Activities

ARGAMAN CULTURAL PROJECT

PLAY “SAMSON” AT THE GESHER THEATER

After we watched the play Samson - script by Roy Chen, based on the famous book by Ze’ev Jabotinsky - we gathered outside the Gesher Theater for a discussion. For half an hour, we talked about the successful and less successful aspects of the production, Roy Chen’s script, and how it correlates with Jabotinsky’s novel and the biblical story of Samson and Delilah.

I really enjoyed it—it was vibrant, musical, and rich in content. Many thanks to the Argaman project for the opportunity to attend such performances! - Leon K.

“READING POINT” – DISCUSSING “SON OF HAMAS” WITH BORIS DOLIN

We started by introducing ourselves and sharing our impressions and questions that remained after reading the autobiography “Son of Hamas”. Then tour guide and Middle East expert Boris Dolin shared his thoughts on the book, answered some of the participants’ questions, and engaged the group in a deep discussion about the book’s protagonist, his father, and the Israeli-Arab conflict.

I really loved the format! I will definitely come to the next meeting. - Max D.

TEL AVIV MUSEUM TOUR – “FIRE, WATER, AIR, EARTH: UNVEILING THE SECRETS OF ISRAELI ART”

Dalit Matityahu, curator of Israeli art at the Tel Aviv Museum, shared the exhibition’s philosophy based on Gaston Bachelard, who argued that humans still perceive the world as they did in ancient times—through the four fundamental elements: fire, earth, air, and water.

During the tour, guide and Jewish educator Asya Fix structured her narrative around three key questions: Which materials best represent each of the four elements? How do artists depict each element? What metaphors might be hidden behind these elemental themes?

It was an unforgettable and all-too-short two hours. I would have gladly continued the tour! - Naomi S.

SHABBAT HOST PROJECT

January 2025 - Multiregional

As part of the Shabbat Host project, we held Shabbat meals in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Hadera. Together, we set the Shabbat table and prepared everything for a warm gathering. We discussed the different waves of immigration to Israel and their contributions to shaping the country and shared personal stories before and after aliyah. And, of course, we enjoyed incredibly delicious Shabbat dishes.

The time spent with friends around the festive table was filled with joy and gratitude. This Shabbat allowed me to truly appreciate moments of connection and tradition. Thank you so much! - Lyuba K.

I felt a deep connection with the atmosphere, the stories, and the energy that filled the space today. It was a feeling of being able to truly be yourself, surrounded by acceptance, sincerity, and care for one another. - Anna P.

VISIT TO TRUMPELDOR CEMETERY

January 31^st, 2025 - Tel Aviv and Central Region

Joseph Trumpeldor Cemetery is one of the most fascinating and meaningful places in Tel Aviv. We talked about the fates of the people whom the Jewish people buried as their heroes, how earthly glory fades and why it is so im-portant to share these stories with future generations.

I never have imagined that in the city center, there is a graveyard of people to whom we owe our lives in this great Jewish city today. Thank you! — Dina M.

TORAH WITH TEL AVIV VIBE

January 2025 - Tel Aviv and Central Region

We continue our weekly meetings, where we read and discuss the weekly Torah portions.

SHOA IN SOVIET CINEMA

January 27^th, 2025 - Tel Aviv and Central Region

On the day of the liberation of Auschwitz, historian and film scholar Roman Zhigun shared and tried to answer with us the following questions: What films were made by Jews who fled Nazi Germany to the Soviet Union in the 1930s? How did Soviet filmmakers depict the Shoah after the war? When and how were such films censored? - Polina D.

STRAWBERRIES GEDERA TOUR

January 24^th 2025 – Tel Aviv and Central Region

We enjoyed delicious strawberries straight from the bush, learned what it’s like to work in agriculture in Israel today, and had coffee on the street of the first settlers in one of the most beautiful southern towns—charming Gedera.

The strawberries were delicious! But what impressed me even more was the story of Gedera’s founders—you couldn’t make this up. A truly fascinating part of our his-tory! — Anna K.

