A Fun English session with ESRA volunteer Jean Illan in Rehovot

Learning English is fun for the children at risk

Lucille Edelman, writes:

The Moadonit is an afternoon center for primary schoolchildren at risk. ESRA contributes by its volunteers giving a weekly Fun English lesson and by giving a regular basic contribution to be used for different activities. Last summer, in one such activity, I organized an outing for the kids to the Charles Clore Garden of Science at the Weizmann Institute, the first open-air Science Museum in the world. There, the children were encouraged to touch and play with over 90 exhibits which explain in a fun and interactive way the scientific principles behind natural phenomena.

Our new English group is also running successfully and at their Chanukah party, some of the parents expressed appreciation and said that they too, are picking up the language from their children in the group!

The English Tutoring Project (ETP) is growing but we still need more volunteers. We also need someone to coordinate the project in Rehovot. If you’re interested in tutoring, please contact Or at or.weiss@esra.org.il; tel: 09 950 8371.

Supporting valuable work with the emotionally ill

Joyce Lasovsky writes:

MESHI is the English version of the Hebrew acronym under which this nonprofit organization functions, with the supervision of the Ministry of Health.  The target group is  emotionally ill rather than mentally challenged people,  who are eligible for treatment and rehabilitation. These people receive a small salary for piece work that they do on a regular basis.  Approximately 40-50 patients meet daily in Rehovot, where they also receive refreshments and psychiatric care.

For many years now, I have visited weekly in the role of an interested friend. I view ESRA's role   as morally supportive as well as contributing financially, to the extent to which we are able. We have participated in celebrations for the festivals, helped organized outings, and more.

ESRA’s ongoing interest in the progress of those taking part is very much appreciated by the staff and patients and we look forward to continuing our support of this very worthwhile project.

We welcome Betsy and Ira to the board

Sharon Levisohn, chairperson of ESRA Rehovot writes:

We welcome two new board members:

Betsy Bogdansky moved to Rehovot in 2015 to be near her children and grandchildren.  As well as volunteering with ESRA, Betsy’s time is spent attending the Berman Synagogue, enjoying membership in a few book-clubs, and babysitting her grandchildren.  

Ira Grinberg made aliyah with his wife, Annice, in 1980, from the USA to Rehovot. Annice was chairperson of the ESRA Rehovot Board until she passed away last year. Ira has taken upon himself the role of MC for events since he has a good sense of humor – something we all appreciate.