Gandel Students Study Together in Jaffa

The Annual Gandel Study Weekend took place this year in Jaffa from March 4 to 6 with an impressive turnout of 140 students, faculty members and national staff. 

The main subjects studied were:

• Jaffa in Agnon stories
• A leader in a personal disaster: From Rabbi Akiva to Kind David
• Ransom for Prisoners of War
• A special panel session on Judaism and Israelis

 
On the Friday night participants enjoyed a wonderful evening of song and poetry in honour of Tel Aviv-Jaffa at 100 years.  In addition participants enjoyed the opportunity to participate in sessions held by the Progressive Movement who were holding a similar Shabbaton in the area and get a taste of new approaches.

One practicing Orthodox student said he attended the Progressive Friday night service as he felt the need to find out what it is all about! "I was most upset about them playing a guitar and a flute on Shabbat but I did not leave as I did not want to offend them". He added that prior to studying in Gandel he would have never considered attending a progressive service.

Students commented on the rich program that made them feel fulfilled, on the exciting learning and the outstanding members of Gandel faculty who they felt privileged to study with.  All were amazed by the experience of learning together with Gandel students from all over Israel and left the weekend feeling a part of this growing national network of learners.