A trip to Israel is always something special. My husband and I have traveled to Israel many times and while there is much to see, we have already visited many places. Our trips now focus on experiencing Israel and Israel society rather than seeing places. Six years ago, I had the option to study Continue Reading »
I have volunteered for the past four summers at ENOSH, a social club for English-speaking mental health club members. Some of the people have been there throughout all four summers, but every summer, there have been new club members and staff. What doesn’t change is the culture of the place — the warm welcome everyone Continue Reading »
Jews suing Gentiles, Gentiles suing Jews. Robberies, thefts, a deal in stolen goods, a sudden accidental death and even a murder, Where? In Wilno (Vilnius) and surrounding villages and shtetls. When? At the end of the eighteenth century. How do we know about these events? By studying the hearings of the Wilno City Court preserved Continue Reading »
I came to Israel this summer unsure, and to be honest, nervous, about what to expect of volunteering in Israel. How would I navigate to my placement, communicate with people and find a way to hopefully help? I was immediately impressed with Skilled Volunteers for Israel’s (SVFI) proposed match placing me at Enosh, an organization Continue Reading »
In the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, when the kibbutz movement was in full flower, foreigners wanting to help in Israel knew just what was expected of them: get on your hands and knees and start digging in marginal agricultural soils. Or spread the feed in the chicken coops. Or take care of the wee ones, Continue Reading »
Meet Volunteer Lori LeBreque, an experienced teacher who volunteered at the Tamar Ariel School in Netanya. Lori shared snippets of her experience which she has allowed us to share on the Skilled Volunteers for Israel blog. February 4 I’d like to share an amazing story of the renaming of the school that I teach in Continue Reading »
One of the coolest parts about Purim in Jerusalem is seeing people in costumes around town. What I didn’t expect was to be that person at which other people shoot their short, amused glances. I remember giggling nervously when I saw Athena wearing earbuds and holding a Rav Kav (magnetic bus pass card) reflected back Continue Reading »
When one has a few months one their hands with no children at home for the first time in years, there is an air of freedom that creeps in. Some would embrace this new status with deep cleaning; others would throw themselves into their work; and some would wish everyone well, but sit and stare Continue Reading »
Having wanted to go to Israel for an extended period of time, doing so with Skilled Volunteers for Israel provided the framework for a way I could find something useful to do while there and give structure to my days. Terry Hendin, SVFI’s Jerusalem based Volunteer Coordinator matched me with the English speaking MELABEV Memory Continue Reading »
Although each day’s activities were different for Debbie & I, the JOY was the same EVERY day. We’ve both worked in long-term care for decades in the past, as part of our Nursing careers. But Melabev was really Special. Perhaps it was Special BECAUSE we were volunteering, perhaps because ALL Club Members are Jewish – & Continue Reading »
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