Hillel at Virginia Tech

Taglit Birthright Israel December 14, 2011 Trip

2010-12-22T13:35:00.004-05:00

Hi Birthrighters,

It's so exciting to be sharing this amazing experience with you.

Friday March 12

2010-03-14T00:15:00.004-05:00

Early in the morning we headed down to Wainright Park. Even though we had had a long night the night before we all got up early to make it to the park on time. We where explained that the project would eventually lead to creating a nature trail for all to enjoy seeing as a lot of native and special plants of Florida reside there including a couple of extinct wild orchids. One problem they faced was that there were several homeless people living in this fenced in forest who with them brought a lot of garbage. Our task was to pick up the garbage so that the men in charge of the park could continue on to eventually accomplish their project goals. Earlier in the day a bus came to the park offering to take the homeless people to a shelter but most of them refused to leave. The director Juan said that once the homeless people start seeing that there is more activity in the park and that they are trying to maintain the park they will leave. It was quite amazing to see the variety in the garbage we found anything from staplers to bicycles and fishing rods. There was a lot of garbage and I believe our group all together did a great job at the park and got a lot more garbage picked up than what the four men could do alone. Juan and the other guys were really appreciative of our work and were very happy to see all we did.
-Angela Serna

Thursday March 11

2010-03-13T16:40:00.002-05:00

Miami never fails us and still manages to be beautiful, even in the rain. Today our lovely ladies visited the Salvation Army to help prepare meals for their soup kitchen. Our help wasn’t needed initially so we had a discussion that I think spoke to a lot of people. We discussed aspects of volunteering, focusing on where volunteering actually makes its impacts and how we can build a community that feels the responsibility to give back.

In volunteering at yesterday’s organic farm we planted only one row of eggplants and peas. Initially I didn’t feel as if I had made a difference but in group discussion we saw all the many impacts that our simple planting will have. The majority of our impact will come from the awareness that we will bring back with us to Blacksburg. We learned that if the US were to close all of its borders then we would be only 9 days away from no food. We discussed the importance of buying local, which also includes buying within the US, which will keep money circulating in our country, help the farmers businesses, and enable the US to be self-sufficient. By later telling friends, we help that farmer as well as American farms in general to succeed. Our single row of plants saved the farmer and his helper one days worth of work, an immediate benefit, but our newfound awareness makes a continuous impact. Another important point was that we established that volunteering is very important to us but much frustration was felt in the task of trying to convince others to join in our efforts. Lauren Fialkow pointed out that lecturing does not work; to move people to volunteer it is first necessary is to give them an experience which in turn makes them passionate to learn and then to act. Amanda Werner made a point that volunteering in her sorority is not only required but also accessible and fun because all of her friends are also doing it. Sororities are known for their focus on philanthropy work and from this I gathered that volunteering can be cultural. We should strive to create a community where volunteering is a fun and easy everyday act and social expectation. This way the feeling of responsibility to give back will naturally be incorporated. By having the discussion first, I think that there was more awareness and appreciation for our actions as we did that days tzedakah.

At the Salvation Army’s soup kitchen, we met girls from the University of Georgia who were also on an alternative spring break and helping out at the shelter. Impressively, their group of fourteen was completely student organized and run. Very sadly, the group of people that we served food to were all HIV positive. We prepared a meal of sandwiches, French fries, salad and popsicles for them. The average life time cost of medicine for the average HIV patient is 500,000$. This Salvation Army provides a one year drug-free stay at the shelter with the price of medicine paid for. Afterwards we socialized with the salvation army residents. I am always surprised with how honest the less fortunate are. I think that because they are less burdened with daily worries they can often see the essential points of life more clearly. One man told me that, “the battle is not with the physical, it’s in your mind and how you perceive the world to be.” This relates back to our frustration with the task of trying to heal a troubled world, a task that seems overwhelming at times. His point could be interpreted that though we can’t fix everything, our perception and belief that success can come from even small acts will help us win the battle.

Angela and one of her friends who lives in Miami are part of Salsa Tech, the competitive salsa team at school. At night we joined them at a salsa club where we talked with their University of Miami friends, learned some salsa moves and watched Angela and her partner’s talented dancing.
Erin Wolpert

Thank you students for all you teach me

2010-03-11T17:31:00.003-05:00

Never thought so much about how staffing alternative breaks impact me. So often it is 20 people and one staff and so a big part of the break is spent with logistics, planning and jumping from one urgent need to another. This break with 10 female students, 3 of the students part of the leadership team and another staff person, my husband Jeff, who is good with logistics allows the freedom to reflect and delve into the meaning of social justice, Judaism, and my responsibility to myself and as an educator.

When I was young, I wanted to change the world. I tried, but the world did
not change. Then I tried to change my town, but the town did not change.
Then I tried to change my family, but my family did not change.
Then I knew: first I must change myself.
R. Israel Salanter from "To Heal a Fractured World"

How can I develop initiatives, conversations and opportunities for others if I am not passionate and impacted myself? I don’t believe one can. That is why I am listening deeply to informal conversations and feeling within my heart a core belief that there is hope for this world, our country, our state, our university, our Hillel, and our family to change the world for the better.

Working at the Women’s Shelter, a safe place, where we could send off positive feelings of hope. We shared stories, smiled, brought happiness to the women. We made a job that would take 2 days get done in a few hours. When we were done, the ladies smiled. We felt great. “Come back any time,” they said. We were able to give them a new agenda for the day, to bring them something. We showed them people cared; we cared and we wanted them to have freedom and dignity to go out in the world and take control.

I thought of Cupcake Brown and her autobiography that so affected me when I read it. It thought of others who had insufferable situations, but kept their optimism. Anne Frank did not survive her fate, but her optimism continues to ebb into our culture and create a way of thinking that no one else could have evoked. Can I contribute to that strong of an impact and change within our world?

If not me, would someone that had an opportunity to grow, reflect, develop as an individual because of my influence be the catalyst to positive change. I am already seeing it………….. It’s strange, but I am doing community service to help others; to give them a better life and make a difference, but I am reaping so much. I say to every one of the people who allow us to come into their places and work. Thank you so much. They seemed surprised that I am thanking them. They say thank you for all your work and for taking time to come here, but it is me who must thank them.
It is me who must thank the students.

