After a beautiful drive from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, a hike and swim at Ein Gedi, and a camel ride and lunch with the Bedouins, we checked in to our hotel. Rabbi Jason and Andrew led a discussion and had us each reflect on any connection we felt with Israel, along with what we were doing last month at this time and what we were doing next month at this time. Most of us felt that Birthright was much more than a vacation. Each of us had developed our own relationship with the land and people of Israel. Even though Israel is not our home, we feel a special connection to it, and we know Israel would welcome all of us with open arms.
On our final day in Israel, we truly experienced our connection to the land. We woke up at 4am to climb the historic mountain of Masada for sunrise. Masada is where a Jewish community committed suicide rather than face desecration, and where Jewish tourists and Israeli soldiers go to remember that Israel must be preserved as a Jewish community. After breakfast, we tiptoed into the freezing Dead Sea. In one morning, we experienced generations of Jewish history and closeness to Israel a top of a mountain and at the lowest point on earth.
Ben Wegener
Thursday, January 15, 2009
My dear Americans
We requested to come to Birthright in order to meet Jewish people from a different place just like us, but with a different life than we have here. Our intention was to show you the life of Israel from our perspective and general Israeli consensus, before we got on the bus we did not know what to expect—how you would receive us or how we would receive you. We were surprised for the good by the warm faces that received us and in a very short time we felt part of the group. We were happy to join you in visiting the most beautiful places our small country has to offer. We are certain there is no other place in the world this small that has such different beautiful and different kinds of scenery. We were impressed from the discussion of the situation in Gaza and how much the questions and the desire to know the situation that the conversation lasted for more than 3 hours. We are certain that the Shabbat in Jerusalem was a great experience, we were very surprised to see even though there was such a spectrum of possibilities that everyone had the opportunity to have a festive experience together. We very much enjoyed your friendship for the last 5 days. We very much hope we were able to help give something to your Jewish Identity and that you will always remember the land of Israel as a land that is very warm and loving. Lots of love and we already miss you so much,
Rotem, Ariel, Sarit
Rotem, Ariel, Sarit
On a spectrum from Reform to Orthodox
I come from on or below the Reform line. Services included minimal prayers in Hebrew, mostly because there was no expectation for those who did not know it to learn. Over time more and more prayers are said only in English while here in Israel, I wanted to experience “hard-core” Shabbat services, so I accompanied Rabbi and some other students to the Rabbi’s Rabbi’s synagogue. I went in knowing all of the service would be in Hebrew so I would be lost for most of the time. Even this couldn’t stop me.
We arrived and I still was not sure what to expect and also a little nervous. Upon entering, we split from the men and went to our respective sides. Sitting in the back, and being just the right height, allowed me to catch glimpses of what the men were doing, which I found fascinating. Honestly, the women were boring comparatively. The men were so intense during the service while praying it was just boggling my mind. Nothing I had ever seen before. I rarely turned the page but felt more involved in the service than ever before at my temple at home. The service included a sermon, which Stephanie whispered at the beginning to us. The Rabbi thanked us for coming and visiting Israel at this time of tumoil. At Saturday morning services Rabbi helped me out by showing me the page we were up to and then sitting me up with the Rabbi’s daughter to help keep me on track with the rest of the service. Like any other service I have been to, some of the prayers were sung. These prayers were so powerful it is hard to describe the feeling I got sitting there listening.
My experiences here in Israel have been amazing and unreal. The sense of community is great. I can’t wait to come back!
~Naomi
We arrived and I still was not sure what to expect and also a little nervous. Upon entering, we split from the men and went to our respective sides. Sitting in the back, and being just the right height, allowed me to catch glimpses of what the men were doing, which I found fascinating. Honestly, the women were boring comparatively. The men were so intense during the service while praying it was just boggling my mind. Nothing I had ever seen before. I rarely turned the page but felt more involved in the service than ever before at my temple at home. The service included a sermon, which Stephanie whispered at the beginning to us. The Rabbi thanked us for coming and visiting Israel at this time of tumoil. At Saturday morning services Rabbi helped me out by showing me the page we were up to and then sitting me up with the Rabbi’s daughter to help keep me on track with the rest of the service. Like any other service I have been to, some of the prayers were sung. These prayers were so powerful it is hard to describe the feeling I got sitting there listening.
