Ahhhh… summer vacation. It is a treasured American tradition and the time of year that all children look forward to with bated breath. We all recall our own childhood summer vacations fondly with memories of rapidly melting ice cream cones, tanned bodies plunging into cool swimming pools, and wooden bats cracking loudly against airborne balls. Yes, summer vacation is what our most fond American memories are made of.
But wait… did you know that summer vacation is, by no means, only observed in the United States? It’s true! In Saudi Arabia, summer vacation stretches all the way from June to the middle of October. In Singapore, it lasts from late November until early January. In Tunisia, it lasts from late June until mid-September, and in South Africa, kids take summer vacation from early December to early February.
The country of Israel observes a summer vacation that is similar to that of the United States. Typically, school lets out between June 20th and June 30th, and vacation lasts until the end of August. So 5,000 miles away from each other, American children and Israeli children prepare to go back to school right around the same time each year.
The end of August in Israel is still the peak of summer heat. Normally the temperatures are around 95 degrees F, and even as high as 108 degrees F throughout the month of August (and this summer has been unusually extra hot – yep, global warming) and into September. So the end of summer vacation for Israeli children involves plenty of activities that center around staying cool.
August is known as the hottest month of the year and is often rainless (in fact it would truly be a miracle if there were rain in August in Israel – but after all it’s the land of miracles so we can wish for it). So it’s a great time to enjoy swimming activities and stay cool underwater.
Within Jerusalem you can find many different pools such as Breichat Yerushalayim, which includes a separate toddler swimming area, and the Maale Adumim Pool, which includes an Olympic-size pool, both indoor and outdoor areas, and a kiddie pool. There are pools in just about every major city and community. But in the event you happen to be in the center of the country you’re welcome to stop by our home in Chashmonaim and take a dip in our pool (seriously)!
Another popular destination during the late summer heat in Israel is one of the country’s many public libraries. This is a perfect destination to stay out of the mid-day sweltering temps and also, of course, help prepare kids for the upcoming academic school year. There are 17 libraries just in the city of Jerusalem alone, many of which have excellent programs for children, such as Hebrew story hour.
This is an excellent way to stay cool in the August heat and help ease the transition from summertime play to more educational activities.
Print This
Tweet This
Email
Twitter
Skype
