Baptists for Israel (BII) is a non-profit independent
Baptist organization founded in 1974. Our program was originally a work /
internship summer program but since then has expanded into a study program as
well. The school offers a nine month internship program for undergraduate and
master's students, as well as a two month summer internship program. Baptists
for Israel also offers ten
to fifteen day seminars at various times throughout the year for laymen who
desire to know more about the land
of Israel and its people.
Baptists for Israel's
main office is located in Ohio, and our
students study and work right in Israel
on the Sea of Galilee.
Israel's
Culture
by Dr. Leeland Crotts
When the Baptist team arrives in Israel each year, we are faced with
a new culture, a new language and new friends. The conflict between the Muslim
and Jewish people does not affect us to a large degree. The greater barrier we
must overcome is that of culture shock, which greets us the moment we enter the
country. Students are informed about the challenge of culture shock before ever
leaving the U.S.A.
in a class called Cross-Cultural Communications. The class softens the impact
and gives the students tools for effectively dealing with life in Israel.
During the first month we are in Israel, the entire country will
celebrate four major holidays: Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur
(Day of Atonement), Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), and Simhat Torah (Rejoicing
in the Law). All the holidays that are celebrated in Israel are found in the Bible. We
make a point of studying about these holidays from both the biblical and
traditional perspectives. When the holiday is celebrated, the Baptist team
joins in the celebration in one way or another. Sukkot, the Feast of
Tabernacles, was especially joyful for our team this year. The Baptists always
build our own Sukka Booth (temporary dwelling) out of palm branches. We held
one of our assemblies inside of the sukka. It was crowded, but we all fit.
Our students study conversational Hebrew in order to learn
how to speak the language they are now surrounded by constantly. As our
students practice what they learn in the classroom, they adapt to the culture,
begin to speak the language and create lasting friendships with the kibbutz
people.