My experiences here in Israel have been amazing and unreal. The sense of community is great. I can’t wait to come back!
~Naomi
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The Desert
Hey Readers, Ben Werner reporting for blog entry duty. So I know I cannot compete with Matt for humor so I'll just be doing a factual report. We woke up this morning at around 6:15, hurriedly packed our bags, ate some breakfast, and boarded our bus leaving Shalom Hotel behind us for the last time. Our first stop was at the Ein Gedi Nature Preserve, the area where soon to be King David spared King Saul's despite the fact that the latter was hunting David. In my opinion this was the most beautiful places in Israel I have seen on the trip so far, the stream bubbled over the rocks creating a wonderful accompaniment to the tall rock walls on either side of us. We came upon a small pool at the base of a waterfall where many of us jumped into the cool water for a very refreshing dip. After spending about a half hour around the pool enjoying the sun, water, and natural noises. We continued onward and when the path rose higher we saw outward through the valley to the Dead Sea. Back towards the entrance of the park we saw a herd Ibex which are, for the most part, unafraid of humans. Back on the bus, we continued to our next stop, a Bedouin village at which we rode camels and learned about their culture, customs, and wonderful cooking. Before we arrived, we were forced to stop the bus by a huge herd of Bedouin goats crossing the road. Anyway, after arriving at the village we jumped aboard camel trains and walked across the rocky sand desert. One of the camels made the greatest moans at the beginning as if it was complaining to have to walk around the camp. So after getting off the camels, which is really weird, the camel drops to its front knees first and then its back before settling down which is disconcerting. You lead forward at a great angle which is quite unexpected. We went into one of the tents where we listened to a Bedouin describe their lives. We were then served a very delicious and huge lunch, I am proud to say that I was part of the group of four to completely devour our entire platter. After rolling back onto the bus we continued onto our hotel where some of us got our first feel for the Dead Sea water in a pool while other napped. Later that night we all enjoyed our one last discussion about our wonderful week and a half in Israel. Tomorrow we are waking up to climb Massada at something like 4:15 AM and its about 10 here so... this is Ben Werner, Over and Out.
Ben Werner
Ben Werner
My Bat Mitzvah
On January 11, 2009 I, Erica Horowitz, became a woman. Let me clarify, I became a Jewish woman. I finally after 6 years of being jealous of all of my Jewish friends had my Bat Mitzvah.
It's probably good though, because back in 7th grade my main reason for wanting a Bat Mitzvah (ok, my only reason) was the party and presents I'd have in celebration. Now, after becoming the mature young woman that I am, I have a better meaning for my Bat Mitzvah. This trip has been an amazing learning opportunity for me, and with learning so much about Jewish culture, history, and traditions, I really wanted to be recognized as part of the Jewish community, party or not. I dont want to be just Erica Horowitz any more, I want to be Shira Bat Mordechai Avram as well.
The ceremony was a very momnetous occasion. Not only was it my coming as a Jewish woman but it was also Julian's debut as a Rabbi, and he played the part flawlessly, so much so that Rabbi Jason declared his retirement immediately after the ceremony.
It was also really nice because Julian opened the floor for everyone to share a story about their B'nai Mitzvah. Why it was unique, what crazy things went wrong, how the problems were fixed, and why it was such a memorable experience for each other.
We celebrated my Bat Mitzvah with a long talk by Avram Infeld the former International President of Hillel, and some akward dancing to a live band. But I would not have had it any other way, because while presents and a party (also filled with akward dancing, 7th grade was an interesting time) are nice, NOTHING commemarates your entrance in to the Jewish community like some nice klezmer music and being lifted up in a chair on mulitple occasions.
Erica Horowitz
It's probably good though, because back in 7th grade my main reason for wanting a Bat Mitzvah (ok, my only reason) was the party and presents I'd have in celebration. Now, after becoming the mature young woman that I am, I have a better meaning for my Bat Mitzvah. This trip has been an amazing learning opportunity for me, and with learning so much about Jewish culture, history, and traditions, I really wanted to be recognized as part of the Jewish community, party or not. I dont want to be just Erica Horowitz any more, I want to be Shira Bat Mordechai Avram as well.
