Derishat Shalom (Safe Travels)
Next month, we say Derishat Shalom (safe travels) to our Weber students who are participating in the Abe Besser Israel-Poland Experience (ABIPE). This formative program was named in honor of Abe Besser z" l, a long-standing pillar and builder of the Atlanta Jewish community. Weber students and faculty were honored to hear from Abe’s wife, Marlene Besser, as the school gathered together for a meaningful student-led kehillah to send the ABIPE students a safe, meaningful, and enjoyable experience. Marlene opened the program with the incredible story of Abe’s life -- one filled with tragedy, challenges, and success -- and his lifelong support of Holocaust education and his love for the State of Israel. Abe Besser sponsored the Holocaust programming at The Breman Museum, was one of the founders of the Holocaust Memorial at Greenwood Cemetery, and was the benefactor for the Besser Holocaust Memorial Garden at the Marcus Jewish Community Center. The Weber community appreciates the generous investment on the part of the Besser family and community friends and felt privileged to hear the story of Abe’s life and work.
Each year, students attending the trip create and participate in a service project that supports their connection to Jewish history and contemporary Jewish communities in Poland and Israel. This year's ABIPE participants hosted a Pancake Breakfast for Weber students to benefit the Taube Center for Jewish Life and Learning's efforts to support their work in Ukraine and with Ukrainian refugees in Poland. The fundraiser was a resounding success, raising $1500!
Because it's customary in Jewish tradition to recite Tefilat Haderech (the Traveler's Prayer) before setting off on a long trip, Rabbi Harwitz closed the senior’s send-off with the Tefilat Haderech and the giving of some money as Shelichot Mitzvah. Upon their departure to Israel, students will also leave with a wallet-sized version of the Tefilat Haderech to keep with them during their travels.
We wish our students safe travels, and we can’t wait to hear from them when they return!
The Weber School
The Weber School, a Jewish Community high school serving students from all Jewish backgrounds, prepares students for success in college and in life with comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that inspire student exploration, leadership, and Jewish social consciousness. Many of our programs and academies are unique to Weber and can't be found at any other Atlanta-area high schools.
The Felicia Penzell Weber Jewish Community High School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
The Felicia Penzell Weber Jewish Community High School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
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