Charlene's OTZMA Adventure

Zeoo A Jewish Journey in Israel

2008-06-15T08:30:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that I have had the pleasure of living and volunteering in Israel for the last 10 months. As I stood on the bima, having my bat mitzvah, just over 10 years ago at Congregation Ner Tamid on Emerson, I never imagined that it would be just the beginning of my Jewish identity. When I first came to Israel it was quite apparent that you were either dati (religious) or chiluni(secular). It appeared everyone was one extreme or the other. The reform and conservative communities seemed to be lost. Throughout the year I have had the opportunity to experience and understand the Jewish spectrum that stirs in Israel. During my time in Kiryat Gat I met with a Reform congregation from Chicago. It was wonderful to see them and to speak with them about the expanding communities both in Israel and America. Our Jewish homeland is made up of a mosaic of Jewish peoplehood. From Morocco, to Ethiopia, to France; from Ultra Orthodox, religious zionist, and secular. Although often it feels like there is an internal struggle to find a place for each Jewish individual, in the end, "klal Israel - all of Israel" will welcome Jews from all over into their homes.I spent the majority of my year living in the South of Israel, Be'er Sheva, Kiryat Gat, and finally Kibbutz Ketura (near Eilat.) Growing up in Las Vegas, this has made me feel right at home, from one desert to another. I always knew Judaism was important to me. After 10 months in Israel I understand it is what makes me who I am and is a part of every fibre in my body. I look forward to coming back to Las Vegas and sharing what I have learned about our homeland with our home.

My OTZMA Adventure Continues: The Reasons Why

2008-05-31T08:41:00.000-07:00

Seven months in, the dust has settled, the unfamiliar became familiar and confusion has been transformed to clarity. Seven months in I accept that there are no line-ups in Israel, no personal space, and truly no saying no to mashehoo cham? (a cup of tea/coffee.)
For the second track of my journey I have had the privilege of living, learning, and volunteering in the city of Kiryat Gat, Chicago's Partnership 2000 city. Kiryat Gat is a small city approximately 40 minutes south of Tel Aviv (30 minutes with an Israeli sheruit driver.) Continue traveling another 20 minutes outside this small periphery city, to Nehora in Lachish, and there lays an elementary school for all the surrounding Moshavim.
Walking onto their beautiful campus you see wide-open spaces, park games, science experiments, and even an ecologically friendly biodome housing lots of furry creatures. Rivkah Goober Elementary school, where another Otzmanik, Adam, and I spent our days teaching English, and frankly, learning Hebrew. Kids are wonderful at teaching Hebrew. They laugh with you at your mistakes and it gives them confidence that they can teach you, "an adult".
Our job as volunteers, more than anything else, was about building confidence. It is more then ABC's and present participles – it is about confidence and encouragement. The ability to speak English is far different from the courage to do so. We taught the kids that it doesn’t have to be perfect as long as you try. There is no better feeling in the world than three months after one of our students walked into our room saying "I speak no English" for them to leave telling you, "Thank you."
I clearly remember on the first day, walking into Rivkah Goober elementary school, and having all the kids run up to me and ask me where I was from. After telling them I was from Las Vegas and hearing the various casino questions that followed, I realized that just being there, speaking to the kids, was going to help shape their lives.
Outside of the students that did not speak English at all, there were a group of students that have lived in English speaking countries but weren't getting the English education they needed to maintain or improve their skills. Adam and I were given the freedom to take these 20 students and create an English play and newspaper. The play, "A trip Around Israel" was written by the kids. We started with a simple journal entry asking what is your favorite part about Israel? It was wonderful to see why they loved their country. Yehuda, one of our second grade boys, stated, "I love Israel because it is small like me!" Watching the students transform these stories into dialogue and finally a play that the kids will perform on English day was the highlight of my time at Rivkah Goober. For our English newspaper, Michal, a fifth grader who spent a few years in California wrote an article on the Hatikvah and what it meant to her. After hearing the Hatikvah in American and moving back to Israel, she understands the impact of the song of Hope.
Sometimes it is easy to get lost in the beaches, falafels, and rockets and it becomes easy to forget, “why Israel?”, and lose hope. I was honored to attend the book launch of a book that my 95 year-old grandfather helped produce about Victor Kugler, The Man Who Hid Anne Frank. We were privileged at the launch to hear from many people, including one of Anne Frank's close friends, Hana Pick, a holocaust survivor. Sitting in Jerusalem hearing her holocaust story, there is no forgetting, just knowing and understanding. I sit here today as a proud granddaughter as my Zadie reminds me and others why we must never forget and never lose hope.
Seven months in I understand why Israel is my homeland.

