Am Kolel, a Judaic Resource and Renewal Center, is delighted to

  announce the upcoming fifth annual Martin Buber Summer Youth

  Institute for teens ages 13-17!

       The program will take place at Am Kolel’s Sanctuary in

Beallsville, MD. There will be three separate one-week sessions to choose from.  July 9^th-15^th, July 30^th-Aug 5, and Aug 6^th-Aug 12^th.  Participants will experience kibbutz-style cooperative living while learning about Jewish Social Philosophy, Jewish Environmental Ethics, Conflict-Resolution, and

working on an organic farm.

  The Buber Kibbutz offers a unique way for youth to deepen their

Jewish identity and sense of community, their understanding of Jewish

teachings on community and ecology, as well as their practice of and commitment to Tikkun Olam.

       Each day includes morning prayer and contemplative spiritual

  practice, farm work and cooking, hiking and swimming in the creek,

study of Martin Buber's teachings on Social Philosophy and Jewish

  renewal, a campfire and a kumsitz, or sing-along.  In addition, daily

 chuggim (interest groups) include opportunities to learn new skills such as conflict resolution, how to draw comics, mural painting, bicycle maintenance, guitar, harmonica, among other possibilities.

  Students will hear presentations and participate in discussions on

Such topics as "Judaism and Food Culture" and "Global Warming."  We will

also take several field trips to local sites.

 Our staff includes: Rabbi David Shneyer, director of Am Kolel,

Spiritual leader of Kehila Chadash, folksinger, guitarist and peace

  activist;

Mat Tonti, program coordinator, Jewish environmental educator, artist, and father of a soon to be born child;

        In order to make this excellent opportunity available to teens

And their parents, I ask that you please print out several copies of the

attached flyer and post them in a visible location in your synagogue.

In addition, please forward this message along with the attached flyer

To anyone you know who might be interested.

  For more information, or to register, please visit our website or contact Mat!