On May 12th, 24 eighth graders from the Gross Schechter Day School in Cleveland came to Israel for two weeks. They spent Lag Ba'Omer with 18 ORT Clali High School students in Beit Shean, their Jewish Agency Partnership 2000 region. Together, the teens had a grand time celebrating Lag Ba'Omer in traditional Israeli style with a huge bonfire, barbeque, games, and treasure hunt. Julie Auerbach, Director of Adult and Family Education at Gross Schechter, said it was thrilling to see all the bonfires dotting the night sky.

After Lag Ba'Omer, the mifgash (encounter) continued with a visit to a water park, group activities, and finally, Shabbat together in Jerusalem.

The Cleveland teens had a wonderful time making connections with new friends in Beit Shean and seeing things they had studied for nine years come alive in Israel. Their itinerary included a visit to Jerusalem's Old City, sites in modern Israel, and a special trip to Rehovot to meet Coleman Brosilow, founder of the Gross Schechter Day School. He spoke to the group about the history of the school and how important it is to be agents of change. Taking his message to heart, the teens from Cleveland and Beit Shean explored ways to build relationships, learn about each other's culture, and become agents of change for the Jewish people.

Special thanks to Dr. Joe Freedman, Director of Ramah Programs in Israel, for coordinating and leading the tour, and to the Ramah staff in Israel for their tireless efforts.







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Iyyar 5763 - May 2003