Pesach Break

As we approach the final month of Workshop, it is time to reflect on much of what has taken place this year and what is still to come. Most recently this week the Workshoppers took part in Pesach camps that are run by Hanoar Haoved where they got to take part in leading the chanichim(campers) in various aspects of programming. A more detailed update will come soon, but it is a very special and important opportunity for them to give back and is very much related to their messimot. The camps took place in different parts of the country and as such the Workshoppers were spread out for much of this week.

Pesach has arrived and the break begins tomorrow for the Workshoppers. All the Workshoppers will either be attending Seders with their family or friends or through arrangements we have made available to them. During the break which goes until the 27th, they will have the opportunity to rest, relax, and perhaps have some excursions around the country. As is always our policy during breaks, we have a schedule of where every Workshopper will be staying and at least a rough itinerary of what they will be doing every day. Additionally they will need to check in daily to make sure they are fine and sticking to their pre-arranged plans. We also of course review the safety and security guidelines for their travel during the break.

If you have not already filled out an evaluation of the program I would encourage you to either email me or fill out the online form I have setup. I am trying to gather as many opinions and perspectives as possible to enable myself to better evaluate the strengths and weakness of the program and how to move forward to improve Workshop. Of course the program is not over and perhaps more insight will come to light after the program, but I would like the evaluation process to start before then.

As such I will be traveling to Israel for two weeks starting April 26th. I will be there until May 10th and I will have the opportunity to spend some time first hand meeting with the Workshoppers, speaking with the madrichim/Rakazim(coordinators), and observing the daily running of the program. During that time I will have a cell phone that I can be reached at any time should an urgent or emergency situation arise. I will post that number on the blog before I leave for Israel. I will also be out of the office from Friday until Wednesday for the Pesach holiday. Of course if there are any urgent issues I can be contacted via email or the Habonim Dror cell phone.

I hope you all have a wonderful Passover seder, despite the empty chairs that you will all be thinking about. Rest assured your Workshopper will miss your family traditions and will be excited to return home next year for your seder.

Chag Sameach and Happy Passover to all.
Michael