NEW CENTRAL BUS STATION TOUR

January 22^nd, 2025 - Tel Aviv and Central Region

It's probably the most famous place in Tel Aviv, known in Hebrew as Tahana Merkazit. The second-largest bus station in the world, Tel Aviv’s New Central Bus Station is like an entire city, packed with surprises. We explored the Filipino food market and the Yiddish Language Museum, stepped inside a nuclear bomb shelter designed for 16,000 people, and admired a graffiti art exhibition on the top floor.

A fantastic tour and an incredible place! I'm planning to revisit the Yiddish Museum with friends. - Nadezhda G.

FRIDAY-SHABBAT SEMINAR #107, MASSADA

January 17^th - 18^th, 2025 - Multiregional

World-reknown archeologist Dr. Michael Frikman joined our bus of young Russian-speaking Olim, taking us through digs near the Dead Sea and on Massada, and on Shabbat providing the most fascinating overview of Israel's greatest archeological findings, "From the Palmach to the Tanach." We also explored how the Children of Israel thrived through our sufferings in Egypt (and throughout history) and many other themes during this warm winter Shabbat together on the shores of the Dead Sea.

I have been in Israel 13 years, but it was the first time I visited these places. I also loved the atmosphere you created! - Dr. Olga B.

PALMACH MUSEUM TOUR

January 10^th, 2025 - Tel Aviv and Central Region

In January, we visited an interactive museum dedicated to the Palmach—an underground organization founded by Israeli Zionists before the establishment of Israel. Along with the Haganah and Lehi, it played a crucial role in forming the Israeli army. The entire museum is an immersive experience, featuring a cinematic projection set in realistic reconstructions of the era, highlighting the founding of the State of Israel and the War of Independence. - Masha B.

HAIFA GASTRO TOUR

January 10^th, 2025 - Haifa and North Region

We embarked on a unique journey in one of the oldest neighborhoods of Haifa, filled with tastes, aromas, and, most importantly, the incredible people who bring this vibrant corner of multicultural Haifa to life.

Wow! Despite living in Haifa for so long, I had never been to this market before—there's so much to discover! Thank you for the organization, the delicious treats, and the new experiences! — Kira L.

BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY TOUR: ARCHITECTURE AND ACADEMIA

January 10^th 2025 - Beersheva and South Region

Modern art and architecture expert Inbal Ben-Asher Gitler and curator Ariella Shimshon led us through the university galleries. We learned about sun protection structures and the passageway system, understood how this compact mini-city is planned, and explored the works of iconic architects, through models of the university in miniature. - Yana S.

JEWISH & HISTORICAL DANCES CLASS

January 9^th, 2025 - Haifa and North Region

Historical dance instructor Alexander Gof led a master class on historical dances from England, Scotland, France, and America, and, of course, traditional Jewish dances. Together with great spirits, all the participants gained new dance skills! - Victoria P.

ISRAEL: A USER MANUAL WEBINARS

January 2025 - Online

We spoke about finance and tax laws in Israel that every new immigrant and Israeli citizen should be aware of.

CONVERSATIONAL ULPAN

January 2025 - Multiregional

We continue our conversational Hebrew club meetings in Tel Aviv, Beersheva, Jerusalem, and Haifa for those with some knowledge who need practice. We learn classical and modern texts in Hebrew to help us understand this beautiful language by ear and overcome the fear of speaking it!

ART ZEHUT

January 2025 - Jerusalem

Workshops where we created unique works of art with our own hands, using classic collage techniques and various materials. We also made handmade chocolate, which you can eat and use to create gifts and treats for your loved ones—making their lives even better. – Hedva A.

GAMES

January 2025 - Multiregional

We gathered together to meet new friends and unwind via a full, enjoyable night of board games!

FAMILY SIMCHAS

January 2025 - Multiregional

Mazal tov to Mark and Masha and Ira and Alex on the birth of their respective firstborn baby boys!!! May the many simchas in our SSY family continue to uplift us and bring us and all Israel great hope!