JCC Association

Early Childhood Education Leadership Seminar in Israel MARCH 9 – 20, 2014

ITINERARY

See Israel in a Whole New Way

shalom! Welcome to Israel, where we have the extraordinary opportunity to learn about the education of very young children in the Jewish State. We will be meeting with our professional counterparts from the Israeli matnasim, or community centers, and we will visit Israeli preschools and playgrounds. And best of all, we will be in Israel during Purim, that holiday of merriment so beloved by Israeli children. Of course, we will also spend time at the holy sites in Jerusalem, where we celebrate Shabbat, and in the mystical city of Tsfat, as well as the Golan Heights. Throughout, we will be learning and sharing as ECE professionals.

Please note: Meals or items marked in the program are at the participants’ expense. The program is subject to change.

Paula L. Sidman, Chair Allan Finkelstein, President & CEO Leah Garber, Vice-President, JCC Association Israel Office 520 Eighth Avenue | New York, NY 10018 tel: 212-532-4949 | fax: (212) 481-4174 | www.jcca.org Israel Office Solomon & Mary Litt Building 12 Moshe Hess Street | Jerusalem, 94185, ISRAEL tel: 011-972-2-625-1265 | fax: 011-972-2-624-7767 www.jcca.org

ITINERARY DAY 1 – Leave USA for Israel Sunday, March 9, 2014 Depart on flight(s) from North America

DAY 2 – Arrive in Israel Monday, March 10, 2014 Travel from Ben Gurion Airport; Shehecheyanu on arriving in Israel and orientation to the program EVENING

Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport All participants should arrive in Tel Aviv by 6:00 p.m. to begin the program. In the case of a morning group arrival, we will prepare a morning program. Shehecheyanu (blessing of gratitude) on arriving in Israel at Jaffa, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea

Check into Leonardo Basel Hotel, Tel Aviv Opening dinner and orientation to the seminar with tour educator, Mark Horowitz and Alison Pepper together with Sara Sless of the JCC Association Israel Office at Maganda Middle Eastern restaurant Overnight – Leonardo Basel Hotel, Tel Aviv

DAY 3 – Connecting to the Land: Historic and Modern Connections Tuesday, March 11, 2014 We visit Caesarea, one of the most important cities and ports of the Roman period, and end the day meeting the founder of Mirrors Way, Israel’s adaptation of the Reggio Emilia teaching methodology. 9:30 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

Depart for the national park and excavations at Caesarea, on the coast between Tel Aviv and Haifa; visit ancient amphitheater and aqueducts. Lunch and shopping on own in Caesarea port

Check into Kibbutz Nir David Guest House; time to relax

AFTERNOON

8:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

Meet with Dr. Naama Zoran, early childhood specialist and the founder of Mirrors Way – Israel-Reggio Journey. Dr. Zoran is on faculty of the early childhood department at the Tel Hai College. Kumsitz and singing

Depart for Park Hamayanot for a guided ride on bikes or golf carts through the pathways and natural springs. Tie-in discussion in the park

EVENING 7:00 p.m.

Dinner in Beit She’an or at Guest House

Overnight – Nir David Guest House

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DAY 4 – Early Childhood Education in Israel: Special Insights Wednesday, March 12, 2014 We will visit either the Golan Heights or the city of Tsfat dependent on weather (a choice will be made the night prior) and learn more about how to help children deal with fear and stress, which affect children worldwide. MORNING 8:15 a.m.

Early childhood programs Study continues with Dr. Naama Zoran Depart for Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu to visit their junkyard playground and learn about this unique type of playground as a tool for creative play. AFTERNOON 12:00 p.m.

We will offer one of the two options listed below – to be determined closer to the trip –OPTION 1–

the time of the expulsion from Spain and the development of kabbalah. Gain a sense of the spiritual nature of Tsfat, which attracts artists and kabbalists alike to the modern-day city. Lunch along the way and tie-in discussion 4:00 p.m.

Helping Children Cope with Stress and Fear Meet with Dr. Mooli Lahad, psychologist and psychotrauma therapist at the Community Stress Prevention Centre in Kiryat Shmona

Depart for the Golan Heights for a look at how the issues of security and water are intertwined, enjoying panoramic views of Israel’s Hula Valley to the west and a look over the border into Syria from Mount Ben Tal observation point.

EVENING Dinner on own in Rosh Pina or Tsfat Return to Nir David Guest House Conversation/coffee with a representative of the kibbutz to hear about Nir David

–OPTION 2–

Overnight – Nir David Guest House

Depart for guided visit to Tsfat to explore the history of the town from

DAY 5 – Journeys Through History: Jewish Journeys Through Layers of History and Memory Thursday, March 13, 2014 | Ta’anit Esther (Fast of Esther) We explore the Jewish and Christian Quarters of the Old City, visit remnants of Jewish life from Temple times, and examine perennial issues of Jewish life and community. MORNING 8:15 a.m.

