Chabad.org
Chaya Andrusier, 14, of North Miami Beach, Fla., says goodbye to father Shumly Andrusier before departing for Kfar Chabad, Israel. Photo: Ray Girard

KFAR CHABAD, Israel — Israel's Elite Academy Program sent 15 girls to the Chabad-Lubavitch Beth Rivkah High School in Kfar Chabad, where they will learn for at least a year. Organizers of the initiative ñ whose affiliated program Naaleh began in 1992 as an effort to bring teenagers from the former Soviet Union for high school study in Israel and this year sponsored some 440 students from Europe, South America and Australia ñ hope the students who are participating in the programs will ultimately finish their educations in Israel.

Girls Begin School Year in Israel as Part of Elite Program

Chabad.org
Chaya Andrusier, 14, of North Miami Beach, Fla., says goodbye to father Shumly Andrusier before departing for Kfar Chabad, Israel. Photo: Ray Girard

KFAR CHABAD, Israel — Israel’s Elite Academy Program sent 15 girls to the Chabad-Lubavitch Beth Rivkah High School in Kfar Chabad, where they will learn for at least a year. Organizers of the initiative ñ whose affiliated program Naaleh began in 1992 as an effort to bring teenagers from the former Soviet Union for high school study in Israel and this year sponsored some 440 students from Europe, South America and Australia ñ hope the students who are participating in the programs will ultimately finish their educations in Israel.

Sponsored by the Israeli Ministry of Education and the Jewish Agency, the Elite and Naaleh programs ñ Naaleh also sent girls to Beth Rivkah ñ are designed to teach students about Israel, its language and culture in schools that excel academically, maintain strong connections between students, teachers and other staff, and have top-notch facilities.

The 60 Elite students underwent rigorous testing and analysis by staff in the United States. The program covers tuition, room and board, and travel expenses; it also provides pocket money in Israel.

“They all share the same thing in common: They have ahavat eretz yisrael [love for the Land of Israel], they all grew up knowing that Israel is the place to be, they definitely understand Israel,” said Elie Klein, the U.S.-based director of Elite, of the Beth Rivkah contingent. “They are very motivated and are very good students.”

From Chabad.org

9 Comments

  • fayga

    Hazlachh and brach for all those who joined the program. I am also going to Bais Rivkah though im not in the program. ANd i cant wait to be back in the holy land

  • Beastie

    Whoa, Bitzy! Glad the psychiatrists did not get a true glimpse into your warped personality. And "Elite" at that! Well, you’ve definitely trumped anything we’ve ever done. I hope this is a year of much growth for you and that your connection to your roots only strengthens. Keep on utilizing your stubborn streak for the good. Continue making us proud. We love you! xoxo

    P.S. Make sure not to wear any letters.
    – Oh, I just realized you won’t even be able to read this.
    – Don’t forget me.
    – You better come to my graduation. I need someone to tell me how it was.
    – I’ll tell Larry you were sad you missed your chance to say good bye.
    – The Dodgers creamed the Cubs last night.
    – Just remember, when you’re living it up over there, that yogurts and puddings can in no way compare to slurpees. Oh, yeah, and remember who gets you said slurpees. That’s right- your favorite (and skinniest) big sissy.
    – No matter how far or where you may be, you can still send your good charm over to our team. They’ll need it now more than ever because they’re only three games back, there are only 25 games left, and they’re moving up. And guess what?? They’re creaming the Cubs as we speak. 0-0!!

    And most of all…we’ll miss you!! I cry myself to sleep every night. I’ll have to put a picture of you under my pillow as well.

    Oh, yeah…did I mention I love you? :)

  • a long time friend

    Rochel,,
    She is such a copy of you,, If I didnt read the caption, I would have known who she is! Good Luck, Chayale and everyone else who joined this program, may the Rebbe’s Brochos stay with you for a wonderful year.
    C

  • Moshie and Bina

    Chayale, Much Luck in Israel. FLL already misses you.

    Love, all your cousins in FL (Moshie and Bina)

  • chaya hinda- chesky - miriam devora, dov

    Chayale,

    much luck in Israel, enjoy,

    your cousins in new haven.