Wednesday, March 10,

2010-03-11T17:03:00.000-05:00

Today we went and worked on an organic farm with Dan. The drive there was little long, it took us a little over two hours to get the farm. But once we got there it was gorgeous. It was in a very different location than where the Lotus House was yesterday. We were in Homestead and it was much more open, with vegetation all around us. While at the farm we planted basil, snow peas, and eggplant. Dan only works with a few people on the farm and the farm is pretty big. The worker that we worked with only spoke Spanish, so we had to get Angela to come a talk to him. What was interesting about this service work was that farming and planting is not something that you see immediate results with; you have to wait to see the full benefits. Dan was very knowledgeable and spoke with us about the importance and difficulties with organic farming. Organic farming is an important part of our world today and it was great to see how it is actually done and understand the significance first hand. After the farm we went to lunch in a park at an all-organic place (of course!). It was quite tasty. We met a couple ladies from an agriculture advocacy group. We discussed with them different ways to promote organic farms/farming. After that we made a pit stop on the way to South Beach for some milkshakes, which were also delicious. We arrived in South Beach, walked around the beach, had some dinner, saw the sights, and then called it a night after a very long day. Today was a very long, but educational day. One thing that I will take from today is that community service does not always come with immediate results and though you may feel that you are not doing any good, the fact that you are doing something to “repair the world” (t’koon olam) and that it is definitely worth while.
Rachel Lamanna

Tuesday - March 9,

2010-03-11T15:57:00.006-05:00

After waking up much earlier than anyone should have to on spring break, we headed first to the Jewish Museum of Florida. We learned a lot about the history of Jews in Florida and how they had such a great impact on shaping Florida’s history and making Miami one of the most populated Jewish areas in the world. After touring the museum we met with a local Jewish woman who, along with her husband, founded a Kosher food bank that has grown to feed hundreds of families in the area. Her speech about how just one person can make such a huge difference was really inspiring and made us all really excited to start our community service. For the rest of the afternoon we volunteered with Lotus, a woman’s shelter. The shelter places an emphasis on teaching the women to be independent once they leave the shelter by helping them with their resumes, helping them to find job interviews, and teaching them basic skills such as cooking. Just seeing how much of an impact the shelter had on these women, many of them with young children, and hearing about the 2 month waiting list just to be able to live there, really made us appreciate our own homes as well as all the opportunities that we have that these woman may never get to experience. After dinner we went to the Jewish Federation of Greater Miami where we met Hillel groups from other universities that are in Miami doing community service over spring break. A panel of exceptional leaders talked to us about the importance of community service and how what we are doing has such an impact. One woman just got back from volunteering in Haiti two weeks ago and her stories of hope in such a devastated country were really touching. Today was just the beginning of our weeklong act of community service and already we can see the impact we are going to have on people’s lives.
Liana Farb
Amy Prager

Monday - March 8, 2010

2010-03-09T00:07:00.002-05:00

WE’RE IN MIAMI! But…it took us ALL day to get here! After a short wait in the tiniest airport on Earth, we boarded the Allegiant plane to Orlando for a rocky flight that lasted just over an hour. We claimed our bags and got our rental vans/car. Inexperienced Florida drivers braved the unfamiliar highways (and countless tolls), all the while being harassed by hungry girls, craving nothing but Wendy’s. Four hours and a million wrong turns later (and after hitting a couple posts in the middle of the road- thank goodness they were rubber), we finally reached our destination and checked into our hotel. Pleasantly surprised by the balconies, personal kitchens, and beds for each girl, we explored the hotel and enjoyed the 70 degree weather before making lunch and going to bed! We’re excited to begin our work tomorrow and experience the culture of Miami! We hope to gain a better appreciation for our own environment, in addition to opening our perspectives to other lifestyles and needs.
Amanda Werner
Rachael Kester

Hillel at Virginia Tech’s Women’s Alternative Spring Break to Miami

2010-03-02T15:29:00.008-05:00

This Spring Break beginning March 8 through March 15, ten women will be traveling to Miami to participate in an Alternative Break doing community service; “Hokies in Miami, Serving to Make a Difference”. We have Jewish and non-Jewish participants.
While we are there we will be meeting and learning from highly influential women. We hope the outcome will allow the students to have an action plan when returning to campus. We have a fledgling Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group beginning within Hillel. We are anxious to see how this trip impacts the group. We encourage questions like what does it mean for me to be a point of change; can I be? What did I learn about myself and was I only here to help others? How will/does that impact me –affectively, behaviorally, and cognitively? We have our long itinerary on our website at www.vthillel.org and we will have an ongoing blog where women will write about the experience that day that most impacted them.
We believe have many ideas that we will work on to highlight issues that impact the lives of women. Below are the top 16 (in honor of the Women’s Center at Virginia Tech’s 16th anniversary) things we will do to increase awareness of women's and gender issues, to educate others, and to make a difference for women and girls, locally and globally!

Discussions on women’s gender intertwined in 5 planned conversations and many informal discussions throughout our ASB.
1. Making a Difference
2. Jewish Memory (after Holocaust Museum)
3. Hope and Responsibility
4. Myself as a Point of Change
5. Integrating Our Experience
6. Readings from “ A Jewish Woman’s Prayer Book” by Aliza Lavie
7. Work in a Women’s Center (Lotus House)
8. Begin the tradition of an orange on the Seder Plate for Passover – signifying lesbian, gay, women awareness
9. Meeting with Lori Drutz, Director of Greater Miami Jewish Federation Volunteer Center
10. Meeting with Toby Ash, founder of Kosher Food Bank
11. Panel discussion with Donna Shalala, President of University of Miami
12. Hands on work on Organic Farm, tour and discussion with farmers
13. Service work at Wainwright Park in Brickell
14. Museum visits, Portraits of 48 Jews Exhibit, History of Jews in Florida
15. Service work at Salvation Army in thrift store and facility
16. Women lead Shabbat Service and Havdallah

Impact - Poem for Marilena Librescu

2010-01-24T17:43:00.001-05:00

In Israel, we visited with Marilena Librescu, who is the wife of Liviu Librescu, the Professor who saved a classroom full of students on April 16, 2007. I wrote this for her.

Impact
What effect can one dollar, one person have on the world?
Liviu Librescu, an education, father, husband, companion, friend, proud Israeli, Hokie, and a Hero
Impact
Courage, more than just a word; rather an action.
A fraction.
Of what we will ever experience
The Holocaust, Immigration, and then the Ultimate Sacrifice
But, there's still life...
Within our souls, our minds, and our thoughts
Impact
On his students, on America, on Israel, and around the World
A choice, a voice.
His heart, a start
His passion, his action
His wisdom, our knowledge
Impact
Brilliant, yet humble, sincere, and kind
A family man who was genuine all the time
Honorable, the epitome of Ut Prosim
Time is frozen...
The past is never dead, it isn't even past
His memories will last.
Forever, living within our souls
Forever, growing our minds
Forever, realized in our thought
Our angel lives today
Impact

Brandon Carroll

Returning Home

2010-01-19T17:46:00.000-05:00

by Josh Spodick (notes) Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 10:49am

40 Students
8 Israeli Soldiers
1 Guard / Medic
1 Tour Guide
2 Staff Members
1 Bus (with an extra spare tire)
Countless unforgettable experiences

A bunch of best friends in a home that is always welcoming

----------------------------------------------------------

Upon returning to the U.S. after an incredibly long flight; after going through customs; after finding all the people in the group; after sorrowful goodbyes around the luggage carousel filled with promises of road trips to see each other soon; after stopping for breakfast on the way home; after giving gifts to my parents; after going through all of the pictures with them; I laid down in bed with the intention to take a nap after 10 days of sleep deprivation. I found myself unable to fall asleep despite the exhaustion. I was left with a feeling in my chest. It was an odd feeling. A hole; a vacancy that was difficult to fill. What could it be? Of course I’m sad it’s over, and I truly hope to remain close with everyone on my bus, but why do i feel this way now? Why is the absence of the group so overwhelming? Why can’t my exhaustion overcome the sorrow and just let me fall asleep and dream as if I were back? All of the people on the trip that I met have touched me in a way not easy to do. The collective experience we all shared is one that will live with me through to the chapter eternal. I now know the true price of this “free trip”. It comes with the cost of this vacancy; this longing to return to Israel with all of my new found close friends.

