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
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Videos
Hey Everyone,
We just finished a relaxing Shabbat here in Jerusalem!!! I figured out how to post some videos on youtube so here are the links to them! You can view them directly in the blog by looking at the video channel at the right or if you have difficulty the links are below to copy and paste. Enjoy, and I will be posting some more videos and blogs soon!!
Shalom,
Andrew
Boarding the plane:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWNZ39wDYa
Playing with kids at Neve Michael:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1roj5neVWw
We just finished a relaxing Shabbat here in Jerusalem!!! I figured out how to post some videos on youtube so here are the links to them! You can view them directly in the blog by looking at the video channel at the right or if you have difficulty the links are below to copy and paste. Enjoy, and I will be posting some more videos and blogs soon!!
Shalom,
Andrew
Boarding the plane:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWNZ39wDYa
Playing with kids at Neve Michael:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1roj5neVWw
Shabbat Shalom
Shabbat in Jerusalem,
We spent our Shabbat in Jerusalem in the Shalom hotel. People went to Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform services, or discussed what denomination they would be if they did not know. It was exciting to have Shabbas in Jerusalem. Rather then speak of how we would like to return to Jerusalem and stand and face Jerusalem, we were actually in Jerusalem, so we face the old city.
After services we had an oneg with some good Israeli sweets. We then met a senior from Cornell, who spent his break workin for a non-profit that tries to help Israel;s image in the press. He had been living in Sderot, a city currently being hit by rockets. This interesting perspective turned in to a four hour discussion on the current war. As those of us who were interested discussed the war with the Cornell Student, our 3 Israeli soldiers, and 2 other Israeli's who were present. We then went to bed so we could spend the rest of Shabbat at services, or just chilling.
Shabbat Shalom,
Ben Ranard
We spent our Shabbat in Jerusalem in the Shalom hotel. People went to Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform services, or discussed what denomination they would be if they did not know. It was exciting to have Shabbas in Jerusalem. Rather then speak of how we would like to return to Jerusalem and stand and face Jerusalem, we were actually in Jerusalem, so we face the old city.
After services we had an oneg with some good Israeli sweets. We then met a senior from Cornell, who spent his break workin for a non-profit that tries to help Israel;s image in the press. He had been living in Sderot, a city currently being hit by rockets. This interesting perspective turned in to a four hour discussion on the current war. As those of us who were interested discussed the war with the Cornell Student, our 3 Israeli soldiers, and 2 other Israeli's who were present. We then went to bed so we could spend the rest of Shabbat at services, or just chilling.
Shabbat Shalom,
Ben Ranard
Leaving Tiberias 1/7
Today was our last breakfast at the Moriah Gardens, and it was unappetizing as ever. I did however eat a real fig for the first time and it was unfortunetly the most delicious breakfast choice out of the four tables of food.
Then we boarded the bus to travel to the holy city of Jerusalem. I had the privilege of again sitting next to my bus buddy Dan, our very own Jolly Green Giant (minus the green). On our travels the guys discovered a billboard of Carmen Electra and somehow managed to relate it to helping disabled children ride horses. Then Rabbi Leib decided to re-craft the artist story from yesterday about taking 1's and subtracting zero's and adding 1 to get 8 all in his screechy pubescent voice, and Rushona related all four of the holy cities to the four elements from Captain Planet.
After a long ride filled with talks about every TV show in the universe, wearrived at a monestary where we pow-wowed on cold limestone rocks to have a Torah chat. Next we traveled through the Drew Village. In case you were wondering the Drews have a secret religion that their own people don't even know. Next we traveled to Neve Michael a safe home for over 200 children, and had recess with them. They're definetly 100 times better then us at every sport. One child took someone's camera and started taking pictures and posing people together for prom like pictures, the employee told us that that child rarely participates so he wishes that we would come help everyday. We watched a movie about two graduates from the program. We then ate and watched the children do Krav Maga, or play the drums. They were definetly excited to have suce a large audience.
We left the home and arrived at the beautiful city of Jerusalem. We met up with a bunch of other Birthright groups and had Challah & Wine before entering the city. We also participated in the fastest Horah of my life. We said the "Shechiyanu" on Mount Scopus overlooking the city to celebrate our first time in Jerusalem. Then we arrived at our hotel and travelled to Ben Yehuda Street for dinner. I ate at "Holy Bagels" and they were delicious (coming from a New Yorker's point of view) We had a great day all around, and we are excited for the next few days in one of the holiest cities in the world.
