Workshop Conference Call Update

Hello Workshoppers and Families,

Thank you for everyone who was on the calls. A lot of really good questions came out of it. For those who could not make the call or want reminders of what was discussed here is a summary of the two calls. I will also post this on the blog.

Travel day information- emergency phone number- 917-822-2330

International and domestic flight itineraries were sent out.

If you are flying into JFK you will be met by Habonim staff in the baggage claim of the terminal you are flying into and we will bring you to the ElAl terminal. Please try to get your baggage booked all the way to Tel Aviv if possible.

Bus from MD and PA
MD-1pm at the JCC of Greater Washington
6125 Montrose rd, Rockville MD 20852

PA- 3:30pm at Keneseth Israel (KI)
8339 Old York rd Elkins Park 19027

Ben Sager will be on the bus from MD to the airport and will have a list of who should be on the bus with contact information. If there are issues on that day his number is 443-854-4588.

If you are driving to the airport please be there by 9pm. When you arrive at the airport please call 917-822-2330 and a staff member will meet you by the ElAl check in area.

Reminders
sign up for a phone! The form is on the website at www.habonimdror.org on the workshop page. The best plan is the pay-as-you-go plan though the plan can always be changed during the year. I will get a list from Israelphones of who has signed up so far.

packing
They do not need to bring bedding. They do need to bring towels.
Some suggestion were to bring a sleeping bag for cold weather. They will be going on 2 overnight hikes is the first few months and it can get cold at night. You can bring a pair of hiking boots. You can also bring a pair of sneakers with ankle support and a good sole for hiking if you do not want to bring hiking boots. For Poland they will be given a heavy fleece. You should bring long underwear, gloves, a hat and boots for Poland.

During the year the workshoppers will have access to computers and internet. There will be one computer per 18 people and wireless internet for anyone who bring their own computer.

During vacation time workshoppers are allowed to travel throughout the country. If they do not have families visiting they usually travel together. In the past many have gone to Eilat for a few days. They are not allowed to travel outside the country by themselves. They must be accompanied by a parent and Habonim Dror is not liable. Before the vacation period starts every chanich submits their travel plans and Leon approves them. During the vacation the chanichim need to check in with a madrich everyday and are updated with any security changes.

If you are planning on travelling outside of Israel please let me know the dates and where you are going.

If a workshopper needs a flu vaccination we can set up a time for them to go to the clinic or the hospital to get it but it is not covered by insurance.

If you are medication you should try arrange to bring as much as possible. Many companies will allow for a 9-month supply if you are leaving the country. Some medication may also be available in Israel and Leon will be able to check that out once the workshoppers are in Israel.

Leon will hold onto passports throughout the year and will bring them to workshoppers if they need it during the year. A drivers license is a valid form of ID and carrying a copy of your passport is always a good idea when abroad.

Kupa
Kupa is meant to be a communal account for each kvutzah (small group) to use as their spending money throughout the year. The intention behind this is that they do not need additional money but how this money is used and the structures that are created are up to each group. The recommended amount is $1,500-$1,800 and this can be deposited in installments throughout the year. There are 2 ways to deposit this money. 1. After the bank accounts are set up you can wire money from an American bank account. I will send out this information and instructions. 2. Withdraw shekels from an American bank account at an Israeli ATM. If you are doing this please contact your bank and let them know you will be travelling abroad.

Kibbutz
Kibbutz Ein Dor is very excited that Workshop is going to be on the kibbutz and is happy to welcome the workshoppers into their community. The coordinators are setting up times when the workshoppers will have time to meet with some of the families on the kibbutz and they will be invited to the holiday events that will be happening on the kibbutz around Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot. They also have services and events for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur that workshoppers are welcome to attend.

Blog
The blog address is www.workshop59.blogspot.com. If you would like to receive updates directly to your email please sign up at www.feedmyinbox.com.
The blog will be used mostly by Leon Schneider, our coordinator in Israel throughout the year to write updates about what the workshoppers are doing as well as any security updates. If you have questions about the program or about your children emailing me directly is the best way to get in touch with me and I will answer questions and be in touch with Leon.

I hope this is informative and I am very exited to see the workshoppers on September 1st at the airport. If you have any further questions please be in touch with me.

Shabbat Shalom,
Shani