Day 8

2010-01-08T17:56:00.001-05:00

When one thinks of a soldier, the idea of a strong, tough-minded person comes to mind. This didn’t seem quite so when most of our Israeli soldiers held tissues and shed tears at our first stop of the morning: Mt. Hertzl Cemetery. Yet, they were not the only ones – many in the group had glassy eyes, some even with sunglasses to hide them. But as we went from grave to grave, story to story, it dawned on me that the tears of our supposed strong companions were not only for the loss of those they knew and did not, but tears of thanks. Such a small country with so few soldiers faced so much adversity and won. Those soldiers who have fallen were their main source of daily strength. There was no more doubt – we stood amongst eight of the very strongest people this world could ever find us.
At the end of our tour of the cemetery, the emotions did not stop. It was time for us to say goodbye to our soldiers, our friends. Many of the kindest words were exchanged, followed by some joking and laughter to keep us all from feeling more of the weight of the heavy day. After many a picture, we were forced to walk away.
The bus was not quite the same after that. Eight seats were now empty that should have held eight integral parts of our family. The only thing that kept us going was knowing that Facebook would keep us together while we are an ocean apart. There were also promises that they would see us off at the airport Saturday evening.
As if Birthright did not see enough heavy heads, our afternoon stop was to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum. We first saw the nicest and sweetest old man from Holland who spoke to us about being a survivor. There were jokes throughout his speech which all found extremely refreshing in juxtaposition to his heart wrenching story. We then went on a guided tour throughout the amazing museum. The artifacts that they managed to collect under the roof of greatly-architectured building was astonishing. Due to time restraints, we were unable to see it all which upset many.
The whole day made each and every bus member thankful for their life and the way they lead it.

-Stefanie Kaplan, Binghamton University

Day 6

2010-01-07T16:39:00.001-05:00

When we heard that the wakeup call this morning was at 7:30 am, everyone cheered. Compared to 6 am the day before, this was sleeping in. After we ate breakfast and got all the luggage in the bus we left Ashkalon and headed south towards a kibbutz. This kibbutz was special because back in 1945 during Israel’s War for Independence, a group of 18-21 year olds lived here and secretly operated an underground bullet-making factory. We got to climb down into the basement where the bullets were made and learned about how despite the constant danger of being caught by the British, these people made over 10,000 bullets every day to help Israel fight the war. We then left the kibbutz and stopped at a roadside market where we ate a delicious lunch of schwarma. Afterwards we traveled to a bunch of ancient ruins and underground caves where some of the Macabes used to live. We climbed through a few of the caves and looked for pieces of clay on the ground that were from pottery pieces from that time. Finally, we rode an hour south to the desert! A tribe of Bedouin people live here and this is where we are spending the night. We walked out away from the tents to the middle of the desert just as the sun was setting. We all spread out and just sat on the rocky ground, not talking, soaking in the fact that we were in the Israel desert. Then we were given a presentation by a Bedouin man and then all sat in a tent on floor mats and were served dinner. Tonight we are going to a bonfire and then all sleeping in a huge tent. Hopefully we don’t freeze.

Tzedekah Day 5

2010-01-07T15:18:00.004-05:00

Our fifth day in Israel showed us all a side we rarely hear about from the news; we called it Tzedakah (the Hebrew word for justice). The day began with an early wake-up in order to leave the hotel, followed by discussion time. This discussion involved the poverty in Israel that is rarely seen by tourists. Our first stop of the day was “Pitchon Lev,” an organization very similar to the Salvation Army. Here we divided into two groups, one was in charge of sorting clothing while the other group did inventory in the food bank. Then it was back on the bus to stop for a quick lunch before we headed off to the green house in Ein Shemer. Upon arriving in the greenhouse we were given a short tour. It was here that we learned that all the projects and experiments occurring in this greenhouse were conducted by student’s grades 7-12. We were then given some homemade tea and taken into a room where we talked about art and expression with one of the greenhouse workers, who is also a modern artist. After a short presentation we were all given the opportunity to create our own art on the canvas of hats. Let’s just say that we should leave the art to the artists. Our last and final stop of the day was to visit Marlena Librescu, wife of Professor Levi Librescu a Holocaust survivor who heroically gave his life to save his students’ lives on April 16, 2007. Marlena welcomed us with opened arms to her home located in a beautiful retirement community. We were also fortunate enough to meet Jamal, one of the students who Professor Librescu saved with his actions. After this heartfelt visit we got back on the bus and made our way to Ashqelon and our hotel for the night. Upon arriving at the hotel we quickly grabbed dinner and headed to the marina for an hour of free time, before heading back to the hotel for the night.

2010-01-07T14:30:00.008-05:00

Day 4 in Israel

2010-01-03T15:29:00.002-05:00

Bob Loblaw’s Birthright Blog
Today was our fourth day in Israel. Our wake-up call was at 7:00 am, which naturally meant that no one got out of bed until 8:00. Immediately after eating breakfast we were introduced to our soldiers. We are given the privilege to be accompanied by eight soldiers. The girls swooned with joy when they were introduced to the five male soldiers. We then proceeded to the Golan Heights for our jeep tours. It’s a good thing we took last night easy because we can honestly say that we were in for a rough ride. We traveled along mine fields fenced off by signs that said in English and Hebrew “Danger, mine fields” and our tour guide proceeded to tell us that the Arabic translation on the sign actually said “picnic area.” We then were treated to a gourmet lunch at McDonalds. After which we went on a hike in the old city of Tel Dan, the ancient northern border of Israel. Our tour guide walked us through the steps that allowed Israel to identify the city as the one that was written about in the torah; this land was really given to us as our Jewish birthright. We then proceeded to go to a mountain that overlooked Syria in which we were able to walk through a bunker used by the Israeli soldiers. We then watched a short 20 minute film about the Yom Kippur war, although short it was a very intense and moving film. On the bus ride back everyone passed out due to exhaustion from our non-stop day. We look forward to spending time with our new additions of bus 857! More to come tomorrow…. –Steve Holt! (chechaw chechaw chechaw)
Written by: Jared, Allison, and Jason
Spiced up by: Maya and Hadas

