In This Issue: Past Issues:
February, 2004
March, 2003
February, 2002
October/November, 2001
April/May, 2001
February, 2001
December/January, 2000–2001)
October, 2000
May, 2000
 SVORT Bulletin Archives: May 2000 |
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by Hayley Green Smith Because Yom Hashoah is a solemn observance, no entertainment is shown on Israeli television. In fact, no movies were shown on our flight out of respect for the observance. One week later, on 4 Iyar, Yom Hazikaron, Remembrance or Memorial Day, occurs. On the eve of Yom Hazikaron, we spent some time at the ORT Kiryat Motzkin/Yoni Netanyahu Jr. High School. The 8th-grade students put on a program for their parents and us. We then broke into discussion groups with the students, parents, and faculty to talk about the future of Israel and the future these young people have to look forward to. Like many towns in Israel, Kiryat Motzkin has its own Yom Hazikaron service. We went from the school to the square where the observance was taking place. The program consisted of poetry reading, singing, and the reading of the names of the members of this community who had died defending Israel. During this program there was a corps of high school students standing at attention, listening. It is hard to know what these kids were thinking while listening to the program since they all have to serve time in the Army and probably knew some of the names that were recited. The next day, Yom Hazikaron, we spent the morning at ORT Geulah in Tel Aviv. Geulah is a “last chance” school. These students have special needs—they may need extra help financially, educationally, or emotionally—and have no place else to go. After touring the school we went to a program put on by some of the students. During the program there was an air-raid siren marking a moment of silence in honor of the day. Some of the students at this school are hearing-impaired, so for the duration of the siren the hearing kids tapped the deaf kids on the shoulder so they would know the siren was still going. Israel’s Memorial Day is really that, a day of remembrance, unlike here in the U.S. where we look forward to a 3-day weekend and barbecues. Both ceremonies ended with the singing of Hatikvah, the National Anthem of Israel. There wasn’t a dry eye at the end and to this day I cannot sing or hear Hatikvah without getting goose bumps or a few tears. The next day was the 50th anniversary of the birth of the State of Israel. Independence Day, Yom HaAtzma’ut, is the day after Memorial Day. You start with solemnity and remembrance and end with joyousness. This is only one part of our weeklong trip to Israel. I highly recommend that you participate in one of WAO’s missions to Israel. You get to see the faces of the students we work to help and get to experience Israel. While it is too late for this year’s missions, for the first time there will be a Family Mission in December 2000, and of course there is always next year. Won’t you consider a Mission? You will have the time of your life! Our ORT chapter is selling honey for Rosh Hashana. Each eight-ounce gift jar of kosher honey is a wonderful way to wish your family, friends, and business associates a “Sweet and Healthy New Year.” All jars are packed individually and can be shipped anywhere in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, and will include a personalized card reading “Best Wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year.” Each jar costs $8.00 and all proceeds benefit ORT. Order forms are enclosed with this bulletin and additional forms can be copied or requested from Hayley Green Smith at (650) 780-9223 or hayley@intuit.com. All orders must be returned to Hayley by July 12, 2000. by Wendy Fotland Hayley Smith predicted 6 out of 9 correct winners in our annual pick the winners contest. She had first choice from our prize table, with gifts including movie tickets, video rentals and more. Phil Howard won the booby prize of a box of “fine” wine! We had several friends of ORT in attendance, including Francine Hopkins, who became our newest member. Welcome, Francine! She has already been helping with the stapling of the newsletter, and will be a valuable member, just as she is a valuable friend of mine. Don’t miss next year’s party! Condolences to Ina Minei on the passing away of her father. Welcome to Francine Hopkins as a new member of Silicon Valley ORT. Join us at the 9th annual Art for ORT show and sale on Sunday, June 4, 2000, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year Art for ORT will be held at Walter Hays Elementary School at the corner of Middlefield and Embarcadero in Palo Alto. Well-known artist and sculptor, Pola Harrel, has again gathered a diverse group of artists who primarily show their wares at galleries only. Nineteen artists will be exhibiting this year, including Tove Norlander (silver jewelry), Shigemi Sanders (ceramics), Hugo LeCaros (oil paintings), Lisa Aronzon (hand blown glass) and Kirsten Stein (sculpture). As always, 30% of the proceeds benefit ORT. We look forward to seeing you! —Sandi Spector, Francine Gani, Rachel Levy and Nancy McMahon, Art for ORT Committee Honoree Event: The Silicon Valley Chapter will be recognizing its Honor Roll, Donor and Life members at a brunch at Mariani’s restaurant on Sunday, June 25th. Join us for a luncheon to celebrate ORT’s 120th anniversary and honor the women who have helped to make this a successful year. The cost for brunch is $25. For information, contact Susan Hertzberg (408) 941-9661. |