The View from the Other Side of the Bus

2008-03-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

OTZMA: Strength. Strength I found in myself, in others, and in the state of Israel. On August 28th, 2007 I joined 46 other post-graduate young adults as we journeyed to Israel to learn, explore, and volunteer. I have traveled from the southern beaches of Eliat to the northern city of Akko. We were lucky enough to discover Be’er Shave (7 wells) and experience the Negav (desert.)

We have visited the settlements of Takoa while learning about coexistence. We have painted walls and white washed fences with the people of Sderot while learning about the constant fear they live in. Currently, the city can be hit with 2 or 3 Kassams (rockets) a day. Cleaning out their debris filled parks allowed us a glimpse into their reality while restoring a light of hope and reminding them that maybe, they are not forgotten. We picked onions for "the hungry of Israel" with Table to Table (www.tabletotable.org.il) who enable thousands of hungry Israelis to receive food. Each week we waited tables for mothers and their children in Be’er Sova, who have never and may never be able to go to a restaurant. We played games, made puzzles, and built memories that will last a lifetime, in their hearts and ours. We have done all this while learning Hebrew.

Living in an absorption center for Olym Chadashim (New Immigrants) allowed me to understand the true melting pot that is Israel. Jews from all over the world including France, Russia, and India come together as Israeli citizens. It is beautiful to witness the Shabbat and Chugim atmosphere; passing strangers on the street and wishing them a “Shabbat Shalom”. Sharing the Shabbat with Israelis from all over Israel has made me appreciate how lucky I am to be Jewish and have this amazing state that allows me to learn, explore, and volunteer. One thing I have learned is, the more I learn, the more I need to learn. OTZMA is divided into three and a half tracks and I can hardly believe the first is complete. I look forward to learning and discovering more throughout my last two and a half tracks in Israel.

Todah Raba
Charlene

Charlene Naft
Charlene.Naft@gmail.com
CharinIsrael@blogspot.com
ww.otzma.org

Politics and Society Seminar

2007-11-14T03:19:00.000-08:00

This weekend we have an exciting seminar about Politics and Society. Below is the schedule for our weeekend.

Politics and Society Seminar
OTZMA 22
Nov 15th – Nov 19th, 2007

Thursday, November 15 - "What Makes Israel Tick"7 AM Drive from Beer Sheva to Jerusalem
9 AM Arrival at hostel (Leave bags at storage rooms)
Introduction to the seminar 10AM Knesset game with Jared & Josh
12:30 Lunch at the Judean Hostel1:30 PM Leave for Knesset
Bring your Passport.
The Knesset Dress Code"One is not permitted to enter the Knesset wearing tank-tops, shorts, or jeans. "Crocs" shoes are not permitted unless they are black or navy. Men may not enter wearing sandals, and women are not permitted to enter wearing belly-shirts".You can not bring bags, cameras and cell phones into the Knesset.
2 PM Knesset tour
MK Michael Melchior speaks on Israeli politics5 PM Return to Judean Hostel
Check in to rooms
6 PM Dinner
7 PM Session
Friday, November 16 - "Living on the Edge (of the border)"

7 AM Breakfast
8 AM Leave for Gush Etzion
9 AM Eve Harow speaks at Kfar Etzion
10:30 Leave for Tzur Hadassah
11:00 Hike Neighbors Trail w/local activists
12:30 Lunch
13:00 Leave for Tekoa – Drop off at the grocery store in Tekoa
2:00 Bus leaves to Jerusalem

