Sacramento Here We Come

Kadima 4th and 5th graders, along with their teachers and parent chaperones are off to Sacramento for the next two days.  They departed from Burbank airport bright and early this morning for their short flight to Sacramento.  Over the next two days, students will learn about California's state capitol first hand, experience frontier life, and engage in hands on learning.  They will visit Sutter's Mill and Sutter's Fort and add experiences to their textbook knowledge of the establishment of the state of California and the western frontier.  We wish them safe travels and look forward to learning from them! 

Traveling South and then to Jerusalem

The last several days have been packed with on-going activity for the 8th grade delegation traveling through Israel with sister school Ort Yad Singalovski.  On Friday, students traveled through the southern part of Israel and visited the Judea Desert, the Dead Sea, Bedouin Tents and enjoyed iconic Camel Rides. They learned about the collective memory of Jewish heroes throughout the generations and of the struggle for survival in Masada.

After enjoying Shabbat with their host families and Havdalah Saturday evening, students then embarked on more travels on Sunday.

Students will spend 2 days in Jerusalem, visiting the Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall, City of David, and  Hezekiah's Tunnel.  They will learn about Herzel at the Herzel Museum and his vision for a Jewish state, and spend time at Yad Va'Shem, the world center for Holocaust research, education, dedication and commemoration.


During this time of the year in Israel the whole country has mixed feelings of sorrow and joy. On one hand we mourn the loss of our soldiers, but on the other hand we celebrate the existence and independence of the Jewish state.  Here are some more reflections and pictures from our students. 

Adam V: "Yesterday we visited Jerusalem and I was very touched. This is a beautiful city that is historically important to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Just being in Jerusalem makes me feel happy and proud. The most fought over land in all of history is now a Jewish State. That alone is remarkable, but the fact that we maintain diversity and share our accomplishments is unbelievable. I believe that the most touching part was putting on Tefillin and praying in front of the last remaining wall of the outside of the holy temple. There is no feeling in the world that is as moving."

Maya Z: "It was the first time I felt a strong connection with my religion. Seeing so many Jewish people pray in one place, makes me feel like I belong. I wrote a “petek” (note) and stuck it inside the wall. I felt like all my prayers would be answered. Afterwards, we all went to the Mount Hertzl cemetery. At first I felt sad and I did not know what to do. I had this emotional reaction to someone I don't even know. It was moving to see the fallen IDF soldiers graves, including Michael Levine, Max Steinberg, and others. To our surprise Michael Levine's parents were there as we were learning about him. It was such an honor meeting the parents of someone who quickly became my hero. I felt such energy run into me and out of me. It was a very emotional experience and a different type of feeling, and I liked it. "

More reflections to come from our students as we continue our journey...

Camel Ride in Israel

Students Arrive Safely and Commemorate Yom HaShoah

Kadima's student delegation arrived in Israel safely yesterday.  For many it is their first trip to Israel and for others it was a "return home."  After being greeted by their student hosts, the delegates headed straight from Ben Gurion airport to the old city of Jaffa, and then to their host families to upack and get some rest.  Today, students engaged in Tikkun Olam activities at a home for the aging.  They also went to a play about Anne Frank (in Hebrew) and paid witness to the country wide commemorative siren in Israel in honor of Yom HaShoah. 

Welcome to Israel! 

Welcome to Israel!

On our way to Jaffa!

At a home for the aging. 

 

Yom HaShoah Siren

8th Grade Delegation to Israel Departed Today

A group of 8th grade students departed today for their exchange program with Kadima's sister school in Tel Aviv, Ort Yad Singalovski.  As part of the Jewish Federation's Twinning Program, Kadima students will be in Israel through April 26,  experiencing Israeli life and culture, making connections with their exchange buddies and host families, and will experience Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha'Atzmaut in the Holy Land.  We wish our students and their chaperones safe travels.  Please be sure to check this travel blog for information and pictures of their learning adventures.