Zefat and Shabbat

2010-01-02T15:54:00.003-05:00

On day two, we all woke up to an early start at 7 o’clock, still a little jet lagged. After a hardy breakfast, we hopped on the bus and took a 40 minute windey ride up to Zefat. From the top of the mountain, we got a beautiful view of Lake Kineret, the only lake in Israel and all of Tiberias. The mountain was covered in a white rock with green grass, in between, which looked really neat. Once we got up to Zefat, the weather was a little on the chilly side with a little rain. We learned that Zefat was one of the four holy cities in Israel. The streets were made of stone with a draining system and there were tzedakah boxes all around, in which all of the students donated. First, we strolled the narrow streets, peeking in the alleys and dodging the hasidic Jews who came our way. We made our way to a grotto where all sat and listened to our tour guide tell the story of how Kaballah (which began in Zefat) grew. We then went to the synagogue named in honor of the creator of Kaballah which was absolutely unique. Inside the temple, there were shrapnel holes in the beema from where bombs exploded right ourside.
Next, we got a little break to look inside the shops and finally, the fog started to rise, showing a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. A man on the corner was selling delicious pomegranete, which most students got and were raving about. The candle shop on this street was incredible, selling beautiful havdallah and hannukah candles. After our shopping venture, we checked out another synagogue and learned its history. we got another break in which we roamed the streets, looking at different shops that sold beautiful Judaica gifts. I (Ari!) got a two hundred year old Siddur on the street for super cheap.
On our ride back down the windey road, we had fun times on the bus before stopping for a delicious lunch of falafel and shwarma. Our next stop was the cemetery in which many famous Israeli heros were burried. The view overlooking the cemetery was beautiful as we listened to some of the life stories of the diseased.
We made our way back to the hotel for Shabbat candles and dinner. We joined together with the other buses we are traveling with in order to celebrate our day of rest in Tiberias. After candles, we went into our respective services and called it a night. We spent the night together with our group and getting to know others. AHHH what a trip….more to come tomorrow!!!

Taglit Birthright Bus 857 Begins the Journey

2010-01-01T15:47:00.008-05:00

Birthright Bus 857
After facing 15 degree New Jersey weather, getting questioned at the airport, searched up and down, we learned firsthand how thorough El Al security can be. Aaron Punim and Justin Gorkawitz were randomly chosen by El Al security to switch ID’s to test the gate interrogators. Aaron’s interrogator picked up on the falsified documents while Justin successfully fooled his with the assistance of Aaron’s sister, Danielle.
After being reduced to canned sardines for 10 hours, we finally landed in the beautiful land of Israel.... 70 degrees. Hello there parents, this is Chad Meyers, Aaron Punim, and Rachael Kester reporting from Israel on Day one.
It was a rough day to say the least, with our day starting as soon as we got off the plane (it was 7 am when we landed). To those who slept little on the plane (this guy (chad)) it would be a struggle. We started in Jaffa, an old Arabic city that existed before neighboring Tel Aviv was more than sand. With a beautiful view of the sparkling Mediterranean, we took our seats and were introduced to our tour educator, Gal, and our security person Shirom. With the smell of a cool spring air in our noses, we were left with half an hour of free time after our initial welcomes, and explored the surrounding area with glee.
We started with Jaffa, with its churches made it feel just outside the realm of true Israel, and soon departed for the beginnings of Tel Aviv. The first Hebrew city, Tel Aviv sprouted literally from the sand to becoming the thriving center of culture it is today. We watched/passed out a video on how the city came to be, and visited the room where Israel was officially declared a country. It was very surreal to leave the building after seeing pictures of that house in the middle of the desert, to viewing towering skyscrapers that stand today. It truly brought a new meaning to the building of a nation. I believe that many of us have a new connection to Eretz Israel; as Ben Gurion said, Israel is a state that belongs to ALL Jews! (meaning us too).
Rewarded with an hour of free time, we soon explored the open markets and festive activates of the city. Haggling was done, falafel was eaten, and no one got lost. Mission accomplished. We ended our long day with a trip to one of the most historic areas in all of Israel, the spot were Prime Minister Rabin was shot and killed. Rabin, the leader of Peace with Palestine, was close to finally solving the conflict and bringing calm to the area. With his death brought continued violence and no clear solution in sight.
3 hours in the bus later, we arrived at our hotel in Tiberius to celebrate the New year and Schluff. Day 2 tomorrow!

First Day travels to Tel Aviv

2009-12-31T15:38:00.003-05:00

Newark, New Jersey to Tel Aviv, Israel!!

After our long flight we arrive in Tel Aviv. We learned about the historical beginnings of Tel Aviv and how she was literally built from the sand. We took a visit to Independence Hall, Jaffa and Rabin Square. We ate and shopped on Shenkin Street. Now we are traveling north to Tiberias to relax, unpack and join together with our group to bring in the New Year. What a remarkable place to be for January 2010!! We will write more tomorrow after we get a good rest from the long flight with little sleep. Happy New Year to all!

Snow in Blacksburg

2009-12-20T11:59:00.004-05:00

As we draw closer to our date to leave for Israel, we get to enjoy the snow.
Record snow fall hits the whole east coast.

December 13, 2009

2009-12-14T12:43:00.002-05:00

With 14 days left until we leave for Israel, I am excited to share this amazing experience with such a wonderful group of students. Remembering the first time I was in Israel 32 years ago, I am brought back to the first time I felt the reality of a Jewish state. Israel was a place I felt truly comfortable, part of a community since the culture and upbringing were so much like mine despite living so far away.

To be able to share this experience with others for the first time and see Israel again through their eyes is something I am really looking forward to experiencing.
I am grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to this journey.
Sue

Only 25 days!

2009-12-06T10:21:00.001-05:00

25 days left until we leave for Israel.

TAGLIT BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL BUS 857

2009-11-28T15:51:00.003-05:00

It's really exciting to be leaving for Israel in 32 days!!!!

The Hidden City

2009-03-12T23:15:00.002-04:00

We went to a very poverty-stricken area called, Shantitown (Oculta Ciudad - The Hidden City). Here all of the houses are made from materials found around the town, like pieces of metal and things like that. The roads are not paved and there are dogs roaming everywhere. Also, the main part of Buenos Aries does not visit the Shantitown and the people of Shantitown are not welcomed to the outside either. It is a very dangerous place; however, I did not feel that scared. We worked with an organization called L.I.F.E., who has been working there for a few years. L.I.F.E. basically helps the town with basic needs and supplies and also visits the town every so often; they are very respected there. This is the reason I was not that scared. Since the locals saw we were with this organization that they didn’t bother us. We painted, tutored local children, and also helped to prepare a meal for around 300 people. Being there, though it was scary at times, meant a lot. This was the poorest place that I have ever seen in person and it was very sad to actually see people living that way. I think that they really appreciated our help, because I know that any service that we could provide benefitted the community. It was definitely an eye opening experience.

