February 2009 Archives

Taking a rest on the hike through the Arava desert

At the end of January our WUJS participants spent a special Shabbat on Kibbutz Ketura.  This Shabbat was especially meaningful as it was one of the last Shabbatot of the program.  Kibbutz Ketura is located in the Arava desert in Southern Israel about 40km north of Eilat.  Its beautiful surroundings and warm community provided the perfect atmosphere for the Wujee's to spend their last few days together.  Aside from going on some great hikes and spending a lot of quality time together, the participants also learned about kibbutz living; how the community lives together, the type of work that is done on kibbutz, and the complex issues that can arise in kibbutz life.  It was a great time had by all and a weekend that will not be forgotten!   

Following the final ceremony on Sunday evening, our WUJS participants celebrated the Festival of Tu B'Shavt by holding their own special Seder.  The festival traditionally celebrates the new year for trees and the Seder gives us the chance to eat each Israel's seven holy species: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pommegranates, olives and dates.

Please click on the image below to see short highlights from the evening.

Last Sunday our WUJS September '08 participants had their final ceremony at Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah.  It was a great evening full of laughter, tears and many thank yous.  We were honored by the presence of our fantastic teachers as well as former Director, Alon Friedman and Director of Young Judaea in Israel, Dan Krakow.

Please click on the image below to see a short slideshow full of memories from the last six months.