Update from Rav Yair Rosenthal, Educational Director of the Bet El IDF Prep Academy
Our monthly theme for this past month of Heshvan was "Taking Responsibility," and many of our activities – in addition to the usual many daily classes, prayers, and Torah study – centered around it. The cadets took part in a variety of experiences featuring volunteer work and education empowerment.
First was a Field Responsibility Workshop. This aptly-titled activity for our first-year cadets involved three full days "in nature" with no cell phone and other trappings of modernity, but with a series of missions that imbued them with the importance of personal responsibility and of volunteering and sacrificing for the group. The workshop presented them with group challenges that can only be achieved by working as a group.
Then came a lecture at the nearby army base by the well-known Rabbi Yitzhak Fanger, with both soldiers and Academy cadets in attendance. The topic: "Love of Israel begins with loving oneself and continues with loving your neighbor."
The Academy cadets also commemorated this year, as every year, the Sigd holiday of Ethiopian Jewry – held every year 50 days after Yom Kippur. Our student counselor, Ethiopian-born Almog Jambor, delivered a fascinating talk about the history of the Sigd. Approximately 1/6 of our student body is from the Ethiopian Jewish community.
The cadets also took a financial-economic course this past month, a two-day preparation for successful family financial behavior and functioning.
Our second-year cadets participated in a week-long empowerment and preparation course in anticipation of their enlistment in the IDF next year. The first of many such courses, this one featured talks from outside lecturers, former Academy cadets, and a meeting with Yeshivat Bet El Dean Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed.
Social activities included an elaborate and festive Rosh Hodesh meal prepared by the students and counselors, and a well-deserved bicycle trip and restaurant meal for the staff.
May we merit to continue our educational activity with joy and for the sake of Heaven.