Israel in Melbourne
During the Sukkot holidays, the Melbourne-based Habayit Home of Hebrew and Israeli Culture welcomed children from Prep to Grade 6 at its educational Keytana Babayit, “holiday program at home”.
Enjoying the program
Children from a range of backgrounds, including Israeli, Russian, South African and Australian, gathered at the Lamm Jewish Library of Australia for an energetic two day program.
The unique holiday program celebrated Israeli culture, music and Hebrew language. The activities included Hebrew story time, Israeli children’s games, a balloon workshop, circus games and puppetry, all in a warm homely atmosphere. Delicious falafel lunch and special take home snacks were a huge hit with the children.
Balanced friends
Habayit coordinator Hallely Kimchi said: “We tried to bring Israel home. What moved me the most was to see Jewish children from different backgrounds playing in Hebrew and becoming friends.”
“The children were terrific and it was a great joy,” Kimchi added.
The program was run by several facilitators: Shira Golombik, Director of Simply Hebrew School; Irena Matias, acrobat and circus program director; Ricky Bitty, movement teacher; and Tamar Lipshatz from the exhilarating world puppetry theatre.
Excellent feedback was received from both children and parents. One of the parents, Galia Hartman, remarked, “The children were so happy. It was amazing. They loved the falafel!” Another parent, Hamutal Silverstein said “It feels like home!”
Habayit is a new and exciting initiative of the World Zionist Organisation, conducted under the auspices of the Zionist Federation of Australia and supported by the Zionist Council of Victoria.
