118514 Weisser_JCC Camp - Michael-Ann Russell Jewish ...

Israel programs & resource center
Israeli Programs, Celebrations, & Films
The Israel Programs and Resource Center is a central resource to strengthen the ties that connect Miami-Dade County Jewry
with the People and Culture of Israel. The Israel Programs and Resource Center, under the direction of a Community Shaliach,
is made possible through the combined efforts of the MAR-JCC and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, with support from
the Jewish Agency for Israel and Maccabi World Union.
Shinshiniyim
North Miami Dade’s relationship with our Partnership community of Yerucham (Israel) will continue to be
strengthened through the presence of Ido Abargel and Mor Melker. These two post-high school young adults are
representing their home town of Yerucham as “Shinshiniyim” - cultural emissaries - who bring the flavor of Israel
and the Zionistic spirit of Yerucham to classroom settings in Jewish day schools and Hebrew
schools, and to Jewish youth groups and organizations. These two young representatives of
their community and country have deferred their army service by one year so we may
benefit from their knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment to Jewish Peoplehood. Home
hospitality is provided to the “Shinshins” to further the cultural exchange nature of this
program. Families interested in hosting a “Shinshin” (one male, one female) for a minimum
of 1 month, are invited to call Dror Gershoni, at 305-932-4200 x128.
Cultural and Educational Programs
•ISRAEL EDUCATION YEARLY COURSE FOR TEENS • A community initiative in partnership with local synagogues:
Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center, Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus, Highland Lakes Shul, and Temple Sinai.
Eligible participants must be entering grades 11 or 12. Developed with Jerusalem Online University, The David
Project, and Makom’s educational materials of the Jewish Agency for Israel, this monthly course aims to
educate our community's teens and give them a better understanding of the State of Israel- its origins, its historic
connection to the Jewish people, and the complexities of Israel as a Jewish state in the Middle East. It also
teaches them how to be proponents of Israel while in college and beyond. Meetings will be held at each one of
the participating agencies and therefore will connect our community's teens to the diverse Jewish community of
North Miami-Dade so that they can form a stronger friendship base and activism network. Begins Wednesday,
October 26, 6-7:30pm. (Possible special Israel Advocacy Seminar (10 days) in Israel as a course culmination
during Summer 2012). For more info, contact Simon Erdfrocht, Course Coordinator, ext. 103
•CAFE´ HAFUCH – Israeli Cultural Club
Engage, learn, experience and enjoy Israel in a relaxed setting (either in Elsie’s Café or the Kiblisky Lounge) that
features lectures, music, and literature depicting contemporary Israeli cultural life. Meets on Thursdays at 7pm.
September 8 – Café Hafuch will host the new Consul General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico for a talk about
current events in Israel.
October 27 – Café Hafuch will host the winner of Israel's "Teacher of Excellence" contest - Mrs. Eti Yitzchak who
will share her personal story as an educator in Israel.
November 17 – Maternity in Israel –why and how Israel is one of the leading
countries in fertility treatments With Dr. Daniel Levin.
December 15 – Israeli cooking workshop for Chanukah with Sharon Markovitz.
GLOBAL DAY OF JEWISH LEARNING • Sunday, November 13
An initiative is underway to unite Jews from around the world in the exploration and celebration of our shared
religion, culture, texts and history. Join communities worldwide to study and grow in a Global Day of Jewish
Learning (www.theglobalday.com). This event is inspired by renowned Jewish scholar Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz who,
after 45 years and 45 volumes, completed his monumental Talmud translation and commentary. Organized by
the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education.
• Community Shaliach: Dror Gershoni, ext. 128 • Chair: Mindy Hardoon
-24-