MIFGASHIM 2008-5768

The Concept

Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School is committed to promoting the value of religious Zionism. School celebrations of contemporary Zionist events, such as Yom Ha'atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim, emphasis on Modern Hebrew Language, courses of study centered upon Modern Jewish History and religious Zionism, and encouraging post graduation study in Israeli institutions are some of the ways we promote this value.

We can think of no better expression of our commitment than to directly and personally encounter the land of Israel as a school. There, we will learn Torah, tour the land, interface with Israelis and experience Israel's culture.



The Goals

The overall goals of Mifgashim are to:
1) Deepen a student's love of the People of Israel, the Land of Israel and the State of Israel- Medinat Yisrael.
2) Increase one's understanding of religious Zionism both in historical context and in contemporary terms.
3) Increase one's understanding of Judaism through Torah learning “on location.”
4) Deepen a student's personal commitment to Judaism through the inspiration that structured study and living in Israel potentially affords.
5) Deepen one's appreciation for the significance that Israel plays in the life of all Jews.
6) Develop personal and meaningful relationships with Israeli peers.
7) Appreciate and grapple with the political, social and religious issues that face Israelis, through living and studying with Israeli peers.
8) Intensify the study of Limudei Kodesh.




The Program

Mifgashim 2008-5768 is a unique program designed for qualified students in tenth grade to spend four weeks studying and touring in Israel.

Students remaining in the United States will continue to attend classes at Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School, uninterrupted and undisturbed. All teachers are retained for the duration of the entire academic school year and will teach the full curriculum to students.

Touring

Touring will take place throughout the program. Please see the calendar for specific touring information. Touring will be qualitatively of a higher caliber than that of the "typical" summer tours. Carefully designed touring to integrate land, text, history and texture will be fashioned to heighten the significance of Eretz Yisrael.

Selection of Sophomores

We consider tenth grade to be the ideal time to offer the Mifgashim program. Identity formation of Yeshiva High School students really begins to take hold at this stage of adolescent development. With nearly two years of high school gone by and two more years remaining, we capture a "moment" just prior to the time our children begin making major life decisions regarding universities, career choices and core values and commitments. Students, at this stage, are mature enough to absorb the meaningfulness of the experience. The potential impact this program may have on future personal and religious development can be most significant.

Pragmatically, tenth grade is advantageous in that it does not interfere with AP course work and heavy SAT preparation typically undertaken in the eleventh grade.

Mifgashim Administration

The administration of the program is organized under Israel Experience, a subsidiary of The Jewish Agency. They are responsible for all aspects of the program including designing the program, hiring faculty, coordinating services and space, working with school principals, arranging medical and security needs, supervising and executing the program, trouble shooting, and addressing student needs. Of course, all of the above will be done in close partnership with Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School Administrative staff. In addition, madrichim (counselors) will be assigned to the boys and girls to follow their activities and provide regular support throughout the course of the entire day.

The company specializes in providing organized trips to Israel for teens, university students and adults from all over the globe. The mandate of the company is to facilitate and implement Jewish-Zionist experiential/ educational visits to Israel in order to strengthen Jewish identity among Jews - especially youth - living in communities outside of Israel.

For 45 years Israel Experience programs were run through a division within the Youth and HeChalutz Department, which later merged into the JAFI Education Department. In 1999 a decision was made to form Israel Experience Ltd. as a subsidiary company of the Jewish Agency.

Go to www.israelexperience.org.il for more information.

Rules for Student Eligibility

1. Academic
Students must have an average of C or better.
2. Citizenship
Students will have a good behavior record at school; truancy from school, cutting of classes, use, abuse, possession and sale of illegal substances, pending cases with the legal/court system will be grounds for non-inclusion in the program.
3. Adherence to Judaic Standards
Students will be observant of all components of the Judaic foundation of our school.
4. Medical Emotional
Students will have no pre-existing condition that could present significant change to their well-being or that of other participants.

Final decisions regarding participation resides with the administrative staff of RKYHS.

Financial Matters and Payment Dates

Program Cost:

Please be aware that the actual cost of Mifgashim 2008-5768 is $3,750. To help defray tuition costs, you may rely on grants made available to all participating students by the Jewish Federations of Bergen County, Central New Jersey, MetroWest and Middlesex County, as well as private fundraising from your community, shuls and the like. As much as $1000 in grant monies from these institutions can be applied to the tuition fee. RKYHS is happy to assist you in obtaining the Federation-related grants. For assistance in this matter, please contact Mrs. Fran Glajchen at extension 1194.

Federation Grants:

Students residing in the following locations are entitled to grant money. Please return the grant applications to Mrs. Fran Glajchen.

