At the Kotel (from right: Kim Beame, Susan Shane-Linder, Karen Mart & Carol Kolsky)

A delegation of teachers from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County visited Kiryat Bialik as part of an Educators Exchange project, within the framework of the Jewish Agency's Partnership 2000. They were hosted by teachers and principals from Kiryat Bialik, led by Ami Reuven, Head of the Education Dept. and P2K Steering Committee member, and facilitator Yehudah Katz. The joint group had met last December in Florida and everyone was happy to reunite and spend a few days of educational experiences, fun and joy together in Israel.

Operating this year for the 4th time, Educators Exchange is a proven success in the partnership between SPBC and KB. It brings together teachers from the two communities to create educational programs, learn from each other and establish tight, warm bonds. Every year a main theme is selected to be focused on; this year it was the Midrash of Judaism though the Arts. The teachers met with several artists and participated in a series of workshops, designed to give them tools to use arts while teaching Jewish history and values. Additionally, they visited several schools in KB and participated in  activities with the students. On Shabbat the teachers from Boca were hosted in the homes of their KB friends, spending quality time with the entire family and deepening their friendly relationships.

One of the week's highlights was an evening reception in honor of the delegation. KB Mayor, Mr. Eli Dukorski, commended the partnership between the two communities and the wonderful connections it creates. Gidi Shilo, P2K steering committee chair in KB, said that Living Bridge programs such as the Educators Exchange are the very core of the partnership. Several members of the steering committee participated in the event, as well as Eshel Fram, Partnership Director for the Jewish Agency. KB's representative dance troupe, the Bialik Youngsters, performed in song and dance from their new program, to the delight of the audience. Ami Reuven pointed out the significant contribution of the educators' exchange project to the educational system in KB. He and Mrs. Carol Kolsky, who spoke on behalf of the visitors, expressed sincere hope that the program they lovingly call "Boca-Bialik" will continue in the coming years. They extended special gratitude to Dr. Leon Weissberg and Mrs. Marilyn Nachman of the Jewish Educational Commission, whose enormous contribution to this program made it so successful.

Partnership 2000 between SPBC and KB was established over 6 years ago. Administered by a joint American-Israeli steering committee, it operates successfully in the fields of education, culture, community and economic development. Several Living Bridge projects, involving youth as well as adults, created strong, long lasting bonds among members of the two communities. Without a doubt, every encounter such as this last one tightens the connections between KB and SPBC's educational systems and the communities at large.

Carol Kolsky (right: Ami Reuven)

Musical activity with children at one of KB's elementary schools