Splash! I watched the penguin's keeper toss a fish into their
tank and they streaked after it like lightning. I stared
through the tank's glass wall, enthralled at the way their
feet beat in rhythm like the tail fin of a whale. Afterwards,
when the aquatic athletes emerged and staggered about on dry
land, I understood what it means for newcomers to live in
Israel. But not only newcomers. Old time residents and
seasoned Israelis also have a hard time shooting the rapids
of modern life here.
Back in the 1800s, people had to contend with malaria,
earthquakes and plain old-fashioned hunger -- and our times
too have their share of great tragedy and sorrow. But all too
often it's the smaller things that get us down. The smaller
things that turn into major heartaches. Things like stressed
family relationships, misunderstandings with school and
cheder, and the bewildering puzzle of our children's
behavior and development.
For them and for us Mrs. Rena Orlowek and Mrs. Rivka
Friedlander founded Project Tvunot.
Project Tvunot's goal is to provide community services
including counselling, school intervention, parental
education and crisis management.
"Our rapid growth over the past two years," says Mrs.
Orlowek, "indicates we're supplying something that was badly
missing. We've handled well over 500 cases and touched the
lives of thousands of parents through our shiurim and
workshops."
Old Problems -- New Solution
Project Tvunot was launched with the encouragement of HaRav
Shmuel Auerbach and HaRav Shlomo Wolbe and is a unique
joining of da'as Torah, cutting edge professionalism
and a large dose of common sense -- a commodity often
forgotten in harassed households. When outside expertise or
assistance are required, Tvunot forges and maintains a smooth
coordination.
Its rabbinical advisory board includes the gedolei Torah
HaRav Chaim Pinchas Sheinberg and HaRav Yisroel Gans and
renowned spiritual leaders like HaRav Mordechai Friedlander
and HaRav Noach Orlowek. Included on its staff and
professional advisory board are well-known experts in the
field of education and child psychology.
An ounce of Tvunot intervention can forestall a ton of
frustration.
"I'm terribly concerned about my four-year-old Shmuly," a
worried father reported to us. "He goes around kicking over
his friends' blocks, ripping their drawings to pieces and
tearing their Lego apart. His ganenet wants him out.
Why is he so aggressive?"
A professional evaluation of Shmuly found that his fine motor
coordination was at the level of a two-year-old. His
antagonistic tendencies were an expression of deep
frustration at his inability to join in the creative joys of
his playmates. Suitable therapy helped Shmuly join the
activities of his little friends instead of being a
destructive outsider.
Growing Pains
Sarah simply wasn't finding her place in the chevra
and her imperfect appreciation of the implications of
dress code sent out the mistaken vibes that she was a rebel.
Although she was already in Israel a number of years, her
cultural adjustment was still in conflict. She began to find
every excuse to cut class. Mysteriously, the piercing ring of
her alarm woke everyone in the house except her and the
slightest headache became more than enough reason to take the
day off. In addition she complained that Shabbos meals were a
bore.
"Aba darshans away for quarter of an hour," she said,
"during which time there must be complete silence -- or
else."
Tvunot's family counselors found Sarah a new school where she
felt more comfortable and her "rebellious streak"
disappeared. Through parent counselling, her parents were
able to strengthen their authority while maintaining a strong
sensitivity. Her father's divrei Torah became less of
a lecture and more of a fountain of ruchniyus and
family joy. In the same spirit Tvunot has also worked with
younger boys and bochurim in conjunction with their
families.
Lighting the Way
In addition to assessment and educational intervention,
Tvunot sponsors an ongoing series of shiurim delivered
by famed rabbonim and speakers who include HaRav Mendel
Weinbach, Rav Pesach Krohn, HaRav Noach Orlowek and HaRav
Yaakov Horowitz. Parents learn how to apply the ageless rules
of parenting in the shifting sands of modern times.
We hope you got a taste of the work we are doing. Please feel
free to call us and keep a look out for our latest shiurim
and workshops.
Our next lecture, "Times of Stress, Challenges and
Opportunities for Families - Strengthening Your Children for
Difficult Times" will be held March 3rd, 8:15 P.M. at the
Matnas Romema, 5 Zichron Yaakov Street. It will be delivered
by Rav Dov Brizak and Rav David Kaplan. Separate seating with
mechitza.
Tvunot can be contacted at (02) 651-6837 fax (02) 538-0829, 3
Kanfei Nesharim Street, Jerusalem. Email:
Tvunot@actcom.co.il
