| • Volume 3, Issue 2 | • Kislev 5771 | • November 2010 |
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In this issue we highlight four unique and innovative programs in the YBA educational network, and focus on the incredible growth of kipa-wearing combat officers now serving in command positions in the IDF. – Oz Ben-Shmuel CONTENTS
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YBA NETIV MEIR ABSORBS ANGLO OLIM Yerushalayim Torah Academy (YTA) is an English-speaking high school program for new immigrant teenagers who find it difficult to cope at a regular Hebrew-speaking Israeli high school. The boys' YTA program is integrated into YBA Netiv Meir in Jerusalem's Bayit Vegan neighborhood, but unlike their Israeli counterparts, the YTA boys are not required to live in the school's dormitories. Many aliyah-minded parents in English speaking countries fear that the adjustment to Israeli schools would be too difficult for their teenagers. The YTA program at YBA Netiv Meir provides a solution to this obstacle, which often prevents potential olim from making aliyah. Click here to learn more about the YTA program at YBA Netiv Meir.
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RELIGIOUS-SECULAR DIALOGUE
Over the past two years a unique Civics Studies program has been introduced at YBA Tikvat Yaakov. Project "Echad" (Ezrachut Chilonim-Datiim) combines students from the yeshiva with students from the secular Misgav School to study civics together. The joint study program is designed as a supervised encounter between youths of vastly differing world-views. The classes foster dialogue and debate on the most divisive issues in Israeli society, but the students are encouraged to share, listen and debate the issues in a civil manner. The joint classes are hosted in the first semester at Misgav and switch in the second semester to YBA Tikvat Yaakov. "We saw that our students' identity as religious Zionists was strengthened by the experience," said YBA Tikvat Yaakov civics teacher Shmulik Ben-David, "They often made us proud in the way they discussed issues, especially issues of modesty and boy-girl relationships. I am sure that these kinds of encounters are more instructive than destructive. I wholeheartedly recommend the program. There is no reason to be afraid of exposing our students to the secular point of view." After two years of joint studies the two classes were treated to a day-long seminar in Jerusalem led by facilitators from the Gesher (Bridge) Center for religious/secular dialogue. The students were unanimous in their praise for the program. In the words of one participant, "civics became a lesson that we looked forward to." Click here to learn more about the YBA Tikvat Yaakov. |
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YBA NETIVOT CHAIM STUDENT CITED FOR VOLUNTEERISM
The "Le'oro Nelech" organization was established in 1989 to integrate high school youth into a variety of volunteer frameworks. Le'oro Nelech is dedicated to the legacy of Harav Moshe Tzvi Neriya zt"l, the founder of Merkaz Yeshivot Bnei Akiva, and father to the "crocheted kipa" generation. Harav Neriya taught his students to be active members of their communities and stressed volunteerism as a way of taking responsibility for the welfare of Israeli society. All YBA schools incorporate volunteer projects into their curricula to develop the values of chesed, volunteering and leadership, and many schools work in tandem with the Le'oro Nelech organization. Maor Gavra, a student at YBA Netivot Chaim in the Pisgat Zev neighborhood in Jerusalem, was recently awarded a national citation for exceptional volunteerism in a ceremony at the Knesset. Maor was recognized for his community service in the framework of the yeshiva's Le'oro Nelech service project. He and his classmates volunteered at the Meir Panim, Yad Ezra v'Shulamit, Efrat and Kav L'Chaim organizations. Click here to learn more about the Le'oro Nelech program. |
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GOT KIPA? BE AN OFFICER!
A recently released IDF study revealed that the number of religious graduates from the Infantry Combat Officer School (the most prestigious branch of the IDF land forces) shot up from 2.5% in the 1990s to 31.4% in 2007. The number ranged between 22.5% and 31.4% of all newly minted combat officers every year since 2001. Top army brass has had to get used to the new reality.
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PROFILE: MAJOR GENERAL (RES.) YAIR NAVEH
Defense Minister Ehud Barak has approved the appointment of Major-General Yair Naveh, 53, as IDF Deputy Chief of Staff. He was recommended for the post by the IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi. Major-General Naveh is religious, and will be the first kipa-wearing officer to achieve such a high position in the IDF... Naveh is a graduate of Netiv Meir Yeshiva in Jerusalem, where he studied alongside Major-General (res.) Elazar Stern and the current Chief Military Rabbi, Brigadier-General Rafi Peretz. Click here to read the entire Israel National News article by Gil Ronen |
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YBA ULPANAT NEOT AVRAHAM, ARAD TURNS 30
During Chol Hamoed Sukkot, hundreds of YBA Ulpanat Neot Avraham alumna returned to Arad from all over the country to celebrate the opening of the school's newest dormitory building. This was the first time since the Ulpana was founded over 30 years ago that all 1,400 graduates have been invited at the same time – with their families – to an event, together with current and former teachers, staff, and other ulpana community members. The event gave them a chance to reminisce and in some cases, to see friends they haven't seen in years.
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BAR/BAT MITZVA IN ISRAEL OPPORTUNITY
If you are planning a bar/bat mitzvah celebration in Israel and would like it to be a truly memorable educational experience, AFYBA and Bnei Akiva Olami invite you to consider making part of your trip a joint bar/bat mitzvah with a special needs child from the Bnei Akiva Shevet Yuval program. Twinning your simcha with an Israeli special needs child will bring joy and happiness to these kids and their families, while providing your child and family with a unique personal connection to Israel that will last a lifetime. Click here to read more about the Bnei Akiva Shevet Yuval Bar/Bat Mitzvah Project. |
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