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Letter from the Director:
Shalom Friends,
My name is Sara. I was raised in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Because I grew up in the Jewish communities of summer camp, youth group and the American Reform Movement, I dreamt of pursuing informal Jewish Education as a career, which lead me to earn my Master’s degree in Jewish Education from Hebrew Union College. I fell in love with an Israeli at camp in 2001 and made Aliyah to Israel the following summer. This year, just before my 30th birthday, Oded and I will celebrate our third wedding anniversary. Today, we live in the heart of Tel Aviv-Yafo - one of the world’s most vibrant and progressive cities - in a charming apartment I decorated myself. We're on a quest to eat in every restaurant in the city (recommendations upon request).
Because I am truly an American-Israel hybrid, I have a special appreciation for the needs of our participants and their parents. Our participants are cared for compassionately by a team of expert tour educators and social counselors, all carefully selected by me and members of Oranim’s senior staff. Safety and security is always our top priority, and I urge you to read the "safety and security" section of our website - a letter from Oranim president Shlomo (Momo) Lifshitz which details our procedures and policies.
On behalf of the entire Oranim team, I am thrilled to introduce you to our extraordinary Gap Semester/Year programs. Oranim Educational Initiatives has been a leader in Jewish world travel since 1986. We offer you dynamic, innovative Israel encounters grounded in community, travel, learning, and fun - all designed specifically for participants in the crucial period between high-school and college. I am particularly proud to debut Atid Gap Semester or Year in Israel, beginning fall semester 2010. Atid is the ultimate Gap experience, aimed at fostering personal growth. On our Academic Track, students will have the opportunity to study at Tel Aviv University, through our unique partnership, earning college credit with world-class faculty.
In Torah, we read the story of Jacob, a man who leaves home and, through a series of challenges along his journey, comes to earn the name Israel for himself and, by proxy, for our entire people. In order to achieve this, Jacob wrestles with God and receives his blessing. Whether you understand this story literally or as a literary metaphor, our text teaches a powerful message: in order to become your best self, you must set out from your home and begin a journey. I invite you to begin yours with Oranim.
Sara Reichenbach Manor, MA J.Ed
Director, Atid Gap Semester/Year in Israel
Oranim Educational Initiatives
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