Hello! I hope that this blog reaches you in a good and summery spirit!

Summer, it's hot. We, here in Israel are thirsty for water and a little breeze but despite this it is great to see all the tourists that come to Israel in order to experience a true Israeli summer. The heat, the humidity, the protests, the societies that have arisen at the last moment (because of the heat? the holiday?) This hasn't deterred the people that love the summer; the sea, the blue sky and the golden sand that we have here in Israel. 

And for a proportion of the tourist season, also Ulpan Aviv benefits from seeing all the tourists that come to visit our country. We get to meet people from all over the world- from England, America, Portugal, Canada, France, Holand Italy and more. Many of them enjoy exploring Jerusalem during their studies, together with their teacher, to experience the interesting sites that we have here (of course in Hebrew). They learn about the holy places like the old city, ancient synagogues and more. But also, they learn about modern Jerusalem- Yemin Moshe, Rechavia and the shuk. All these sights and sounds can be taken as an indication that indeed it is the time of redemption, like the prophet Zecharia said in the Old testament:

"Thus said the L-rd of hosts: There shall yet be old men and women sitting in the streets of Jerusalem. And the man will have a stick in his hand for his great age. In the streets of the city, they will be filled with boys and girls playing in their streets." (Zecharia 8:4-5)

And we have already been reminded of the children playing in the streets of Jerusalem (and also in our new branch in Tel Aviv) because of the success of our children's courses which continue to grow and grow! This is in addition to the countless number of young (or young at heart) faces which arrive each morning to our Ulpan also with big smiles on their faces! Between the work that they do together with the teachers here at our school, they also have a packed schedule, trips to the zoo, to the science museum, to new neighborhoods and of course lots and lots of icecream, choco, falafel and a great atmosphere.

Just like we said, an Israeli summer!

Someone asked for Felafel? Until next time…..

Osnat