The ceremony was a very momnetous occasion. Not only was it my coming as a Jewish woman but it was also Julian's debut as a Rabbi, and he played the part flawlessly, so much so that Rabbi Jason declared his retirement immediately after the ceremony.
It was also really nice because Julian opened the floor for everyone to share a story about their B'nai Mitzvah. Why it was unique, what crazy things went wrong, how the problems were fixed, and why it was such a memorable experience for each other.
We celebrated my Bat Mitzvah with a long talk by Avram Infeld the former International President of Hillel, and some akward dancing to a live band. But I would not have had it any other way, because while presents and a party (also filled with akward dancing, 7th grade was an interesting time) are nice, NOTHING commemarates your entrance in to the Jewish community like some nice klezmer music and being lifted up in a chair on mulitple occasions.
Erica Horowitz
Leaving Jerusalem
Shalom,
Our departure from Jerusalem marks another step in our tour of Israel and brings forth some fond memories. Last night, two of our soldiers, Sarit & Ariel came back to the hotel to see us only one day after saying goodbye to the group in Tel-Aviv. Experiencing Israel would not have been the same without the three lovely soldiers who accompanied us for only 5 days, so props to them.
Yesterday, we went to the military cemetery and Yad Vashem and if their was an over arching idea to the day it was that life is short. We saw graves of soldiers who died in battle and pictures of Jews digging their own graves in camps to savor the last few breathes that they had. My goal is not to make this journal to somber but to reflect on possibly the two most important sites on this trip. We must take advantage of the opportunities and time that we have because life comes and goes and if we slow down for a minute, we'll miss it.
Today, we're going hiking in Ein Gedi and tomorrow will be our last day to soak in the sun and the beautiful landscape. Last night, Ben pointed out all of the natural scenery such as the mountains, canyons, deserts, rocks and beaches. He made a good point in mentioning that while we do have these things in the US they are not concentrated in one small area like they are here. It is awesome to think that our ancestors inhibited this land a couple of thousand years ago. Today it is a place where Jews can live, visit, and connect with one another. Last night, I stayed up until 3am chatting with a girl named Michaela about our South African experiences, swapping stories from trips and learning about one another. Just sitting in the hallway. I realized then that this is what Israel is all about. Earlier in the trip we were asked what kind of relationship each of us had with Israel. Today I know the answer. My answer at least when David Ben Gurion declared the Jewish State in Independence Hall in 1948, he did it so that Jews like Michaela and I could sit in the halls of the Shalom Hotel in Israel. I suppose Judaism in general is about connecting and making new friends and forming new relationships.
With only two days left, and after 8 days filled with excitement, energy, and a little Israeli adventure, I am not ready to leave. Before I came on this trip, I did not understand what attracted people to Israel, after all, it is in the Middle East. But after learning from Jason, an extremely spiritual artist, I am beginning to understand the attraction. When I am sitting in class back at Cornell, I may not recall all of the facts of the land, but I will remember the people and places and maybe one day in the future I'll come back and do it all again.
Todah Raba,
Mike Reiss
Our departure from Jerusalem marks another step in our tour of Israel and brings forth some fond memories. Last night, two of our soldiers, Sarit & Ariel came back to the hotel to see us only one day after saying goodbye to the group in Tel-Aviv. Experiencing Israel would not have been the same without the three lovely soldiers who accompanied us for only 5 days, so props to them.
Yesterday, we went to the military cemetery and Yad Vashem and if their was an over arching idea to the day it was that life is short. We saw graves of soldiers who died in battle and pictures of Jews digging their own graves in camps to savor the last few breathes that they had. My goal is not to make this journal to somber but to reflect on possibly the two most important sites on this trip. We must take advantage of the opportunities and time that we have because life comes and goes and if we slow down for a minute, we'll miss it.