Shalom Everyone,
Ilana Shapiro
Then we boarded the bus to travel to the holy city of Jerusalem. I had the privilege of again sitting next to my bus buddy Dan, our very own Jolly Green Giant (minus the green). On our travels the guys discovered a billboard of Carmen Electra and somehow managed to relate it to helping disabled children ride horses. Then Rabbi Leib decided to re-craft the artist story from yesterday about taking 1's and subtracting zero's and adding 1 to get 8 all in his screechy pubescent voice, and Rushona related all four of the holy cities to the four elements from Captain Planet.
After a long ride filled with talks about every TV show in the universe, wearrived at a monestary where we pow-wowed on cold limestone rocks to have a Torah chat. Next we traveled through the Drew Village. In case you were wondering the Drews have a secret religion that their own people don't even know. Next we traveled to Neve Michael a safe home for over 200 children, and had recess with them. They're definetly 100 times better then us at every sport. One child took someone's camera and started taking pictures and posing people together for prom like pictures, the employee told us that that child rarely participates so he wishes that we would come help everyday. We watched a movie about two graduates from the program. We then ate and watched the children do Krav Maga, or play the drums. They were definetly excited to have suce a large audience.
We left the home and arrived at the beautiful city of Jerusalem. We met up with a bunch of other Birthright groups and had Challah & Wine before entering the city. We also participated in the fastest Horah of my life. We said the "Shechiyanu" on Mount Scopus overlooking the city to celebrate our first time in Jerusalem. Then we arrived at our hotel and travelled to Ben Yehuda Street for dinner. I ate at "Holy Bagels" and they were delicious (coming from a New Yorker's point of view) We had a great day all around, and we are excited for the next few days in one of the holiest cities in the world.
Shalom Everyone,
Ilana Shapiro
Etrog's thoughts continued
Greetings from Jerusalem!!!! This place is awesome! Yesterday was very busy even though we were on the bus for several hours. We volunteered at an underprivileged children's home, where we learned about their school and played with them. Those kids never stopped running around!! They were really impressive, even though they were 8 years old they could beat us all in basketball and soccer. The only one who stood a chance was Dan, you know, The guy who is 6'8. I was able to hear phrases like "gimme" "gimme" and "move, I want to ride the giant!" We watched them have their karate and bongo classes which was pretty hardcore. One of the kids was not paying attention during karate class and the instructor slapped him a couple of times.
Afterwards, we booked it to Jerusalem. We broke off into groups and had dinner on the town. My group went to a sushi place with Ariel, The Israeli soldier who speaks the least amount of English. This is the same soldier who I spent 10 minutes trying to explain what a chia pet is. If you think explaining this in English is hard enough try to do it in a foreign language, especially one you barely know. They did not have an English menu so we just ordered adventurously, and it did not turn out to bad, although it had a bit more citrus than i am used to.
Next, we wondered around the city where we found a cigar shop. Israeli's have no beef with Cuba (or beef at all inside Israel as I have only seen a hamburget) so we were sample some. It is getting harder to speak in a mixture of Hebrew and English (Jason is getting upset with me). The people who can not speak Hebrew in my group (read: Everyone but Stephanie) were able to practice their French with some of the kids at the home. Kerry, Warner, Shapiro, and I were having a blast.
The breakfasts here are killing me. Feta cheese, coleslaw, & tuna fish do not make a good breakfast. Also I have not seen any ketchup since coming here. I have a serious case of the shakes, because Jerusalem is the only place here that has an actual winter. PS: The Cell Phones are useless.
Matt "Etrog" Schiller
Afterwards, we booked it to Jerusalem. We broke off into groups and had dinner on the town. My group went to a sushi place with Ariel, The Israeli soldier who speaks the least amount of English. This is the same soldier who I spent 10 minutes trying to explain what a chia pet is. If you think explaining this in English is hard enough try to do it in a foreign language, especially one you barely know. They did not have an English menu so we just ordered adventurously, and it did not turn out to bad, although it had a bit more citrus than i am used to.
Next, we wondered around the city where we found a cigar shop. Israeli's have no beef with Cuba (or beef at all inside Israel as I have only seen a hamburget) so we were sample some. It is getting harder to speak in a mixture of Hebrew and English (Jason is getting upset with me). The people who can not speak Hebrew in my group (read: Everyone but Stephanie) were able to practice their French with some of the kids at the home. Kerry, Warner, Shapiro, and I were having a blast.
The breakfasts here are killing me. Feta cheese, coleslaw, & tuna fish do not make a good breakfast. Also I have not seen any ketchup since coming here. I have a serious case of the shakes, because Jerusalem is the only place here that has an actual winter. PS: The Cell Phones are useless.
