We did it. It took a lot of hard work and commitment, but a few hours ago our Yavneh 8th grade class landed in Israel. A bit worn out from the long flight, but in generally good spirits, they chatted away on the bus, eating fresh bagel sandwiches, muffins and fruit.

This is an incredibly significant moment in the life of our school. It is what we call a Shehecheyanu moment - a moment when it is appropriate to recite the blessing for firsts. After years of studying about Israel in the classroom - about its history and people - our students are finally getting to experience the land as a class. This will be a trip that will frame future study of Hebrew, relationships with our sister school and other groups in Israel; it will add significance to a lot of what our students learn in school. I also hope that it will be the start of a deeper, lifelong relationship with the country as they begin to experience its wonders and complexities.

It was dark when the students landed and it's dark right now. It is surprisingly quiet in the students' rooms (I'm sleeping next door). For all they have experienced so far, the students might as well be on the moon... but I can't wait to see their reactions tomorrow morning as they begin to experience the land and its magic.

I look forward to giving the students the opportunity to share some of their experiences in

next week's Hashavua!  Shabbat Shalom -Zvi