Check out of the guest house Travel south along the Jordan Valley road Drive up to Jerusalem; Shehecheyanu from the observation point at Mount Scopus

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Guided visit through selected areas of Jerusalem’s Old City, with a stop at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher A guided walk of Jerusalem in the Second Temple period including the excavations at the Ophel at the southern wall excavations and the Cardo and the Kotel (Western Wall)

AFTERNOON Lunch in Old City, then continue with guided visit 3:00 p.m.

at the Mandel School, at the JCC Association Israel Office. –OPTION 1–

Check into Dan Boutique Hotel, and free time

Optional late night visit to Jerusalem bakery to watch them prepare challot for Shabbat

EVENING

–OPTION 2–

6:00 p.m.

Depart for guided walk through the Rabbinic Tunnels at the Kotel (Western Wall)

Teaching Bible to Preschoolers Dinner with Dr. Howie Deitcher, Melton School of Education at Hebrew University, the director of intensive development programs

Overnight – Dan Boutique Hotel, Jerusalem

DAY 6 – Shabbat in the Public Jewish Space: Visiting Early Childhood Programs in Israel Friday, March 14, 2014 We have an opportunity to observe the celebration of Shabbat and Purim in Israeli early childhood programs, and to observe the environment and Jewish nature of the “gan” (preschool). We will examine how the celebrations are similar and different to JCC early childhood programs, and enjoy a change of pace as we prepare for Shabbat. MORNING

AFTERNOON

8:15 a.m.

12:30 p.m.

Introduction to Israel’s early childhood programs, with early childhood educator, Shira Ackerman Simchovitch, director, early childhood dept. at TALI School Fund

Meet up for tie-in discussion with Shira Lunch and free time along Ben Yehuda Street or at the Mamilla Mall

Possible options may include: 9:30 a.m. –GROUP 1–

Visit the YMCA bilingual preschool for Jewish, Arab and Christian children or the Yad be Yad (hand in hand) bilingual preschool –GROUP 2–

Visit Kol Hanishama early childhood programs, a preschool of Israel’s Reform movement

EVENING 5:15 p.m.

Depart for Kabbalat Shabbat (prayer services welcoming the Shabbat) at the Kotel (Western Wall) or Jerusalem synagogue 7:30 p.m.

Shabbat dinner at hotel (private room) Overnight – Dan Boutique Hotel, Jerusalem

–GROUP 3–

Visit early childhood programs in Orthodox religious neighborhood –GROUP 4–

Visit TALI preschool (enhanced Jewish curriculum program)

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DAY 7 – Shabbat in Jerusalem Saturday, March 15, 2014 We experience the beauty of Shabbat as a different dimension of Jewish journey – the weekly separation from daily life and an opportunity to explore its meaning in modern society. MORNING Shabbat services in Jerusalem synagogues (optional) or free time to enjoy Jerusalem – parks, Israel Museum, Arab market in the Old City AFTERNOON 1:00 p.m.

Shabbat lunch (at hotel) 2:30 p.m.

Old City – with the poetry of Yehuda Amichai (optional) 4:00 p.m.

Purim drama workshop with masks and texts Tie-in discussion and Havdallah Dinner on own EVENING Israeli cultural event

Guided walk in Yemin Moshe, the first – Dan Boutique Hotel, of Lots neighborhoodFestival to be built outside the Overnight“inspiring song and Jerusalemdrama, parody and “The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor.” (Esther: 8.16)

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pranks, pageants and masquerades, bonfires and carnivals”

DAY 8 – Journeys Through Collective Jewish Memory n these words, the Book of Esther expresses the mood of celebration and revelry that has characterized Purim – the Festival of Lots – for more than 2500 years.

Sunday, March 16, 2014 | Purim

The story of Purimthrough began 25 centuries Planning to petition Ahasuerus on behalf We continue our journey Israel’s collective memory as it evolved ago with the selection of a queen and of her people, Esther invites the King over more than century Zionism of statehood, the a appointment of aof viceroy by King and 65 years and Haman to two successivefocusing banquets Ahasuerus (Xerxes) of Persia. With these at her turn private from apartment in the palace. on the commemoration of the Holocaust. Then we tragedy to successive actions, the seeds of a great At the same time, Haman persuades the conflict sown. Kingcelebration. to let him erect a gallows “50 cubits celebrate Purim aswere a Jewish holiday and national

MORNING 8:15 a.m.

First, from among the beautiful women presented to him in his search for a successor to his deposed Queen Vashti, the King chooses Esther: a cousin of Mordecai, leader of the Jewish community in the capital of Shushan. Then, he elevates a courtier, Haman, to the position of grand vizier and orders all in the kingdom to bow down in Haman’s presence.