Matt "Etrog" Schiller
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Safed
1/7/09
7AM- Wake up to roomates getting ready for yet another long day.
7:30- Breakfast consisting of: Chocolate croissant, noodles, salad, OJ, and coffee.
8AM- Countoff=Ready to Roll. We proceed down one of the windiest roads ever.
Safed: Mystical, barren land. Few people in a descent size town. First time we were able to shop around and visit some older Synagogues. My favorite part was visting the Kabbalah artist David Friedman. It was my first time seeing art that could incorporate Science and Religion. Being an Engineer I believe a great deal in Science and liked how David found a way to combine it with relgion, he quoted Einstein "Science without religion is lame, and religion without science is blind."
For Lunch I had Shwarma, which is an authentic Israeli snack and it was pretty good. It has some odd looking vegetables and was turned off by the fact that the employees hands looked dirty and had cuts on his fingernails with no gloves.
We picked up our three soldiers who will be hanging out with us for the next couple of days. Life as an Israeli young adult is much different. After we visited a cave and got to see where Israel meets the Meditarranean in the North. Their were some amazing views and history at the location.
Jeremy Moskowitz
7AM- Wake up to roomates getting ready for yet another long day.
7:30- Breakfast consisting of: Chocolate croissant, noodles, salad, OJ, and coffee.
8AM- Countoff=Ready to Roll. We proceed down one of the windiest roads ever.
Safed: Mystical, barren land. Few people in a descent size town. First time we were able to shop around and visit some older Synagogues. My favorite part was visting the Kabbalah artist David Friedman. It was my first time seeing art that could incorporate Science and Religion. Being an Engineer I believe a great deal in Science and liked how David found a way to combine it with relgion, he quoted Einstein "Science without religion is lame, and religion without science is blind."
For Lunch I had Shwarma, which is an authentic Israeli snack and it was pretty good. It has some odd looking vegetables and was turned off by the fact that the employees hands looked dirty and had cuts on his fingernails with no gloves.
We picked up our three soldiers who will be hanging out with us for the next couple of days. Life as an Israeli young adult is much different. After we visited a cave and got to see where Israel meets the Meditarranean in the North. Their were some amazing views and history at the location.
Jeremy Moskowitz
Safed
This morning our bus left for Safed, one of Israel's four holy cities. After a short tour of the old city, home to a vibrant community of artists, we visited the gallery of David Friedman- a disciple of Jewish Mysticism- to learn about the teachings of Kabbalah. His unique style, fusing influences from Asia, the 1960's, and motifs from the Torah, becomes even more meaningful and attractive when one begins to understand the symbolismn Friedman employs in his work. In addition to Friedman's store we were able to explore the bustling art scene of Safed, which utilizes a wide variety of colors, mediums, and techniques to produce beautiful artwork and Judaica. Another aspect of the artists' colony that we saw was the famous candle shop, relocted in the basement of the old shop that was unfortunetly destroyed about two months ago in a fire. The store has begun restoring their collection, and we viewed a demonstration on how these candles and wax sculptures painstakingly are molded for display.
Before concluding our visit to Safed, we visited two of its famous Synagogues, which still host congregants today. Roshina, our tour guide, was extremely helpful in explaining the meaning behind the artwork and architecture of the Synagogues, as well as their storied histories. At the end of our tour, we stopped by the bus station to pick up three soldiers that will be joining us on our Birthright journey. Already, they have seemlessly integrated themselves into our group.
After leaving Safed, we traveled to Rosh Hanikra, descending by cable car to walk through the caverns carved by Seawater eroding rock. This site, home of Israel's legendary "Maid of the Mist", who watches over brides in the area, also features the remnants of British train tunnels that formed part of a key supply and escape route during WW2. Returning back to ground level in the cable car we witnessed a gorgeous orange sunset painted on the horizon of a clear blue Mediterranean Sea. This provided a fitting last piece of artwork with which to finish the day.
Rachel Elkin
Before concluding our visit to Safed, we visited two of its famous Synagogues, which still host congregants today. Roshina, our tour guide, was extremely helpful in explaining the meaning behind the artwork and architecture of the Synagogues, as well as their storied histories. At the end of our tour, we stopped by the bus station to pick up three soldiers that will be joining us on our Birthright journey. Already, they have seemlessly integrated themselves into our group.