Rachel Lamanna

As a Jew I am now motivated to learn my further understanding of other Jews living around the world as well as the history and culture of the geographic region in which they now live. Although we do have Israel as our foundation or home, the Jewish are still very much separated. It is our responsibility as a Jew to seek out our other Jewish people and connect with them so that we can feel as one, and prove to the world that we are one despite the distance.

Kelly Fineman

Since coming to Argentina it has been an eye opening experience to see the way people live and how different it is from my life in America. Some worry day to day if they can feed their families when all I worry about is if I’ll have time to do my homework , grab some food on campus and go to the gym before I go out and have fun with my friends. Seeing and learning about these hard ships has put life into a different perspective for me and I would really like to give back to other communities more often.

Arielle Rumore

Feliz Purim!

2009-03-11T17:25:00.004-04:00

Day numero dos and the fun has yet to stop! Today was a mix of fun and hard work. After waking up to an early 6:30am wakeup call, we ate a traditional Argentinean breakfast consisting of toast, croissants, and fruit, then we took a nice one hour bus ride to a Jewish Community Center. Here we learned about how the school (JCC) had gone into foreclosure nearly 10 years ago, forcing them to sell part of their land to the government to in order to maintain the actual building and pay off their debt. Due to lack of funds, the building was abandoned and books, supplies, furniture and school work done years ago were the only items left scattered in the dusty three story building. Classes are still held every week; the kids must walk through the shambles to their appropriate paint pealed, dusty classrooms in order to obtain a lesson from their maestro each Sunday.

As part of our tzdek service to the Argentian community we were asked to clean the building, paint the walls and furniture, and design and paint a mural on one of the outside walls. We were split into multiple groups and all assigned activities to help rebuild this Jewish community. Eight hours later the group came together to discuss the progress made. As one group we will design and paint the mural on our next visit to the JCC on Wednesday.

During the community service, one of the townspeople came over to my group. He explained how he had a child that attends the JCC every week and how much it meant to him and his family that we were helping to rebuild his community and helping to make it a welcoming place for all. Even though I do not know more than this man’s name, his words will stick with me forever. It feels great knowing something I did will help to strengthen a community in need, especially a Jewish group.

After this strenuous and emotional activity we were given a two hour siesta break. It was so nice to finally have time to just relax and reflect on the past two days. But our day didn’t end there, immediately following our siesta we traveled as a group to the Hillel house and learned about the history of Argentina from a Jewish perspective. We were also supplied costumes and were told the story of Purim. The night ended with a Purim celebration with all three groups: Virginia Tech, UNC, and Kenyon, as well as various students studying abroad and our fellow Argentine friends. A few hours of sleep and we’ll be at it again….

Community Service at IERU

2009-03-09T16:38:00.013-04:00

Welcome to Argentina!

2009-03-09T05:37:00.006-04:00

After a week of cold weather and snowing, Blacksburg started to look like spring the Saturday before Spring Break. It was sad leaving the beautiful weather of Virginia Tech but worth it knowing that in less than 20 hours we would be in Argentina. We flew out of Roanoke to a layover in Dulles before arriving in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Sunday morning. Our group was welcomed by open arms by the Hillel in Argentina. They drove us to Belgrano, the barrio where would be staying for the week.

We dropped off our bags at the Cristal Palace, our hotel for the week, and took us to the Hillel House, a local hangout with Jewish people in the area.

We met the groups from University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill and Kenyon College, and headed to Recoleta, an open air market in the middle of the city. It felt like the entire town of Buenos Aires was celebrating their Sunday off from work. People filled the field listening to musicians, shopping in the flea market, watching Capoeira (a Brazilian street fight-dance), and laughing at the street performers. With the help of a local Argentine friend we met at the Hillel House, I bought a leather passport case and a container for drinking matea, the local tea that everyone in Argentina socially drinks.

The architecture of the area was beautiful and the history was rich. We browsed through a collection of above-ground graves, including the famous Evita whose grave was lined with flowers for National Women’s Day.

After a full day of shopping, we took the bus to Palermo, a local collection of bars, stores and restaurants. We shopped, drank water and ate some empanadas. We ended our day with falafel at the Hillel House and a full night’s sleep at the Cristal Palace.

Alex Weaver

Alternative Spring Break to Argentina!

2009-02-19T12:50:00.003-05:00

Hillel at Virginia Tech's
Alternative Spring Break to Buenos Aires
March 7-15, 2009

Students Share Their Thoughts About Why They Want to go to Argentina for an Alternative Spring Break

2009-02-19T12:41:00.008-05:00

Mandy Tehaan
I am excited about the upcoming trip to Argentina because it will give me the opportunity to be a part of the important mission to help others. I know intellectually that community service, as a Jewish value, is important work but by going to Argentina and actually helping hands on, I will feel it and understand it in a different way. As a campus rep for TOMS shoes, I promote the company that runs their business with the motto “one for one.” For every pair of shoes bought, a pair is given to a child in need. TOMS does some of their biggest shoe drops in Argentina. To be able to go help a community where my passion for community service is already invested makes my hard work that much more meaningful. I feel that I have a blessed life and I want to be able to give back to others who may be less fortunate. It will inspire me to continue community service and support as well as motivate me to engage others with the knowledge that I will have experienced and gained.

Alex Weaver
Throughout a previous backpacking trip in Central America, several things amazed me. First, the lives these people led were simple but happy because they appreciated the people around them rather than the material things. Second, the people in Central America were so happy and overwhelmed by us fixing their homes, playing soccer and drawing with their children, cleaning up their village and appreciative of our fascination with their culture. I hope to make the same difference in South America when I visit Argentina with Hillel. After seeing the effect community service has on lesser developed areas firsthand, being able to travel to Argentina and work with children while fixing their schools, I know the long-term effect will last past my old age as generations will continue to perform the same service. After graduating next spring, I hope to join the Peace Corps and the service I will be doing in Argentina will make a huge impact on my skills working with other cultures and improving their lives.

Douglas Holt
I recently traveled to Israel through Birthright and it really changed my life. After this trip to Israel I decided to travel more, experience new things and try to better understand how to make my life more fulfilling through service to others. I feel that this trip to Argentina is a great way to accomplish this goal.
I plan on taking this experience and applying it to the direction I want to take my life post-college. A corporate job to simply earn money does not feel right for me and I hope having these new experiences will help guide me in the future.

Kelly Fineman
I see this trip to Argentina as a great opportunity to experience an entirely new and foreign culture and connect with its people, and also a way to give of myself in return. I am a Spanish minor and would love to practice the language as well as help out with any needed translation while on the trip.
Furthermore, I am excited to meet with people that have such a different life compared to mine, however still share the same religion as me. I plan to be open-minded and to immerse myself completely so that I can take as much as I can away from this experience to share with the campus community at Virginia Tech and beyond.