Federation of Bergen County	TBA
Federation of Central New Jersey	$500.00
Metro-West Federation	$1,000.00
Federation of Middlesex (Union County, excl. Springfield)	$1,000.00

Payment Dates:

February 15, 2008	$2,000 First Installment Due
March 17, 2008	$1,000 Second Installment Due
March 31, 2008	$750 Final Installment Due
April 15, 2008	Balance Not Paid By Grants

RKHYS would also be grateful for any tax-deductible contributions to the program that families may be able to make. These donations will assist us in helping to ensure that financial issues do not prevent any of our students from participating in the program.

Our departure date will be April 29, 2008.
Our return date will be May 25, 2008.


Guidelines and Rules
Introduction:
Mifgashim is a torani experience with a special emphasis on continuing Jewish education. All students are encouraged to take full advantage of this special opportunity for growth in Torah, Yirat Shamayim and Yediat and Ahavat Ha’aretz. The following guidelines are intended to establish clear parameters within which we will work.

All participants are required to attend all classes, seminars tiyulim and activities in order to benefit from all aspects of this special and balanced program.
Safety & Security:
All trips meet or exceed safety standards and procedures required by the Army and Police, the Society for Preservation of Nature and the Israel Ministry of Education. The regulations of the Education Ministry have always required us to have an armed chaperone and medic on all trips. If the size of the groups dictates, that can be augmented as necessary.

It is absolutely forbidden to hitch-hike anywhere in the country. Any participant found to be hitch-hiking will have their parents notified and could be sent home.

A participant may not leave the program without the specific permission of the Program Coordinator who is responsible for the group during that period.

Participants are permitted to travel by taxi by themselves. The taxi need to be ordered by phone and not “just flagged” by participants.

Participants are expected to behave responsibly in a way that does not endanger themselves or their friends and that does not pose a threat to any property or belongings.

Any violation of security requirements will have serious consequences regarding the participant’s continued participation in the program.

All routes and itineraries are carefully approved by the SPNI on behalf of the IDF and Israeli Police. During our stay in Israel, our itinerary will be reviewed daily by security officials.

Communication:
The office is on duty 24 hours a day during the duration of the program, and a senior staff member is always on call to address parent and participant needs. Trip participants and their families back home have full access to our 24-hour emergency services throughout the trip. Contact information will be provided at a later date.

Cellular phones enable constant contact with the class when in the field, in real-time. We will be offering cell phone rental at a reduced rate at a later date.

Mail, fax, e-mail, and voice messages will be forwarded to participants expeditiously.

Supervision:
While in Israel, the group will be under the constant supervision of RKYHS Administrative staff and Israeli staff (Madrichim). Israeli staff will be responsible for supervising participants, conducting educational activities, and helping students get the most out of the program.

Israeli staff serve as role-models for our students. They put their hearts and souls into their work and have vision and the skill to support and guide our students.

Health:
Full Medical Insurance, including hospitalization, general physicians, specialists, and prescription medicine is provided by the Shiloach Organization or Harel. Both are one of Israel's premier private health insurance plans and specialize in providing short-term medical insurance for tourists.

Participants should be aware that medical insurance does not cover pre-exiting conditions or continued doses of prescription medicine. Participants who are on medication should bring adequate supplies with them. If need be, these can be refrigerated at the Youth Hostel. Additionally, dental treatment and eyeglasses/contact lenses are not covered.

During all hikes, the group will be accompanied by a fully-certified medic. All medics working with the group are trained either by the army or by Magen David Adom.

Smoking and Drugs:
Cigarette smoking is forbidden. The use of any alcohol or other illegal substance is absolutely forbidden. Anyone found under the influence of, or in the possession or distributing of drugs will be sent home from the program at the expense of the parents.

Dress Code and Tzniut (modesty):
Participants should dress in a way that is fitting with the nature of the program.

**Girls: skirts and dresses should cover the knees. Shirts should be appropriate and have sleeves. Loose-fitting pants/sweats/shorts may be worn for certain tiyulim only.

**Boys: T-shirts must have sleeves. Boys must wear long pants for all classes, meals and Tefillot. Loose-fitting pants/sweats/shorts may be worn for certain tiyulim only.

Participants should not bring clothes that do not fit within these parameters.

Dress Code:
When participating in an Israel experience involving integration, it is important that students are prepared to experience a culture that is different than the one that they are used to. Standards of dress and tzniut that are followed by Bnei Akiva groups in Israel are consistent with Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School’s standards. We will adhere to the standards of our hosts at all times, including air travel and tiyulim. By adhering to these standards, we will reduce potential areas of conflict and maximize the integration experience.