Today, we're going hiking in Ein Gedi and tomorrow will be our last day to soak in the sun and the beautiful landscape. Last night, Ben pointed out all of the natural scenery such as the mountains, canyons, deserts, rocks and beaches. He made a good point in mentioning that while we do have these things in the US they are not concentrated in one small area like they are here. It is awesome to think that our ancestors inhibited this land a couple of thousand years ago. Today it is a place where Jews can live, visit, and connect with one another. Last night, I stayed up until 3am chatting with a girl named Michaela about our South African experiences, swapping stories from trips and learning about one another. Just sitting in the hallway. I realized then that this is what Israel is all about. Earlier in the trip we were asked what kind of relationship each of us had with Israel. Today I know the answer. My answer at least when David Ben Gurion declared the Jewish State in Independence Hall in 1948, he did it so that Jews like Michaela and I could sit in the halls of the Shalom Hotel in Israel. I suppose Judaism in general is about connecting and making new friends and forming new relationships.
With only two days left, and after 8 days filled with excitement, energy, and a little Israeli adventure, I am not ready to leave. Before I came on this trip, I did not understand what attracted people to Israel, after all, it is in the Middle East. But after learning from Jason, an extremely spiritual artist, I am beginning to understand the attraction. When I am sitting in class back at Cornell, I may not recall all of the facts of the land, but I will remember the people and places and maybe one day in the future I'll come back and do it all again.
Todah Raba,
Mike Reiss
Hey Everyone
When people ask me how Israel is compared to my expectations, I honestly do not know what to say. To be honest, I do not think that I had any expectations for it, though people from home told me that I would love it and it was a life-changing experience for them. I was just looking forward to a fun trip.
I wanted my trip to be memorable- something that I could connect with. However, I found it frustrating and even embarrassing that I could not remember every date that a guide had said or forget an important name, or event as soon as it was said. I was afraid (and secretly still am) that I would forget the essence of my trip, despite the 600 something pictures that I have taken or the pages of notes that I have painstakingly taken so as not to forget a thing. I am afraid that I am missing something important that their should be some sort of revelation or connection that makes this journey my own. I feel virtually out of place, with knowing virtually no hebrew and on the verge of panic in the throng of people shouting prices and odd words on Ben Yehuda street, with no familiar face to be seen. You could say I feel like a tourist (insert laughter here).
Yet even with my fear of not gaining anything from this trip, I know that their will be things I always will remember. Like the times I went to Mcdonald's in desperate search of a bathroom, and of course the woman's room was out of order. After a couple of minutes of spinning around trying to find other options I finally decided to run in to the men's room hoping that no one would see me. Let's just say that the guy waiting to use the bathroom looked very confused when I left, undoubtedly wondering if he accidentally went in to the womens room. Or even something as small as tasting Barekas or a real Israeli pomegranate and being pushed to buy necklaces in Tel-Aviv. Don't forget the clothes billowing in the wind to dry on every corner. So maybe I'm not going to move to Israel on some sort of Jewish ideal and I do not feel closer to my Jewish heritage (sorry Birthright) but I have had some fun times on this trip and I am looking forward to more good times in my remaining two days.
Yuliya Shteynburg
I wanted my trip to be memorable- something that I could connect with. However, I found it frustrating and even embarrassing that I could not remember every date that a guide had said or forget an important name, or event as soon as it was said. I was afraid (and secretly still am) that I would forget the essence of my trip, despite the 600 something pictures that I have taken or the pages of notes that I have painstakingly taken so as not to forget a thing. I am afraid that I am missing something important that their should be some sort of revelation or connection that makes this journey my own. I feel virtually out of place, with knowing virtually no hebrew and on the verge of panic in the throng of people shouting prices and odd words on Ben Yehuda street, with no familiar face to be seen. You could say I feel like a tourist (insert laughter here).
Yet even with my fear of not gaining anything from this trip, I know that their will be things I always will remember. Like the times I went to Mcdonald's in desperate search of a bathroom, and of course the woman's room was out of order. After a couple of minutes of spinning around trying to find other options I finally decided to run in to the men's room hoping that no one would see me. Let's just say that the guy waiting to use the bathroom looked very confused when I left, undoubtedly wondering if he accidentally went in to the womens room. Or even something as small as tasting Barekas or a real Israeli pomegranate and being pushed to buy necklaces in Tel-Aviv. Don't forget the clothes billowing in the wind to dry on every corner. So maybe I'm not going to move to Israel on some sort of Jewish ideal and I do not feel closer to my Jewish heritage (sorry Birthright) but I have had some fun times on this trip and I am looking forward to more good times in my remaining two days.
Yuliya Shteynburg
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