Shabbat starts 4:01 PM
Shabbat Shalom

Motzei Shabbat, November 17
6:30 PM Drive back to Jerusalem from Tekoa. Pick up from the grocery store in Tekoa.
§ Check in to rooms after 8 PM
§ Pizzur Dinner
Free night

Sunday, November 18 - "Israel: a DemoJewCratic State?"8:30 Breakfast
9:30 Leave for Rose Garden10 AM Program on Religion & State in Rose Garden w/Jared & Josh12 Packed Lunch

12:30 Leave for the following site visits to meet with activists OR stay for a session with Gitit from Mavoi Satum (1:30 – 3:30)
§ Jerusalem Open House - GLBT community
§ ITIM - Jewish struggles with the rabbinate

2:30 Pickup from site visits to return to Judean Hostel
3:30 Anat Hoffman speaks on Social Justice 5 PM Processing w/Jared & Josh 6 PM Dinner
7 PM Session
Monday, November 19 - "Back to the Future: Prospects for Peace" 8:30 Breakfast
Check out of rooms (Leave bags at storage room) 9:30 Film screening of "Encounter Point" 11 AM Speak w/Shlomo & Sami (Jew & Palestinian) from the film12:30 Lunch at the Judean Hostel
1 PM Leave for Tayelet Goldman1:30 "The Great Divide" w/Jared & Josh at Tayelet Goldman4 PM Final wrap-up w/Jared & Josh
6 PM Dinner
7 PM Drive back to Beer Sheva

Schedules

2007-10-10T05:44:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone I just wanted to post some of our schedules for our weeks here. They describe Our second week in Israe, Yom Kippur and an Education day.

OTZMA 22
באר שבע 2nd week in

Sunday Sep 9th

10 am – 1 pm Ulpan test
Short Hebrew writing test
Personal interview / Special activity for Rosh Hashanah with Gabi.

10:30 am MDA interviews

2 – 3:30 pm Meeting with Dganit and Yael
Slichout tour, Adoptive families and security instructions for Rosh Hashanah vacation.

4 – 5:30 pm JESNA
Meet Lisa

Monday Sep 10th

11 am Plan for Carnival
Plan games and stations for the Mercaz Carnival next Thursday, Sep 20th.

Tuesday Sep 11th

10:30 am MASA
Meet with MASA representative
11:45 – 12:45 Special activity for Rosh Hashanah with the Ulpan
******** Recommended ********
12:15 pm Rechouvot OTZMAnikim meet with Ilan Halperin, NY representative.

Afternoon / Evening Get ready for education night and Rosh Hashanah:
* Pack for vacation.
* We recommend buying a little gift for your adoptive family.

Education night

סיור סליחות Slichout[1] tour
Jerusalem getting ready for Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday Sep 12th

1 am. YES it is 1 am! Bus leaves for Jerusalem

2:45 am Arrival to Jerusalem
3am Mid-night Session with the funky educators: Jared Goldfarb and Josh Even Chen aka J&J
4:15 am. Leave for a night walk"סיור סליחות" at Nachlaout neighborhood
4:30 – 6:30 am. סיור סליחותat Nachlaout neighborhood
6:30 am. Light breakfast @ Gan Sakker
8 am. Leave for your Rosh Hashanah vacation.
2 busses will drop you off at locations in the area of your adoptive family's house at the following places:
Northern bus –
Jerusalem – Arlozorov train station, Tel Aviv – Ra'anana 'Mercaz' junction – Beit L'ed junction – Yokneam – Rotenberg house, Haifa – Carmiel – Kiryat Shemona.

Southern bus –
Jerusalem – Bilo junction (next to Rechuvot) – Plougot junction –
Power-center next to Kfar Silver - Ofakim

Your adoptive family was notified about your arrival as well as where they should pick you up. Please contact them at least 2 day prior to your arrival to introduce yourself.

חג שמח ומתוק

Saturday Sep 15th
Back to the Mercaz Klita
Please get to your pick up point on time.
Call Jenny or Meara with any changes, problems etc.