Lisa Lefkowitz
This year’s week long Alternative Spring Break trip I will be traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina—home of the largest Jewish community in Latin America, and will be focusing on rebuilding a local school and working directly with children affected by their economic collapse in 2001. In the wake of the economic collapse, one third of Argentina’s Jews have sunk below the poverty level. Businesses have shut down, health services have become unaffordable, and monthly bills have put many families on the verge of eviction.
This trip is going to highly impact my life. This opportunity will provide me with the skills necessary to not only help rebuild the once vibrant Jewish community in Argentina, but also to bring those skills home and help to make my community at home stronger.

Paula Sherman
Being lucky enough to go to Argentina and work with Jewish children in impoverished conditions will provide me with a life changing experience. It will not only expand my interest in Jews and their lives worldwide, but it will also focus my attention on what I can do as an individual to help individual living in these conditions. I hope to carry this awareness to the entire community and student body at Virginia Tech upon my return. After an experience such as assisting Jewish communities in Argentina I plan on taking a more active role in supportive and fundraising groups for foreign countries and areas that need aid economically and emotionally. I will also share my experience with those on campus to strike an interest within them and let them know what a rewarding opportunity it is to assist abroad in a low-income area. Going to Argentina will further give me the opportunity to interact with people I may not have had the chance to before and will give me the ability to learn how to work in a different setting that will be more emotional and more physical. These are all aspects that will assist me as I take on leadership roles and pick up new activities to participate in throughout my future stay at Virginia Tech.

Julianna Wind
Since I joined Hillel at Virginia Tech five years ago, it has provided me with many opportunities. I have visited Chicago, been to the White House, met many professionals and networked with many people that I never believed I would get the chance to meet. However, nothing pales in comparison to my experiences participating in alternative breaks with Hillel. Since joining Hillel, I have realized that community service is something I want to take part in for the rest of my life. I believe that Tzedek and the opportunity to give back to our community is very rewarding. Because of the opportunities that Hillel has given me, I have chosen to work only in non-profit organizations as they give me the opportunity to be giving back to my community. As the leader on the alternative break to Argentina, I will have the chance to continue this journey. I hope to share the connection of Judaism to Tzedek and community service so that other students will have a life changing experience as I have.

Rachel Lamanna
Going on the Alternative Spring Break trip to Argentina will greatly impact my life. My future goal is to become an Elementary school teacher. On this trip, we will be working directly with children in helping to rebuild a school. All the experience that I can get with children gives me more confidence to be a better teacher. The impact and joy in the children’s eyes is one of the best things to witness. This experience will expose me to new experiences and help me to understand various cultures. I will gain through this experience knowledge that I will be able to apply in the classroom. Being exposed to various cultures allows me to see how different children act, learn, and communicate. Thus I will be able to relate to more students and solve the many challenges that come with teaching. A program that I am hoping to enter after I graduate is Teach for America. In this program, you go to an inner-city school or an extremely rural town to teach. Most of these places are poverty-stricken and have few resources. I believe that by going to Argentina and witnessing first had a poverty-stricken environment that it will help me to deal with the students that I will see in this program. The Alternative Spring Break trip to Argentina is a life-changing experience that I cannot pass up and am tremendously excited to be able to seize this opportunity.

Rosalie Wind
Going to New Orleans on an Alternative Winter Break last year was an amazing experience. Getting to rebuild an old junkyard into a recreational facility for children and helping clean up an emergency maintenance community was a fulfilling and life-changing opportunity. We met people of New Orleans, heard their stories, and even met new people from other schools who were doing what we were doing. When we saw the damage to the Lower Ninth Ward on one of our last days in New Orleans, I decided that I would invest time into helping rebuild fallen and destructed communities. No one should ever have to go through what the people of New Orleans, or what the impoverished people of Argentina have gone through. By going to Argentina in March, I would be helping communities, children, and the being of Argentina. I would love this opportunity, and I know that by going, I would be helping many people, as well as helping myself learn more about who I am and who I want to be.

Arielle Rumore
The Hillel International Alternative Break trip to Argentina is something I have been looking forward to for a long time. I am currently a Psychology and Human Development major here at Virginia Tech, hoping to become a clinical psychologist with a specialty in children. I feel that this trip will be an amazing experience for my future and myself. We will be working on rebuilding a local Jewish day school along with working with the students. The service of being able to help this school in a time of need will be something I will keep with me forever.
In addition, it will be an education to be able to interact and understand the difference in cultures among the children. I hope to bring back a better understanding of the way people interact and the differences in children among a culture different from our own. I am currently involved in research among the daycare students at the Virginia Tech Daycare and to have first-hand experience with children from another country will help me immensely in my studies and my research.

Samantha Kurtz
As an engineering student, I am dedicated to building green and environmentally friendly homes and commercial buildings. I am a student of civil engineering, building and construction engineering with minors in leadership and green building.
This trip to Argentina will help to inform my connections between Judaism and community service. It will give me an opportunity to experience the culture of South America. I would like to take these experiences back home to be a leader in advocacy for repairing the world. I would also like to share my experiences about the culture of South America in other leadership opportunities.
I look forward to continuing projects that will be inspired through this incredible experience. I believe experiences like these are important in developing leadership and connections to community service and Judaism.

Jared Thomson
My name is Jared Thomson, and I am lucky enough to be joining eleven other students going to Argentina with Hillel at Virginia Tech. I have been talking to the student leader of the Hillel over the last few weeks about opportunities to join in the service trip and learn more about the Jewish faith. I enjoy the community that surrounds the Hillel at Virginia Tech, and I hope that I can help work together with them on this trip. I am drawn to this sort of faith that brings people together to do work for a good cause during their alternative spring break.

Kyle Murphy
I am looking forward to joining Hillel in traveling down to Argentina and volunteering my time for an alternative spring break. Last spring break, eleven others and myself traveled down to New Orleans with Hillel to volunteer and to rebuild the city one step at a time. I have been honored the award of Eagle Scout and one of the oaths behind scouting is the idea of helping the community through volunteering. So this trip is important to me because I will be able to benefit the Jewish community and in return it will give me a chance to learn about the Jewish faith and culture in Argentina.

Alex Weaver writes about Argentina and serving others

2009-02-09T09:47:00.001-05:00

Throughout my backpacking trip in Central America, I was amazed by several things. First, the lives these people led were simple but happy because they appreciated the people around them rather than the material things. Second, the people in Central America were so happy and overwhelmed by us fixing their homes, playing soccer and drawing with their children, cleaning up their village and our fascination with their culture.