In School
Boys: Boys must wear long pants, tzitzit, and a shirt with sleeves. Boys may wear sandals. Girls: Girls must wear skirts that come to the bottom of the knee even in a sitting position. Tops must have a sleeve to mid-bicep.

Shabbat Boys: Dark slacks with white shirt.
Girls: Nice clothing following RKYHS guidelines.

Laundry:
Laundry service will be provided approximately every week at the school. It would be advisable, therefore, to bring enough clothing for two weeks including two Shabbatot. Pillows and blankets will be provided by the school and hosts. Students must bring their own towels and washcloths. Ironing can be a problem, so take advantage of permanent press and no iron materials. All linen/blankets will be provided.

School Supplies:
Students are asked to bring a Tanach and a Hebrew-English dictionary. Jewish studies textbooks will be provided in Israel. Participants should bring basic school supplies with them including notebooks, pens and pencils.

Money:
We will try to ensure that participants receive all that is necessary so we request that students not bring large sums of money. Some money, however, will be needed for souvenirs and miscellaneous items. We recommend up to $400 for these purposes. ATM cards can be used in some Israeli machines for the withdrawal of shekels. Tickets, passports and travelers checks will be kept at the office for safekeeping.

Luggage:
We suggest that you attach an identification mark inside the luggage. TRAVEL LIGHT. Your carry-on luggage should include underwear and toiletries for 1 day in case your luggage doesn’t arrive on time! Also include in your carry-on an old T-shirt for tearing when we make our first visit to Yerushalayim.

Packing:
When packing, it is important to understand the seasons in Israel. During the first part of the program, the weather could still be cool. During the latter part of the program, the weather could be warm. (Nevertheless, evenings in Jerusalem always have the potential to be cool.) The best way to deal with cool weather in Israel is with layers. We recommend the inclusion of some sweaters, sweatshirts, and light to middle weight jackets. Enclosed are some recommended guidelines for packing in order to help you plan.

Electrical Appliances:
If you plan to bring any electrical appliances (i.e. hair dryer, traveling iron, shaver, etc.) be sure that they are adaptable to 220 voltage and 50 cycles, or be sure to bring an adapter.

Refunds
Any participant that leaves the program for any reasons will not be entitled to a refund. Institutions in Israel are paid at the beginning of the program and Israel Experience pays these institutions on behalf the participants. All the guidelines and rules assume that the participants will give their maximum to Mifgashim. The rules of the host institutions must be kept and adhered to while the group is under their supervision.

RECOMMENDED CLOTHING LIST
Please keep the following points in mind when packing for Israel:

1. You will be required to adhere to a dress code. (Boys – long pants, no printed t-shirts. Girls – skirts below the knee, sleeves up to the elbow, no low necklines)
2. There will be facilities for laundry. However, you need to pack enough clothes for at least 10-12 days.
3. You will be doing numerous hikes (INCLUDING WATER HIKES) throughout the length and breadth of the country. Please bring appropriate footwear, head-coverings, sunscreen etc.
4. When you are not at school, you will be traveling from place to place. Please ensure that you have an overnight bag or backpack.
5. Israel is the Land of the Bible – please bring along a Hebrew- English Tanach or ensure to purchase one upon arrival.
6. You will be away from home for 4 weeks – bring along pictures of your family to show your newly found Israeli friends.
7. Please do not bring laptop computers or other valuable items.
8. It is not advisable to carry around large amounts of cash. We will be assisting you with managing your pocket money.
9. You do not need to bring bedding. You must bring towels, washclothes, linens, pillowcases (2 sets).
10. Please bring a siddur. Boys please bring tefillin, tallit and extra kippot.

GIRLS
1 pair Dress shoes (flats)
1 pair Traction shoes for hiking/hiking boots/water shoes
1 pair Flip-flops for shower
3 Dresses or skirts/blouses
5-7 Bras
10-14 Underwear
2 pairs Pajamas
1 Robe or cover-up
2-3 Swimsuits
12 pairs Socks
4 Sweaters/sweatshirts
7-10 t-shirts
5-7 Long sleeve tops
5-7 Leggings/tights
1 Light jacket (non-winter)
1 Hat (mandatory)
3-4 Shabbos outfits
2 Towels

BOYS

1 pair Casual shoes
1 pair Traction shoes for hiking/hiking boots/water shoes
1 pair Flip-flops for shower
4 Short sleeve shirts
4 Shorts
14 Socks
2 pairs Dress pants
5-7 Jeans or sweatpants
1 Light robe or cover-up
2-3 Swimsuits
1 Shaving kit
7-10 t-shirts
10-14 Underwear
3 Kippot
3 Sweaters/sweatshirts
1 Light jacket (non winter)
2 Pajamas
1 Hat (mandatory)
3-4 Shabbos outfits
2 towels