Sunday Sep 16th
8:15 am. Ulpan starts
Bring notebooks, pens, lots of coffee …
בהצלחה

9 pm. 1st ever Sunday meeting with Jenny
Israel update
Share Rosh Hashanah experiences
Important information
Carnival update
[1] סליחות - Atonement

Education Day
Beer Sheva: These are the people in your neighborhood

9:00 Leave the Mercaz Klita
Get packed lunch
9:30 Arrive at Ben Gurion University
Welcome by Aya from public relations dept.
10:00 "A peek at modern Beer Sheva: populations, cultures & economy"
Meet with Professor Denis Weintraub, Director, Research Services
11:30 Leave for Tel Beer Sheva
12:00 "Back to the Source: Why is this well different from all other wells ?"
Visit Tel Beer Sheva w/Jared
13:30 Lunch at Andartat Hanegev

15:00 Drive to Rahat
15:30 "The Negev Bedouin: nomadic tribes or suburban yuppies?"
Meet with Kamla Abu Zgela at Rahat Matnas
17:00 Return to Beer Sheva
17:30 Bye Bye
14:15 "Beer Sheva: Gateway to Eilat and the conquest of the desert"
Brief explanation of Andartat Hanegev

15:00 Drive to Rahat
15:30 "The Negev Bedouin: nomadic tribes or suburban yuppies?"
Meet with Kamla Abu Zgela at Rahat Matnas
17:00 Return to Beer Sheva

17:30 Bye Bye

15:00 Drive to Rahat
15:30 "The Negev Bedouin: nomadic tribes or suburban yuppies?"
Meet with Kamla Abu Zgela at Rahat Matnas
17:00 Return to Beer Sheva
17:30 Bye Bye

OTZMA 22
Yom Kippur Seminar
Sep 21st – 22nd, 2007
Jerusalem
Friday Sep 21st, 2007

7 AM Depart to Jerusalem
9 AM Arrival at Kiryat Moriah - hot drinks and snacks at Melitz
9:15 Introduction to the Yom Kippur Seminar with Jared
9:30 Session #1 - Experiential Workshops
Workshop A: "Deconstructing Prayer" - Yaffa Epstein
Workshop B: The "I Hate Synagogue" Guide to Yom Kippur - Dina Pinner

I chose Workshop A

Workshop A: "I Confess! Deconstructing the Yom Kippur prayer experience" Yaffa Epstein
One of the unique and very core elements of the Yom Kippur liturgy is the Viduy - the confession. In this session, we'll examine the history of confession as a part of the High Holiday experience, as well as break down what we're trying to accomplish by confessing in the less than intimate atmosphere of your local synagogue. You will also have an opportunity to take the liturgy to the next level and write your own confessions.

Yaffa Epstein holds a Law Degree from Bar Ilan University and has been a member of the Israeli Bar since 2003. After studying at the Pardes Kollel for three years, she joined the Pardes faculty, where she now teaches Talmud and Siddur for the Year Program. Yaffa is also a faculty member at Ta Shma: Pluralistic Jewish Learning, and is pursuing an MA in Talmud at Hebrew University.
Workshop B: The "I Hate Synagogue Totally Untraditional Guide to Yom Kippur" Dina Pinner
In this session we will explore ways to make Yom Kippur meaningful without having to step into a synagogue or open a prayer book. We'll read contemporary texts and ask specific questions to help examine the essence of the day without getting bogged down in the traditions usually associated with it. If the idea of going to shul makes you shudder, but you still want to seriously engage with Yom Kippur, this session is for you.

Dina Pinner is a feminist, teacher, poet, counselor and graphologist. She made aliya from London in 2000 and lives in Jerusalem, teaching various Jewish subjects. Dina has taught for many Jewish organizations with diverse religious affiliations, from Reform to Ultra-Orthodox, sometimes simultaneously (no, she never told them).
Dina grew up in a family that aligned itself politically and religiously with Bnei Akiva, but has worked for the Masorti movement in England and Israel since 1996. Today she describes herself as datiya leshavar - formerly religious.

