A most enjoyable afternoon tea was held at the home of Applette Sopher.

Adele Rubin chaired the event which she said was a “thank you” to all the Herzliya volunteers, to the Herzliya committee and especially to those who tutored this year in Herzliya schools and to the coordinator Stella Vilosny. Bess Hoffman and Lorette Greenberg were thanked for organizing the recent bridge event, Barbara Blum for her wonderful music evenings and Mary Popper for her art classes.  Adele also thanked our hostess and presented her with a small gift.

ESRA’s Director Liz Trakeniski spoke about ESRA’s many projects and reminded all of the celebration of ESRA’s 30 years event on the 28 October.

Volunteer tutors related their interesting experiences with students whom they help with the English oral matriculation exams at the four Herliyza high school and primary schools.

Averil Shulman, a member of the ESRA Executive, introduced Rachel Ginsburg, an English teacher from Hayovel  who read out a letter of thanks to the volunteers and to Stella who referred the volunteers to her.  Averil said that Hayovel volunteers not only taught and exposed the pupils to English but were also role models for the pupils.  Tiffany Sam said how much she enjoyed teaching twice a week while here in Israel with her husband for a year.

Merle Schewchuk, who with her husband and another couple volunteered at Hadassaim school, spoke movingly about how the pupils greet them and enjoy the contact, and how important this volunteering was in both their lives. They are new immigrants from Canada and will return to tutor next year.  Merle also volunteers in the Herzliya office.

Devorah Aviel spoke about her volunteering with Judy Fisher a HaRishonim high school which is where ESRA’s tutoring orals program first began.

The volunteers from Hatichon Hachadash were unable to come but have been tutoring for years and will continue next year.

The highlight of the afternoon was volunteer tutor Cyril Solk – 90 years young – who talked of helping in two primary schools, one in a disadvantaged neighborhood.  He inspires confidence and motivation in the children. He successfully faced the challenge of a little girl with learning difficulties who managed to read within a few weeks.

Everyone was touched by the devotion and sincerity of the volunteers.

Debby Lieberman, ESRA Chairperson, a Herzliya resident, summed up the afternoon as a rewarding experience and again thanked our hostess for her gracious hospitality.