Dear Parents of Yeshiva and Seminary Students in Israel, We, the citizens of Israel, are so excited that your dear children have chosen to spend time connecting with their past and planning for their future. As we approach the first break of the yeshiva and seminary year, and your young adults spread out to hosts across the country, please review the below tips, which will help them avoid some unfortunate mistakes. Remember, your children are your responsibility. We are happy to help, and this nation is B”H built on chessed. So, please read the tips below and discuss them with your children. 1. Ask Early, Leave Early Supermarkets in Israel close around noon on Erev Shabbos and Yom Tov. The good sale prices are typically earlier in the week. If your child is heading to friends, family or strangers for Shabbos or Yom Tom, ask prospective hosts by Wednesday, or Thursday morning at the latest. Friday morning emergencies happen, but this should be avoided whenever possible. Similarly, leave your yeshiva or seminary early. Busses here don’t run close to Shabbos or Yom Tov. I cannot tell you how many times I and my neighbors have received that dreaded phone call, asking us to drive an hour or more each way because our guests didn’t leave early enough. And remember, this is while trying to finish cooking and get everyone in the house ready. Nobody wants to get home in the 18 minutes and miss a shower, let alone miss Mincha and the chance to prepare Arba Minimum because a group of seminary girls couldn’t get out of bed until noon, then went out for lunch, before thinking about how to get to their host. Similarly, don’t arrive at 2 PM expecting to go out to grab a slice of pizza. Stores here close early – those that open on Erev Shabbos or Yom Tov, that is. Your hosts won’t be surprised if you want to eat on Friday, and will likely be happy to provide a nourishing meal. If your child doesn’t want to arrive too early because it can be awkward, ask the host what time they recommend arriving. 2. Ask Nicely When approaching a prospective host, don’t inform them. Ask politely. Be prepared to sleep by a neighbor. Never make a demand of a host. My neighbor got a call Thursday night from a sizable group of guys. He lives in a Yishuv, and was a 25 minute drive from a supermarket. He didn’t know any of them; they got his number from friends. He said yes, went shopping, and started cooking at 11 PM. Then, they called Friday morning to ask what hashgachos he holds by. Not cool. 3. Figure Out Dietary Needs Upfront If your child or their countless friends coming with them have an allergy, ask your host if they can accommodate. Waiting until after candle lighting means that the host wasted their time and money on food, and won’t be able to provide for the guest. And that brings us to an unfortunately common concern… 4. Be Mindful of Chumros vs Halacha Kashrus here is often more robust and different than in the US, Canada, or UK. Encourage your children to ask a shayla before asking their host at the dinner table what hashgacha […]
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