Pittsburgh Students Enjoy Immersive ‘Israel Experience’

On Tu B’Shvat 5785, the 7th-12th graders at Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh created an incredible, immersive, and interactive exhibit titled “Mach Dah Eretz Yisrael – Make it Israel. Make it Holy.” The exhibit was designed as a walk-through experience themed around a tour of the four holy cities of Eretz Yisrael: Chevron, Tzfas, Teveria, and Yerushalayim—each meticulously recreated with stunning attention to detail. Custom tours were provided for grades K-6, along with many parents and community members who came to admire the beautiful exhibits.

Visitors were guided by students dressed as historical figures from Tanach and more recent Israeli history as they explored various activities, received souvenirs, made mitzvah pledges in the merit of the hostages, and viewed handcrafted museum-quality displays.

The fair originated as a Chumash project inspired by the Rebbe’s famous Rashi Sicha on the first possuk of Bereishis, discussing the Jewish people’s ownership of Eretz Yisrael. It quickly evolved into a full-scale fair that engaged every academic subject.

“With everything going on in Eretz Yisrael, the call of the hour is to feel our ownership and connection to Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people,” explains Mrs. Leah-Perl Shollar, the 7-12 Academic Principal. “Our students learned what Rabbeinu Bechaye taught that Eretz Yisroel is the heart of the Jewish people. Just like the heart keeps every limb and organ alive, even the toe, so too, Eretz Yisroel keeps all of us alive and connected.”

The Grand Tour Experience
The experience began with a “flight to Israel,” where visitors were greeted by a “pilot” and watched videos of the Rebbe speaking about the importance of Eretz Yisrael. From there, they boarded a simulated Rav Kav train line to embark on their journey.

Each of the four “cities” had themed music, detailed brochures and explanations, and dramatic reenactments featuring students dressed as historical and modern figures, from Dovid HaMelech to Chizkiyahu, Shlomtzion HaMalkah to Na Nach street dancers.

In the Chevron room, a life-size recreation of parts of Me’aras Hamachpela transported visitors to the holy city of the Avos, while a nearby an oversized paper-mâché display took guests back in time to the giant fruits brought back by the Meraglim. We heard from Sarah Imeinu and Sarah Nachshon.

Inspired by its Kabbalistic roots, the Tzfas room featured countless Chassidus-themed elements, a meticulous recreation of the Abuhav shul, intricate archaeological models, and even a fun shout-out to the famous Chabad seminaries in the city of air.

Kivrei Tzaddikim and the Kineret took center stage in the Teveria room, as students presented their research on the unique history and notable historical figures throughout the ages such as Miriam HaNeviah, Rambam, Dona Gracia Mendes Nasi, and many tzaddikim who rest there. The Hot Springs and mosaic floors of Chamat Teveria shul were tied in through science and math.

In the Yerushalayim room, students exchanged shekels for shuk candy and read notes from the Kosel detailing miraculous stories, walked through Sha’ar Yaffo and learned about other gates around the Old City. A large Egged bus crisscrossed the room, while living walls displayed live footage of Israel, immersing attendees in the experience.

Thoughtful details were sprinkled throughout each city’s unique world, such as street signs, menus with Israeli Hashgachas, Israeli humor referencing sponja and stray cats, and displays emphasizing mitzvos in honor of the hostages.

Special attention was given to Chabad’s connection to Eretz Yisrael, featuring displays on the history of Colel Chabad, recreations of posters from the Frierdiker Rebbe’s 1929 visit, and a tribute to Rebbetzin Menucha Rochel in Chevron. Posters of Toras Emes and other Chabad-related artifacts were also showcased.

Bringing Eretz Yisrael to Life Through Learning
The fair incorporated history, politics, science, math, language arts, dramatic arts, and Chassidus, making it an unparalleled multidisciplinary educational experience. Students used cutting-edge technology, including 3D printers, Glowforges for art, and Cricut machines to create costumes and signage. Additional hands-on elements included sand art, ‘fire art’, and laser engraving for wooden keychains.

Chumash classes studied many of the Rebbe’s Sichos in-depth and were assigned different cities to showcase. The entire curriculum was incorporated into the fair with an emphasis on Chassidus and the concept of the four elements – fire, water, earth, and air – as they connect to the four holy cities.

History classes constructed a comprehensive timeline stretching from Briyas HaOlam to modern-day Israel, with Jewish events and world events aligned. The present-day map of Israel was overlayed with a hand-drawn transparency of the chalakim of the shevatim, and many facts about the geography and topography of Eretz Yisroel.

Math students calculated the square cubic measurements of one building for each city, include the Kosel, Me’aras HaMachpelah, Metzudah, and analyzed the geometric elements of ancient mosaics from the Roman era, creating their own mosiacs.

Science students explored the chemical properties of Teveria’s hot springs and their medicinal applications, learned about water filtration, and crafted windchimes for Tsfas..
Students wrote scripts for their costumed characters, penned mini children’s books, and composed original poems, infusing Chassidus into the themes.

Students handcrafted stained glass windows, utilized 3D printing for souvenirs, and designed signage using Cricut machines.

Students brought key historical moments to life by writing, directing, filming, and editing short films of historical reenactments.

Archaeological displays featured excavation activities and Kabbalistic interpretations of ancient designs in Tzfas.

Timeless Values, Today
The event was a massive undertaking, with students dedicating weeks of tireless effort, day and night, supported by their devoted teachers. The result was a breathtaking and deeply meaningful tribute to Eretz Yisrael, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.

This Sunday, Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh launches its Timeless Values, Today campaign supporting the vital education and programming that make events like this possible. Join us in sustaining these impactful initiatives by donating at www.Charidy.com/TimelessValues.