Before we get started I want to introduce myself. My name is Arky Staiman… Arky? It’s my nickname, my real name is Aaron but you can call me, (well more like read me), Arky. A little bit about myself; I was born and raised in Baltimore, Md. in the United States and there I attended Beth Tfiloh High School until I graduated. I spent the next year of my life in Yeshivat Lev Hatorah in Ramat Beit She
mesh and then decided to make Aliya (move to Israel) and join the Hesder program in Yeshivat Otniel, a program based on the ideal of combining learning Torah and serving in the army. After my service as a Paratrooper in the 890th Brigade, I returned to Yeshiva and married my best friend, Avigail Kranzler. We live in Tekoa, in the Eastern Gush Etzion, I am pursuing my dream of being a tour guide throughout Israel and spreading the love and connection between the Jewish people and the Jewish homeland
My love for Israel began with my Bar Mitzvah which I decided to have in Israel. Despite the bad food, (for this 13 year-old American, hummus, matbucha, and some eggplant wasn’t considered yummy) and not knowing most of the people there, it was a life-changing event which spurred a deep interest and bond with Israel. Everyone has their own picture of what Israel is before their first trip, but for me Israel looked like the Sahara Desert with houses made of stones from the Western Wall. Unfortunately for some, this Alladin-like vision of Israel can continue way past childhood. So therefore I entered this field so I can be your magic carpet ride throughout Israel. The tours are intended for all ages from children to retirees, for all levels of knowledge about Israel, from the “first time in Israel” people to the “I’ve gone everywhere already” people (I’ve been both). Its purpose is to give insights and awaken the Curious George in each one of us to the many different facets of the beautiful Land of Israel. I will discuss some of the many different faces of Israel whether it be religious, historical, demographical, geological, political, and even just the plain “cool.” The “wow”’s of this country are endless and for me to take a part in the dropping of your jaws is a great honor and I hope that you stick with me throughout our process together in discovering “the land which I will show you” (Genesis 12:1).