10:45 Pizza brunch
11:15 Session #2 - "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Shul"
Comedian Yisrael Campbell shares his personal journey in search of his Jewish soul, and his thoughts on the Days of Awe
12:15 Break
12:30 Session #3 - Discussion Groups
Group A: "Teshuva through Writing: From Yonah to You" - Ilene Prusher
Group B: "Life in the Fast Lane: Food and other prohibitions on Yom Kippur" – Jared

I Chose Group A

1:30 Wrap-Up & Conclusion – Jared & Jenny
2 PM Drive to Ariel Hotel
Check in rooms
3 PM סעודה מפסקת
Seudah Mafseket (Final meal before the fast)

5:01 Yom Kippur fast starts

Explore Yom Kippur in Jerusalem

Shabbat Sep 22nd, 2007
Tefilla at Jerusalem synagogues (for those who want)
6:12 PM Fast ends
6:20 Break fast with coffee and cake at the hotel
7 PM Check out of rooms
7:30 Dinner
8:30 Drive back to Beer Sheva

גמר חתימה טובה!

Sunday Sep 23rd
8:15 am – 12:45 Ulpan

4:30 – 6:30pm Volunteering opportunities
Meet with representatives to hear about a few volunteering options.
Get OTZMA 22 volunteering options booklet.
¨ Beer Sova
Afternoon programs for children, youth and families.

¨ Beit Moriah
Operators of "Beit Cham" – an after school activity project for kids who are at a high risk at their home.

¨ Etgarim
Organization provides the disabled in Israel with outdoor sports and recreation activities.

¨ "Shavu Banim"
A center for the Ethopian community in Beer Sheva.

I hope this gives you a little idea of what has been going on during our first few weeks of OTZMA!

L'Shana Tova!

2007-09-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

So for the new year I am going to require myself to post more regularly on this blog, I know I have been lacking. We should have Internet after the chugim so it will make it a bit easier.

Tonight as our Jewish New year, Rosh Hashana, begins we have the opportunity to reflect, repent and look at our lives. Last year I began looking for the small miracles and seeing g-d in everything and taking joy in the little things and the little miracles g-d provides. I am very excited to continue this journey in Israel and reconnect and gain a deeper connection with g-d. I know my being in Israel is where I am supposed to be right now.

Last week I volunteered one day in an after care program at our Mercas Klyta Ualim (Ulpan) and the kids were wonderful but it was definitely an experience. They spoke Spanish, Russian, and Hebrew, none of which I speak, lol. So it is going to be a wonderful learning experience.

I can't wait to start my full time volunteer work on Sunday along with Ulpan so I can begin to communicate better.

I am spending Rosh Hashana and Shabat with my adoptive family in Kyrat Gat and can't wait to experience the full religious Israeli holidays.

I can't wait to hear about everybody's New Years!

Shana Tova wishing you all the best new year!

Charlene

Some Photos

2007-09-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

A fellow Otzmanikim has been so kind as to allow me to post a link to his photos from our first week in Israel. So please enjoy! Todah!

Sol's Photos

Love,

Charlene

Shalom Chavarim!

2007-08-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I have landed in Israel and I am so excited to begin the journey!

This first week we will be camping and getting acclimated to Israel. Next week we will start are Ulpun in Be'er Sheva.

Will update more soon.

Charlene

I'm leaving on a jet plane...

2007-08-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Well time really does fly. I leave for New York tomorrow and head to Israel on Monday. I just wanted to take this opportunity to tell everyone thank you so much! Without every one's help and support I know I wouldn't be going.

I will try and keep this updated as much as possible, but I would also love to hear from you, so remember to email me! Charlene.Naft@gmail.com

Thank you and yes I will be sure to take care of myself!

Love,

Charlene

Acceptance Letter!

2007-06-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Charlene,

On behalf of OTZMA we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your acceptance to participate on OTZMA XXII. You have been chosen to represent your community on this distinctive program that will prove to be a challenging and infinitely rewarding adventure. By being selected as an OTZMA delegate from your local Jewish Federation, you will join OTZMAnikim from Jewish communities throughout North America. As a participant in the 22st year of OTZMA, you will join over 1,300 past participants, many of whom are now leaders in their Jewish and general communities.