I hope to make the same difference in South America when I visit Argentina with Hillel. After seeing the effect community service has on lesser developed areas firsthand, being able to travel to Argentina and work with children while fixing their schools, I know the long-term effect will last past my old age as generations will continue to perform the same service. After graduating next spring, I hope to join the Peace Corp and the service I will be doing in Argentina will make a huge impact on my skills working with other cultures and improving their lives. Thus,the trip to Argentina won't just make me a better person and help me serve the Jewish community to the best of my ability, it will change the lives of these children that we are helping so that in turn they can do the same thing for others.

Maya Alkalay (your medic) Says Goodbye for Now

2009-01-20T11:50:00.004-05:00

My dear American friends…
10 days ago I thought I was just going to be a medic in a trip called “Taglit” and guard some stupid American students that are “living in a movie” (it’s a Hebrew “slang”) and now, after I got to know you guys I can truly say that I Love You! You touched my heart! It was an amazing trip for me and it is all because of you (and of course because of Nahi’c the other medic … not really)
you are more then welcome to visit me next time you’ll be in Israel and if not you can just add me to your Facebook!
So… Toda Raba, I won’t forget you, now that I have 40 new American friends… hugs and kisses from me and my gun…
Maya Alkalay – your medic !
My E-mail address: mayaalkalay@hotmail.com
p.s – Jordan (Meir) don’t forget to “bring the light” and to diluteeeeeee it

This trip to Israel has been the most amazing experience of my life. Being able to relate so quickly to almost everyone on our bus was something I never expected. Having the Campus Entrepreneur (CEI) students on this trip made that possible. Their outgoing personalities and welcoming dispositions made it very easy to open up and become the close knit group that we are now. Coming into this trip I knew only one person and was nervous that I would end up clinging to her the entire time. As soon as people began arriving into JFK airport those fears were alleviated. She quickly introduced me to the CEI students she worked with and instantly a bond seemed to form and everyone settled in a large circle and we talked about anything and everything. From that point on I knew I would be able to make new and lasting friendships. Our entire bus just seems at ease with everyone. Our clothes are being shared; we talk about our pasts and personal lives and plans being made to get together back at school. They have taught me not to hide my Jewish heritage. I cannot wait to go back home, down to South Carolina and wear my Jewish star. I know now that when people ask me what church I belong to I can proudly say I don’t have one and I am Jewish. There is no reason to hide that piece of my life anymore and this experience and the voice of reason from the CEI students has proved that to me. Within these short 10 days we have become a large family that has had one of the most remarkable experiences of our lives and being able to share it with these people that I can now truly call some of my best friends has made it that much better.
Alex Hall

Our skin IS-RAELI soft

2009-01-14T14:09:00.011-05:00

Greetings from the Dead Sea!

After a long, cold night sleeping on the floor in the desert of a Bedouin tent, we thought a day at the spa was in order. But boy were we wrong! We first had to earn our beautification treatments by climbing Masada. The 5,000 year old ruins overlooking the Dead Sea and mountains of Jordan were awe inspiring! It looked like we were standing in a painting. It felt as if we were walking amongst the old kings. When we touched the walls it was as if we were touching history and we could almost hear the whispers of our ancestors who gave their lives for our survival.

Several hours and a 40 minute descent later we definitely were ready for mud baths and salt treatments! People spend hundreds of dollars in the States on mud baths such as these, so we knew we were in for a treat! We covered ourselves in the mud hoping it would remove the eau-de-camel, but little did we know we were in for something much worse. The smell of rotten eggs from the sulfur baths to remove the mud and complete the treatment nearly made us run back up Masada! The next stop on our spa adventure was floating on the dead sea, which felt as if we were rafting on the clouds. In fact, our skin was covered in salt so we even looked like we had been playing in the clouds. But in the end, our skin was glowing, giving us the confidence to browse Jerusalem for Israeli princes.

... and we're still looking.

Love from Jerusalem,
Randi Lieberman, Mandy Tehaan, Samantha Kurtz

Bedouin Camp (Day 6)
After visiting Beit Shean National Park we hopped on the bus for a short ride to the Bedouin camp. Immediately after arriving we unloaded from the bus and hopped on camels and donkeys that were there waiting for us. While most of the group rode on the donkeys, I ended up on a camel. The camels were making loud grunting sounds as they stood up; it was a startling sound to hear! It was funny to look over at the part of the group that ended up on the donkeys. This was only until the middle of the camel ride where the group ended up switching places. It was a lot less fun to be the part of the group looking hilarious on the donkeys.

Back to the bus to grab a day pack. Our group was then led over to the tent that we had been assigned to. It was a fairly large tent and every one ventured in to grab a sleeping bag and a ground pad. Then it was off to stake out a sleeping location. On my way to the tent I ran into a friend who is on birthright through the University of Wisconsin. This was a pleasant surprise.

After getting situated we were sent over to a tent with some of the Bedouins. They made coffee and tea, both of which were good but a little on the sweet side. These were made over a fire in the tent. The Bedouins are always very welcoming people but if they give you a full cup of coffee it is time to go.

The group was gathered up by Sue and Larissa, who had us follow them out away from the camp. As a group we discussed what was important to us and reflect on the parts of the trip that we had experienced this far on this already amazing trip. After the discussion Sue described to us a meditation technique which involved sitting still for one hour. Most likely after one hour you will be in discomfort and dealing with this will help you reflect on and appreciate everything else that you experience. We all sat in silence in the cold desert night for about 45 minutes and watched the sun set.

Dinner was amazing! It consisted of turkey kabobs, rice, pita and a delicious salad. Immediately after dinner they told our group to go over to a tent for a drum circle. “If you get lost just listen and follow the music” they told us. The drum circle was very entertaining. During the drum circle the brought out a bunch of bongo’s and taught us how to play.

Then it was time for more free time. We enjoyed building an amazing fire. This was only after struggling for some time due to the fact that they left wet wood at our camp site. I decided to call it an early night to catch up on some sleep. An exciting day laid ahead with hiking Masada and floating on the Dead Sea on tomorrows Itinerary. ”
Alex Niderberg

Many Oportunities For Learning

2009-01-11T17:17:00.006-05:00

Mysticism of Safed

2009-01-11T16:48:00.000-05:00

Day 4:
Today we traveled to the old and historic town of Safed in Northern, Higher Galilee. Already before reaching the city winding through the rising hills surrounded by the fading mist of morning one is struck by the aura of the Israeli frontier and the idea of mysticism that was to be the defining point of the day. Upon reaching Safed I was struck by the remote beauty and the sheer vastness of the valley spreading beneath the town, a beautiful rainbow spreading across it as if to herald the rest of the unfolding day. We went to two ancient synagogues and perused the art section of the city, browsing through the shops and developing a sense of the essence and spirit of the old town. We discussed the idea of mysticism pervading throughout our Jewish history and heritage which truly struck home while sitting inside the beautifully sculpted and designed synagogues. On the way through the town’s art shops and stores I was drawn into one small room by a religious man named Avram and he showed me how to put on the tefillin and say the appropriate prayer. After doing it I was struck with both sadness and nostalgia, a sadness when I realized how long it had been since I had put tefillin on as well as a nostalgia for my days back in Hebrew school where I had learned and first taken part in this custom. I realized that what I was feeling was something I hadn’t felt in a long time, a complete comfort and satisfaction with being Jewish that I haven’t felt since before high school and certainly not in college. I don’t know if it was the atmosphere or the kindness of the man that affected me most but for the first time in such a long time I felt like I had completely reconnected with my Jewish roots. I sent a picture of myself in the tefillin to my father, and as the rain came down walked back to the bus through the quiet streets I think I understood the message of the mysticism of Israel and our heritage.
Guy Topaz
- Also I was constantly informed by all that I have a very Israeli name…go figure

