in Mikrat Keshet.

We all walked along a rocky trail until we were welcomed by the rappelling course. Everyone was a little nervous and excited for this adventure, we knew this would be forever remembered. People started putting on helmets and harnesses, and the voices became louder. While everyone was cheering for their friends, they conquered their fear of heights. But that wasn’t all. We did not expect our trek back to be so difficult. We carefully glided, supported each other, and saw beautiful views of Israel’s north; no picture could possibly capture the precious nature. There was a very steep wall, and we had to hold on to the strong wire. After much conviction and determination, we successfully finished one of the hardest trails Israel has to offer. We then celebrated with delicious ice cream and refreshing water.

We have finally arrived in Mevaseret, after many hours on the bus becoming closer with our GIVE sisters. We had a gourmet late dinner and are ready to unpack and sleep. We can’t wait for a fun filled day tomorrow, filled with Chessed in the holy city of Jerusalem.

Day 4: Shabbos & Motzei Shabbos!!

Shavuah Tov!! Shabbos in Tzfat this weekend was truly one like no other!!! The whole GIVE family looking their finest for the holy Shabbos kodesh, as we went outside to sing kabalat Shabbos the sun was slowly setting. The view of the Tzfat mountains and sunset was the perfect way to bring in Shabbos. Later that night we had a rocking tisch with snacks, singing, and shtick! On Shabbos day we had chaburot discussing what Shabbos means to us and why “unplugging” on Shabbos is beautiful! Later in the day, the GIVE girls had time to relax and hangout with all their new and old friends. We then went on a walking tour in the Old City of Tzfat! We learnt about the history of it and visited one of the Shuls that has been there for 600 years! Next, the group walked to a park in Tzfat and sat on the floor in a circle as we ebbed Shabbos away. As we sang slow and inspirational songs, we again watched the beautiful sunset behind the Tzfat mountains. Once Shabbos ended we walked down into a dark cave on the bottom of the park. As we entered singing, there were little candles lit around us. The echo of our voices singing in the cave gave each and everyone of us the chills. It was extremely moving and uplifting. The whole GIVE family really felt united. Rabbi Nissel then came as a guest to make havdalah and speak to the group. It was such a treat!

The night ended with us going BOWLING!!! We had a blast! We bowled, danced our hearts out, and had a Melava Malka! What a weekend!! We are looking forward to an even better week to come!!

Day 3: Tzfat Art Gallery & Kayaking in Kfar Blum!

It was another successful, exciting and crazy day on GIVE!! The day began with everyone dividing up into their chaburah groups. It was so great to see everyone get to know their chaburah leaders and friends who are going to be learning with them this summer! Since we are in Tzfat for the weekend, we then walked to the Art Gallery in Tzfat. How could you not?! The girls got to walk around and shop with ice café in their hands through the various pieces of beautiful art work and jewelry Tzfat has to offer! Some girls also chose to go to the famous candle store that’s in the Old City of Tzfat. The amazing artwork and vibe Tzfat gives off is truly incredible! As all the girls bought their goodies, we hopped onto the buses to head towards Kfar Blum for kayaking! We all splashed and swam through the cold refreshing water until we made it to the end. It was quite the adventure and nice to finally be in the water! As Shabbos approaches we are ready to spend an inspirational and beautiful Shabbos in the holy city of Tzfat! We are looking forward to it!! Shabbat Shalom!

We Have Arrived!!

GIVE 2015 has arrived in the holy land of Israel!! It’s hard to believe that we are beginning the Best. Summer. Ever!!!!!

As we left Ben Gurion Airport we hopped onto the buses and headed up north. We all enjoyed a delicious meat dinner!

As all the girls sat together to eat, we played an exciting ice breaker game to get to know each other a little better! We then got back onto the buses and headed up to Tzfat to our lovely hotel! We are all so psyched to begin our very first full and awesome day tomorrow! You can feel the excitement in the air!!