Project Mitnadvim IV (cont...)

This year, the talmidim lived in a barracks on a communications base and performed basic maintenance duties. Under the supervision of IDF personnel, the student-volunteers painted trucks and other equipment, protected sensitive communications equipment from the elements and worked in the kitchen preparing lunch and washing dishes.

For sophomore Charlie Cohen, it was his first time in Israel. “I was amazed at the security measures that people have become so accustomed to there,” he said. “The enemy is right at their doorsteps so it just confirmed for me my decision to try and help.”

This was the second Project Mitnadvim for junior Avi Fuss. Last year, he and his fellow volunteers assisted at the Shaare Tzedek Medical Center. “On the army base, we met Jews from all over the world, and we saw how the army pulls all of these people together to protect Eretz Yisroel. It was a true kibutz galiyot.”

Principal Rabbi Yotav Eliach, himself a volunteer as a reservist during the summer months, says "At Rambam, we preach activism. Learning about Eretz Yisroel is fine, but you can't just talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. That's why I'm proud of these kids who gave up their winter vacations to help our Israeli solders."

In addition to helping, the theme of the trip was also learning. The boys learned basic medical techniques - bandaging, stretcher carrying and first aid. The boys also heard shiurim during the trip on these and other topics: "How the Army Should Function According to Jewish Law," and "What Are the Proper Attitudes When One Defeats an Enemy," drawn from Az Yashir.

On Sundays, the boys visited Jerusalem for shopping and sightseeing. After their volunteer work was completed, they spent their last three days visiting yeshivot in consideration for their post- high school learning.

Project Mitnadvim IV 2005 - David Block, Charlie Cohen, Yosef Essrog, Avi Fuss, Daniel Himber, Eric Keehn, Ariel Lindenfeld, Westleigh Nirenberg, Yair Oelbaum, Steven Rosen, Chaim Shor.

duce a Ben Torah who approa

ches all aspects of life from a Torah framework.
- A love of learning is fostered by showing talmidim the ‘conceptual’ beauty of Torah.
- A close Rebbe/Talmid relationship is encouraged.
- Midos, sensitivity and concern for others is a constant theme at Rambam.