The October 2007 Machzor of WUJS opened successfully on October 16, 2007. 40 students from all over the world arrived to participate in the five-month program in Arad. Countries represented are: US, Canada, UK, Australia, Russia, France and Turkey.

After several days of orientation meetings During Opening Week, the students went on their first overnight hike in the Ramon Crater in the Central Negev. The students then returned to Arad for a group Shabbat at WUJS, then began formal studies in one of the three tracks offered:

Land, Language and Society, which focuses on intense Hebrew Ulpan, courses in Jewish and Israel Studies, and augmented with weekly study trips around Israel, outdoor hikes and several specialty weeks of study in the North, South and in Jerusalem.

Arts – for established artists in various fields. In the October Machzor, there are painters, writers, musicians, sculptors and photographers. Besides participating in the Ulpan and field trips, the artists have locations in Arad for studio work in their art fields. Later in the program, all the artists’ works will be displayed in a catalogue and at exhibitions in Arad and Tel Aviv.

Peace and Social Justice – The students will study one semester in Arad and in the second semester will be placed in social justice-oriented organizations around Israel.

Of course, along with all the study programs, WUJS students will have plenty of social activities and will have opportunities to volunteer in Arad and to link with Israeli residents of the town through our “adopting family” program.

During the week of November 11th, the students went on Southern Week, which including hiking and camping out in the Negev, culminating with a Shabbat retreat at Kibbutz Keturah in the Arava, where the students had activities and lectures about life on the kibbutz, especially in the unique desert environment.

We look forward to a continued exciting and stimulating program!