OTZMA is unique in a variety of ways. OTZMA provides the forum for you to work and live alongside Israelis; discover the land and its rich history; help Israelis in need; and experience the country in a way that one would not as a tourist. OTZMA is also designed as a leadership identification program with a specific goal of service. Through the work and relationships you forge, you will strengthen the bond between Israeli and North American Jews.

In the coming weeks you will receive your first package of information about OTZMA to your permanent address. It will include the following:

1. The OTZMA Toolkit (a 38 page guide of information for the OTZMA 2007-2008 year)
2. Letter of Intent
3. OTZMA Code of Conduct, Procedures, and Standards
4. OTZMA Release and Waiver of Responsibility
5. Payment Information

In the meantime, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Tali Ruderman
North American Director, OTZMA
United Jewish Communities
Tel: (212) 284-6721
Fax: (212) 284-6988
tali.ruderman@ujc.org

Check out our website at www.otzma.org

OTZMA Introduction

2007-06-04T17:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

For the past ten years I have been involved in a wide range of philanthropic causes within the Jewish Community of Las Vegas. I have recently been given the opportunity to participate in a program known as OTZMA.

OTZMA is a service-based leadership development program offering young adults ages 20-26 the unique opportunity to contribute and acquire an in-depth understanding of Israel. On August 15, 2007 I am to depart for this 10-month journey to the holy land. As an OTZMA participant I will gain an insider's perspective while working and learning in three consecutive and distinct tracks. These include immigrant absorption, areas of urban renewal, social service work experiences and kibbutz. Throughout the ten months I will move from place to place throughout the country, interacting with people of diverse backgrounds. The three tracks are woven together by an educational program in which participants delve deeply into both the history and contemporary life of Israel and the Jewish people.

My opportunity to participate in the Israel fellowship program, OTZMA, is very exciting and the opportunities and experiences that lie ahead will ensure that I am able to expand on my years of devotion to our community. As you can imagine, a program like this requires financial support from a number of sources. My fellowship has been partially funded by scholarship; however, the program expects its participants to fundraise for the difference in finances to participate in this important work. This being said, I humbly ask that you consider a contribution to this valuable program. Contributions can be made by a business or individual and checks can be paid to United Jewish Communities, OTZMA.

I have been an active leader in the Las Vegas Jewish community since moving here 10 years ago. Throughout my years at Green Valley High School I was an active member of United Synagogue Youth (USY). While in USY I served my chapter as Membership Vice President, Social Action Tikun Olam Vice President, Executive Vice President/ Israeli Affairs and finally, chapter President. I also held positions on the Far West Regional Board for two consecutive years. Since then I have worked as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Las Vegas Jewish Family Service Agency. In that capacity I worked to motivate our volunteers and attract new individuals to the organization. Currently I am a Youth Advisor for the Gorbena Chapter of BBYO. These are just some of my experiences with organizations that are vital to the Las Vegas Jewish community.
Throughout my experiences with the Jewish community I have focused on the importance of personal growth and have had the opportunity to help teach others to learn and grow. Through OTZMA, I hope to gain a stronger sense of Jewish identity and connection to Israel. I hope to bring my renewed passion for the country and culture back to the Las Vegas Jewish community and develop a strong international network.
Since OTZMA’s inception in 1986, over 1,200 young adults from Jewish communities across North America have participated in this unique program. Upon their return to North America, participants engage in Jewish communal life in a volunteer or professional capacity. As the first individual from the Las Vegas Jewish community to participate in this program’s 22-year history, I am honored to represent our growing community.

It is my hope that if I am able to participate in the program I will return with the skills needed for me to continue enriching the Jewish Community of Nevada. However, my participation is dependent on your support.

Any assistance that you or your organization can provide to support me in my fundraising efforts is greatly appreciated.

For more information about OTZMA and my application, please visit www.otzma.org or contact the program organizers at otzma@ujc.org. Please feel free to contact me anytime either by phone at (702) 985-7656 or by email at Charlene.Naft@gmail.com if you have any additional questions.

With your support I would like to be your first Las Vegas OTZMA ambassador.

Respectfully,

Charlene Naft
OTZMA XXII Applicant