Depart for guided visit to Yad Vashem, (Museum of the Holocaust) We focus on children in the When Mordecai to do so, the Holocaust, including therefuses children’s furious Haman bribes King Ahasuerus to memorial andissue Janusz Korczak, a the Jews a decree condemning all Persia to be destroyed, because “Their Polish-Jewish of educator, followed by laws are diverse from all people; neither do they keep the king’s laws.” He casts short memorial service. lots (purim) to determine the genocidal date, and Adar 13 is chosen.

high” for the execution of Mordecai as an example to all.

home or women’s shelter t the second banquet, Ahasuerus offers Esther halfPurim of his kingdom. Seudat Purim (festive meal) She pleads instead that “my life be before given or after megillah reading me at my petition, and my people at my request.” Aware now of the extremity depending on time service of Haman’s vengefulof bloodlust, the angry King orders the Grand Vizier to be hanged Megillah reading (reading of on the gallows meant for Mordecai.Story of Esther) at Kol Hanishama Reform Allowed to defend themselves against the attacks unleashed against them on Adar 13 congregation and Shira Hadasha and 14, the Jews are victorious. Mordecai Orthodox egalitarian is appointed grand viziercongregation in Haman’s place.

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He and Esther circulate letters to the Jews throughout the empire establishing Purim

EVENING as a festival to be celebrated yearly.

AFTERNOONMordecai puts on sackcloth and ashes as a 9:00 p.mPurim, . a resounding tale of Jewish 1:30 p.m. sign of mourning and tells Esther of the fate Free evening triumph over isolation, tyranny and that awaits her as well as all of the Jews. genocide, has reverberated through the Lunch and free time at Machane Overnight – Dan Boutique Hotel, Yehuda market with an opportunity Jerusalem to buy goods to make up Mishloach Manot and deliver them to seniors

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ages…inspiring song and drama, parody and pranks, pageants and masquerades, bonfires and carnivals…buoying the spirits of generations of Jews who have had to confront and overcome the scourge of anti-Semitism. Because of its promise of divine release from oppression, Purim became so dear to the Jewish heart that sages have declared: “If even the Prophetic Books of the Bible were to be forgotten, the Book of Esther would be retained.” “Purim is as great as the day on which the Torah was given.”

DAY 9 – Masks and Groggers Monday, March 17, 2014 | Shushan Purim What better time to visit a winery than Purim? After imbibing and lunch, we travel to Holon and its famous children’s park, and we examine Israeli children’s literature with a famed scholar. MORNING Check out of hotel 9:00 a.m.

Drive through the neighborhoods of Jerusalem to get a sense of the public celebration of Purim. 10:30 a.m.

“Ad lo yoda” — drink till you don’t know! In keeping with the mitzvah of Purim, visit a boutique winery to see how the ancient art of winemaking has evolved and enjoy wine tasting. Depart for Holon; lunch AFTERNOON Understanding Israeli Society through Children’s Literature

Educator Rachel Korazim gives us a look at Israeli children’s literature as a window into Israeli society (in Holon) Depart for a visit to the Gan Sipur story gardens in Holon to see how favorite Israeli children’s stories are brought to life through play areas and garden sculptures Check into hotel EVENING Dinner on own and free evening Overnight – Leonardo Basel Hotel, Tel Aviv

DAY 10 – The Universal Voice of the Early Childhood Professional Tuesday, March 18, 2014 An opportunity to meet with our early childhood colleagues from the world of the matnasim (community centers) and share knowledge and experiences. MORNING

5:30 p.m.

8:30 a.m.

Guided walk through Jaffa with tour educator (optional) Dinner on own

Depart to meet counterparts from the matnasim Share best practices and learn together Visit preschool in Modi’in Lunch and wrap up with professionals AFTERNOON 2:30 p.m.

Depart for Tel Aviv Free time at the arts and crafts fair on Nachalat Binymain or at the Carmel market and time to buy ECE arts materials

EVENING 8:30 p.m.

Performance at the Na La Ga’at theater – home to a deaf-blind acting ensemble (in Jaffa) Overnight – Leonardo Basel Hotel, Tel Aviv

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DAY 11 – Initiatives in Early Childhood Education Wednesday, March 19, 2014 A look at two very different Israeli initiatives in hands-on experiential early childhood education, in Bible education and special needs. MORNING

–OPTION 1–

8:30 a.m.

Free time in Tel Aviv for last minute shopping or purchasing ECE supplies, or relaxation

Depart for Ramat Gan and visit Beit Hamikra – the Bible house – an interactive museum for preschoolers and young children teaching Bible stories and values. The visit will focus on the story of Eliezar and Rivka. 11:00 a.m.

Depart for visit to Beit Issie Shapiro, a center for children with special needs, including a visit to Israel’s first accessible and inclusive playground AFTERNOON 1:00 p.m.

Return to Tel Aviv

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–OPTION 2–

Guided visit to the Palmach Museum, which tells the story of the War of Independence and the establishment of the State of Israel EVENING 7:00 p.m.

Final dinner at restaurant in Tel Aviv Depart for airport for late night departure or extension Arrive in the USA on March 20