We had some North American yeshiva guys over for Shabbat meals, and one of them asked that question I used as a title. Just a little simple geography. Shiloh is north of Jerusalem, and Gush Etzion is south of it.
You'd think that the people running the program would show them where they were going on a map. Actually, I think all these kids spending a year in Israel should get a nice big map and mark off all the places they go to. It would be a great learning tool. They could even compete to see how many different places they've gotten to by the end of the year.
Honestly, what's the point of spending the year abroad if you don't broaden your knowledge?
i have to laugh at that - when i was in israel for my year away i had to deal with geographic questions too (mostly from north americans) such as "southern hemisphere? what is that?" but i'm quite amazed that they lack awareness of their local surroundings.
ReplyDeletegreat map..very interesting to see where you are.
ReplyDeletevicki, I found the map via "ask," rather than google. I've been trying to "ask."
ReplyDeletehttp://me-ander.blogspot.com/2008/01/searching-with-other-searches.html
sarah, I've discovered that Israeli soldiers don't even know. When waiting for a ride in Beit El, I heard one ask someone going to Jerusalem if it's via Ariel. Hitchhiking is risky enough if you know where you're going.
Which yeshiva were they from?
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I don't remember, though in the area where you were. I asked about you. We had a madrich and a couple of 2nd years. They never heard of tnspr569, though I figured it was un unforgetable name.
ReplyDeleteIt's get a "real" building in a new neighborhood called "Ramat Shiloh." Why go to an imitation when the real place is so nice?
Is Shiloh near Ofra? My husband has a relative in Ofra, so we were there once.
ReplyDeleteYes, Shiloh is 10 minutes north of Ofra on the "new road."
ReplyDeleteOh, I think they were from Lev Hatorah. They're getting a new building in a new neighborhood in Ramat Bet Shemesh Alef (Rafi G lives in RBS A, too). I thought the neighborhood would be called Ramat Shmuel (wait, maybe that's the name of a neighborhood in Shiloh).
ReplyDeleteFor some people, RBS A is a good fit. As long as they integrate into Israeli society successfully and are happy...
Some guys from my yeshiva went to Shiloh last year and liked it, though you were away that weekend and they didn't have the pleasure of meeting you and your husband.
One kid in my yeshiva wasn't allowed to go almost anywhere in Yesha, unfortunately. I don't think his parents were very happy when they found out that our yeshiva took us to Kochav Hashachar for Shabbat (an incredible Shabbat about which I have forgotten to blog). I took him with me when I went on that Yavneh Olami Shabbaton to Ein Tzurim (with the Friday stop in Sderot); I don't believe he told his parents about going to Sderot, either.
When people ask me what's so special about Israel, I try to explain how incredible it is to walk in the footsteps of one's forefathers and to see the places in which major historic events occurred. I mention the bit about digging up clay shards from the time of the Mishkan in Shiloh, too.
That sounds right.
ReplyDeleteIt is too bad that kids travel so far and don't get the full experience here. I guess their parents don't want them to feel at home...
Some parents are very overprotective, and/or are unaware of the realities of the situation in Israel. I do find it ironic that those parents will require their children to take taxis instead, despite the fact that far more people die in car accidents than terror attacks in Israel each year. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful that I got to explore the country. Such incredible freedom compared to what I was used to in America (where it was nearly impossible to get around without a car).
Ironic, that antibus rule. Like facts shouldn't get in the way.
ReplyDeleteI hated being a teen in suburban NY sans public transportation.
Yes, public transportation is a lifesaver (especially here) for the car-less among us. Friends with cars also are a huge help.
ReplyDeleteSometimes when debating between going to the bus station for a bus or waiting for a ride at French Hill, I go to the bus station just to patronize the service.
ReplyDelete