HiBuR is an innovative and immersive exchange program that fosters connections between teens from the Boston MetroWest area, and Beit Sefer Hugim, a public high school in Haifa. Through HiBuR, teens develop person to person connections, learn about each other’s Jewish cultures and identities and develop a sense of Jewish Peoplehood that extends beyond local and national boundaries.
The program includes two mifgashim (meetings in Hebrew) in which teens visit each other’s families and communities, an extensive curriculum for MetroWest participants, as well as a year-long joint curriculum with the Hugim school.
The Boston mifgash, which takes place in the Fall, begins with a joint weekend at NYC and continues with a week of home hospitality in the Metrowest area. During the Israel mifgash over February break, the teens spend a week with their hosts in Haifa and end with a weekend together in Jerusalem.
NYC & Boston
The NYC & Boston mifgash focuses on the American Jewish experience. It includes visits to:
The Tenement Museum- Ellis and Liberty Island
- Times Square
- 9/11 Memorial Museum
- One World Observatory
- Massachusetts State House
- Mayyim Hayyim
- Local University
- Walden Pond
- Shabbat and Simchat Torah at a liberal congregation
- Visits to different Hebrew/Religious Schools
Israel
During the 10 day Israel adventure, the teens experience some of the
culture, history, and people of Israel. this exciting trip includes:
- A 6-night stay with hosting families in Haifa with visits to nearby sites such as the ancient port city of Akko, a Druze village and a kibbutz.
- A guided, full-day tour of the mystic city of Tzefat and the Golan Heights.
- A day trip to Tel Aviv, with a visit to Independence Hall and Old Yaffo.
- 3 Days in Jerusalem, beginning with a hike up Masada and a dip in the Dead Sea.
Testimonials
This program widened my perspective on Judaism and allowed me to begin my journey on exploring the Jewish identity. Exploring through places like Akko, Tzfat, The Golan, Jerusalem, and so many ore, led me towards further exploring myself, and where I stand as a Jew in this world.
Caroline, 2016-17 participant
It was the moment I was trapped between 250 Jews at a Jerusalem Shuk that I realized what Israel meant to me. As I walked through the labyrinth of Israeli shops and food stands, I did my best to observe the Pre-Shabbat scramble that was unfolding before me. At the same time that I enjoyed the unfamiliarity of the market, I was solidifying my link in a chain of Jews celebrating their identity.
Ben, 2016-17 participant