MERCAZ Newsletter Spring 2001
NATIV: Exploring, Studying, Experiencing Israel
By David Keren, Director, NATIV

Forty-one post-high school students from all over North America are now nearly one-third into their nine-month NATIV study and touring program. Based at the Center, the participants are studying at Hebrew University and the Conservative Yeshiva. During Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, Nativniks visited various Jerusalem synagogues and experienced the different ways in which Israelis celebrate the chaggim (holidays). Many Nativniks were invited to private homes for a taste of Israeli holiday home cooking.

"I already know that this will change my life," said Aimie Brookhart of Henderson, NV.

One of the highlights of October was the tiyul (trip) to the Negev during Hol Hamoed Sukkot. We started our three-day adventure by seeing flooding in the middle of the desert, a rare and beautiful sight. We hiked up and down mountains, slid in mudÑalso a rarity in the desertÑstudied survival skills and swam in hidden springs. Our trip was capped by a breathtaking bike ride from the rim of the Ramon Crater down into the middle of the Machtesh. Dusty, exhausted and happy, we returned to Jerusalem, ready to begin the regular semester and the second part of our NATIV program.

"I am doing a lot of firsts, having great experiences and loving it," exclaimed Parker Crockford of Norfolk, Virginia. The winter semester is going very well and everyone has adjusted to the new college life and schedule. The eight NATIV members in the Yeshiva track were also very happy to return to their studies and the Conservative Yeshiva community. The overriding feeling among the students is that they are glad to be in Israel, regardless of the current situation.