After leaving Safed, we traveled to Rosh Hanikra, descending by cable car to walk through the caverns carved by Seawater eroding rock. This site, home of Israel's legendary "Maid of the Mist", who watches over brides in the area, also features the remnants of British train tunnels that formed part of a key supply and escape route during WW2. Returning back to ground level in the cable car we witnessed a gorgeous orange sunset painted on the horizon of a clear blue Mediterranean Sea. This provided a fitting last piece of artwork with which to finish the day.
Rachel Elkin
1/6
It is about 6:45am here, so it must be around midnight back home. None of us is getting much sleep from the whole internal clock hating us thing, and the food here is so strange.! Dishes are unidentifiable, except for the fish, you can sure tell those are fish. The weather and locale our very reminicent of my summers in Montoule, Long Island. Sand Dujnes and the salty smell of beaches.... ah back to the fun stuff.
Last night was awesome!! The hotel has a bar with a pair of agreeable bartenders. Limping my way through Hebrew I was able to have a lot of fun with the group. Not thirty minutes their and another group of fellow tribesman (Yes, that means Jews) showed up. They were from the University of Arizona, Buffalo, GW, and Vermont. We tagged along with them as they have been here several days longer then us. Turns out they know how to party, and in true Venga Boys style they did enjoy themselves. (This joke was just explained to me as being to obscure. The Venga Boys sang the song "We like to Party" in the late 90's.)
We eventually retired to what we think is the Hotel's Honeymoon suite. Their are mirrors on the ceiling and bordorline opaque glass walls inclosing our bathroom. Adam S., Warner and I are definetly getting to know each other.
We are at breakfast now, and this stuff is ridiculous. Mark says the fruit loops suck, and I trust his opinion because he has a finnish version of the Duck Tales theme song. We are going hiking today as well as bar hoping later. If I have any energy left I'll try to keep all of you "Amercai, as we are known in Israel" updated.
One quick thing. The elevators here are ridiculous. They have funny shapes and sizes and the buttons make no sense. Some arrows point up, others down, and even more horizontally. It is like the Willy Wonka of hotels. Time to go Hiking.
Matt "Etrog" Schiller
Last night was awesome!! The hotel has a bar with a pair of agreeable bartenders. Limping my way through Hebrew I was able to have a lot of fun with the group. Not thirty minutes their and another group of fellow tribesman (Yes, that means Jews) showed up. They were from the University of Arizona, Buffalo, GW, and Vermont. We tagged along with them as they have been here several days longer then us. Turns out they know how to party, and in true Venga Boys style they did enjoy themselves. (This joke was just explained to me as being to obscure. The Venga Boys sang the song "We like to Party" in the late 90's.)
We eventually retired to what we think is the Hotel's Honeymoon suite. Their are mirrors on the ceiling and bordorline opaque glass walls inclosing our bathroom. Adam S., Warner and I are definetly getting to know each other.
We are at breakfast now, and this stuff is ridiculous. Mark says the fruit loops suck, and I trust his opinion because he has a finnish version of the Duck Tales theme song. We are going hiking today as well as bar hoping later. If I have any energy left I'll try to keep all of you "Amercai, as we are known in Israel" updated.
One quick thing. The elevators here are ridiculous. They have funny shapes and sizes and the buttons make no sense. Some arrows point up, others down, and even more horizontally. It is like the Willy Wonka of hotels. Time to go Hiking.
Matt "Etrog" Schiller
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Day 1 - Andrew Says
Andrew says at this rate we’ll run out of food within the week. Some of the larger Birthrighters have been eyeing me for my delicious flesh and I’m not sure I can fight them all off (the Israeli sun has made them stronger, faster, and more vicious than they were before. Not really. Actually, everyone’s pretty tired). The trip was crazy long owing to the fact that we had to wait two hours to get on the plane. It was explained to me that Israelis have their own sense of time, constantly rushing to be late. AWESOME! El-Al was like every other airline. The sleeping was hard and I found myself envying those who can sleep in a cirque-de-soleil contortionist’s box. Lots of Hebrew was flying around the cabin as if to prepare us for our arrival. Stepping off of the plane, adjusting to the brightness, looking for the shirutim (bathrooms) -- the Israeli culture was everywhere: falafel stands, Hebrew signs, and gorgeous Israeli women.
We affirmed to authorities that we weren’t terrorists and we left the plane. We grabbed our outrageously outdated phones and boarded the bus. We had only started to
learn each others’ names and sit in seats that would no doubt be our assigned throne for trip (due in no small part to my incessant calling of ‘same seats’ BOO YAH!) Oh, I nearly forgot to mention the shekels. What a silly currency! Like our northern neighbors, the Canadians, they opted for coins that actually get used. I feel so biblical with this money in pocket.
