Byline: Chabad Richmond

Experience both land & spirit

(photo from Chabad Richmond)

Chabad Richmond is leading a trip to Israel called The Land & the Spirit Israel Experience. People from across the Lower Mainland are invited to participate in this educational journey to Israel and Judaism’s most holy and historical sites.

March 4-13, 2018, participants will be taken on a five-star experience that feeds their heart, mind and soul, creating lifelong and life-changing memories. “This is an opportunity to see Israel as never before. This trip includes many unique features you will not find on any other trip of its kind,” said Rabbi Yechiel Baitelman, director of Chabad Richmond.

Sponsored by the Jewish Learning Institute, the trip includes:

Journey of learning: Explore Israel’s soul. The Jewish Learning Institute will bring Judaism’s rich history to life as travelers discover the origins of our nation and the spiritual secrets of Israel’s holy sites.

Israel today: Hear from chief rabbis, military brass and top political leaders. The group will be addressed by Israel’s leaders and gain an insider’s view of modern-day Israel’s challenges and triumphs.

Mission of solidarity: Head to the frontlines of Israel’s fight for survival. The trip is highlighted by a visit to the beleaguered community of Hebron, and an intimate barbecue with Israel Defence Forces soldiers and officers, where participants will be able to express their support to our brothers and sisters.

Travel in luxury: There will be concierge service from the moment you arrive, first-class hotel accommodations, five-star gourmet meals, and the very best Israel has to offer in education and entertainment.

Registration for the 2018 trip is well ahead of the pace of recent trips, so interested community members are encouraged to register soon. “This is not a fundraising trip,” emphasized Baitelman, “and no solicitation will be done on this trip.”

For more information and to view the itinerary online, visit landandspirit.org. For more information, contact Baitelman at [email protected] or 604-277-6427.

Volunteer to tutor students

Chabad Richmond is looking for seniors to teach English to Israelis. (photo from chabadrichmond.com)

Want to make a difference in the lives of Israeli teens? Consider Israel Connect, a volunteer program where Vancouver retirees engage via Zoom (it’s like Skype) with Israeli high school students who want to sharpen their English conversation and reading skills. The program, which starts after the High Holidays, is sponsored by Chabad Richmond.

“We are looking for retirees, seniors or adults with time available for volunteering. Volunteers do not have to be teachers, and the curriculum will be provided,” said Vancouver coordinator Shelley Civkin. “We’re looking for Jewish adults who are fluent English speakers, have basic computer skills and own a computer with a camera.” Volunteers can tutor from home – it will entail a half hour per week – and technical support will be available if needed. Volunteers will be trained in how to download and use Zoom.

“This is a meaningful way for community members to support Israel in a practical way,” said Rabbi Yechiel Baitelman of Chabad Richmond. “You’ll be doing a mitzvah, while investing in Israel and its young people.”

Time preferences of volunteers will be coordinated beforehand, but sessions will likely take place in the morning between 8 and 10 a.m. The Chabad Richmond Israel Connect program is asking for a one-year commitment from volunteers.

“English proficiency is crucial to Israeli students, since it accounts for a third of their entrance exam marks for university,” said Baitelman. “Partnering with the Israeli Ministry of Education, the Israel Connect program targets teens from the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Israel. The tutoring sessions are vital to students’ upward mobility in terms of education and jobs, which is why this program is so important.”

“Past volunteers really enjoyed helping their Israeli students, and made great connections with them. The students’ marks on their English exams prove that this kind of one-on-one tutoring makes a significant difference in their lives,” said Civkin.

For more information, contact Civkin at 604-732-6330 or [email protected].