Our tour guide told us some stuff about Israel, but more importantly the Israeli soldier with us has got this smoldering “I can kill you” aura. This is probably helped by the gun she has slung over her back. The bus took us out to the Mediterranean Ocean where we just barely escaped Jason’s run to the water. We learned all about Israeli geography, but more importantly we learned Israeli beaches have sick sunsets and guys trying to sell us pens with maps inside.
After a long bus ride back where many people napped we made our way to our hotel in Tiberius. The food is good but a little strange and the hotel rooms… are varied. The quality and number of beds is still being fixed and the temperature of the water is pendulumatic: hot to cold, cold to hot, etc.
I’m writing this as we’re all going to bed. Andrew tells me I may have written too much, so until tomorrow, much love and high fives from the Middle East.
- Matt ‘Etrog’ Schiller
We affirmed to authorities that we weren’t terrorists and we left the plane. We grabbed our outrageously outdated phones and boarded the bus. We had only started to
learn each others’ names and sit in seats that would no doubt be our assigned throne for trip (due in no small part to my incessant calling of ‘same seats’ BOO YAH!) Oh, I nearly forgot to mention the shekels. What a silly currency! Like our northern neighbors, the Canadians, they opted for coins that actually get used. I feel so biblical with this money in pocket.
Our tour guide told us some stuff about Israel, but more importantly the Israeli soldier with us has got this smoldering “I can kill you” aura. This is probably helped by the gun she has slung over her back. The bus took us out to the Mediterranean Ocean where we just barely escaped Jason’s run to the water. We learned all about Israeli geography, but more importantly we learned Israeli beaches have sick sunsets and guys trying to sell us pens with maps inside.
After a long bus ride back where many people napped we made our way to our hotel in Tiberius. The food is good but a little strange and the hotel rooms… are varied. The quality and number of beds is still being fixed and the temperature of the water is pendulumatic: hot to cold, cold to hot, etc.
I’m writing this as we’re all going to bed. Andrew tells me I may have written too much, so until tomorrow, much love and high fives from the Middle East.
- Matt ‘Etrog’ Schiller
Day 1 - Our Trip Started Out
Our trip started out a little rough: our flight was delayed taking off and I, along with many others, was stuck in the center seat. Actually, I sat between an Israeli couple. I asked them if they wanted to sit next to one another, but they said no, which I found pretty weird. I did not get that much sleep on the plane and neither did most others but hopefully we will make it up tonight.
Fortunately we got here with minimal problems and nobody lost their luggage. When we got on the bus we traveled along route six which partially runs along the border with the West Bank. It was interesting to see the differences between the Israeli settlements and the Palestinian villages. I was surprised to see that Many of them were so close to each other. We also got to see part of the security wall which on one hand keeps Israelis safe but on the other is a hardship for many Palestinians on a daily basis.
We stopped in Caesarea to dip our feet in the Mediterranean. We made it just in time to see the beautiful sunset and I got a really great picture of the aqueduct. The rest of the way to the hotel was pretty quiet and Rabbi Leib pointed out many of the Israeli-Palestinian villages that we were passing were very dark because Israel does not supply them with a lot of electricity. I had learned about things like this in some of my classes but it was a whole different thing to see them in person and it was a bit depressing. After that we pretty much just had dinner and a short meeting, overall it was pretty calm day and the weather was beautiful. And I think right now everyone would just like to get to sleep.
- Alicia Wiprovnick
Fortunately we got here with minimal problems and nobody lost their luggage. When we got on the bus we traveled along route six which partially runs along the border with the West Bank. It was interesting to see the differences between the Israeli settlements and the Palestinian villages. I was surprised to see that Many of them were so close to each other. We also got to see part of the security wall which on one hand keeps Israelis safe but on the other is a hardship for many Palestinians on a daily basis.
We stopped in Caesarea to dip our feet in the Mediterranean. We made it just in time to see the beautiful sunset and I got a really great picture of the aqueduct. The rest of the way to the hotel was pretty quiet and Rabbi Leib pointed out many of the Israeli-Palestinian villages that we were passing were very dark because Israel does not supply them with a lot of electricity. I had learned about things like this in some of my classes but it was a whole different thing to see them in person and it was a bit depressing. After that we pretty much just had dinner and a short meeting, overall it was pretty calm day and the weather was beautiful. And I think right now everyone would just like to get to sleep.
- Alicia Wiprovnick
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