Shabbat by the Sea

2009-01-11T16:46:00.001-05:00

Day 3:
The view here at Ohalo is amazing. I started the day with group yoga on the lawn. The sun was shining and the breeze was perfect. We meditated while staring at the beautiful mountains lining the Kinneret. I was excited to hear Ma-tov-vu, my favorite prayer since I was in Hebrew school many many years ago. After a fruitful lunch, everyone put on their summer clothes and played throughout Ohalo. There was an ultimate Frisbee game in the field next to a group of boys passing a football. Everyone was smiling and laughing and taking pictures. My close friend had family visit: her Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and little cousins. It was heartwarming to see how happy their family was to be reunited after such a long time apart. After lunch, we went on a nature walk to a cemetery close to the Kibbutz. Although it is unlike Jews to visit a cemetery on Shabbot, it was ok because we were celebrating the life of well known Zionists who were buried there. After deciding the walk we took was not full of as much nature as we expected, a couple of friends and I ventured away from the group and walked along the beach. The view along the shore was positively surreal. My friends seemed annoyed at the fact that every other sentence out of my mouth was “Oh my God, we’re in ISRAEL! Do you see what I see? Oh my God…” We stood at the end of a pier in the middle of the Kinneret. I was surrounded by beautiful water, tree covered mountains, millions of birds, and a couple close friends. It was all I needed. This was honestly the most peaceful, restful, and BEAUTIFUL Sabbath I have ever experienced. No Shabbot will ever be the same.
By the way, hearing “Shabbot Shalom” as you pass by every single person you see is a beautiful thing.
Shabbot Shalom everyone,
Jordan [Jackson]
p.s. Uncle Wayne, I did this for you. And don’t get mad at my grammar. I love you!

Shabbat Begins

2009-01-11T13:42:00.002-05:00

Virginia Tech represented as we volunteered to lead the Birthright trips in prayers over lighting the Shabbat candles as well as the blessing over the wine and ha-motzey. Everyone had the chance to light their own Shabbat candles, and for many it was their very first time. We chose from two service options and a discussion about what Shabbat means to you. I chose to go to the conservative Kabalat Shabbat services because it had been a very long time since I had attended one. It was special to me to have shared it with a lifelong friend and the new ones I have made on our journey. The room filled with our voices as we all came together and sang aloud, and those familiar sounds helped to sink in that I was celebrating the Shabbat with my peers (something I don’t do very often anymore). I was reminded how good it felt to sing those psalms and mentally prepare yourself for receiving Shabbat. Dinner was an amazing feast of a vast arrangement of Mediterranean cuisine and everyone ate to their hearts’ content. After dinner it was a sight to see all the different schools sing together different Shabbat and Jewish songs. It was a good feeling to know that no matter where we came from or what different Jewish experiences we have had in our lives that we are able to come together as a Jewish community and embrace the holiday of Shabbat in solidarity and happiness. I would definitely say that this erev Shabbat was one experience that I will never forget for the rest of my life. It was almost too surreal to believe that we had finally arrived and received this holiday in our home land. I felt empowered as a Jew to know that we were doing something that our ancestors prayed for and we were able to live out their dreams.
Shalom and I’ll be home too soon,
Shayna
(just a quick hello to my family- I love and miss you!)

Shabbat Shalom from the Sea of Galilee

2009-01-09T16:45:00.010-05:00

see more photos

Day 1:
At long last, we have arrived in Israel after months of anticipation and excitement. When we all gathered in New York you could feel the enthusiasm in the air. Finally, our Birthright experience was beginning, and we could not will the plane to arrive in Tel Aviv any faster. Despite our obvious exhaustion after having travelled overnight, the sights and sounds that greeted us in Israel were electrifying. It seemed surreal that we were standing in the place of our history, the home of our people. From Tel Aviv, we boarded our new mobile “home” for the next ten days and journeyed north to our first stop, the Ohalo Kibbutz on the southern coast of the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret). On our bus, we met Mike, our Israeli educator or rather, our walking encyclopedia on all things Israel who brought us all eight belated Hanukkah presents to help us on our journey through the Holy Land. We were all on the edge of our seats waiting to see what was in store for us tomorrow, but now was time for sleep!

Day 2:
And now the adventure begins! Today we drove an hour north through the town of Tiberius to the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. The Sea is beautiful and the beach looked stunning (too bad it’s too cold for a beach day). Once we reached our destination, we boarded jeeps and took an off-road tour of the Golan Heights. As we made our way down the bumpy, sliding, muddy roads, the breathtaking sites of the Six Day War were all around us. Syrian bunkers from the front and second lines of defense stand eerily abandoned amongst deserted land mines (no worries, guys, we were safely secure behind the wired fence!) to remind us the extent to which our people have defended this land to preserve it for us and our future. Our next stop was a short fifteen minute drive northeast to the Syrian border. We looked out from the hills and could see Syria on the horizon!

After returning to the Kibbutz, sundown was approaching and it was time to celebrate Shabbos! We are all having an amazing time and it seems impossible that we have only just begun! I for one cannot wait until tomorrow!

With love from Israel,
Randi Lieberman
(p.s. Hi and big hugs to Mom, Dad, Pamela, Eric and Greg!)

2 Days until we leave for Israel

2009-01-06T14:43:00.006-05:00

As the conflict in Israel continues, I think about all the students and parents of Taglit-Birthright Israel trips that told us how grateful they are that they or their child had the opportunity to experience Israel firsthand and make personal connections with Israeli soldiers and citizens.

Watching the news each night, we know that this special relationship now takes on a new, important meaning at this time. There are currently thousands of Taglit-Birthright Israel participants in Israel having a wonderful time.

Safety is our number one priority. Our groups are going nowhere near Gaza, Be’er Sheva, Ashkelon or Ashdod. No trips have been cancelled and our agenda is staying as is at this time.

Well, we leave in 2 days! Get psyched!
May 2009 be a year of peace for the world and all Israel.

Sincerely,
Sue Kurtz

Student Reflections

2009-01-02T13:56:00.002-05:00

Shauna

After a very long, 14-hour drive on Saturday, we were all anxious to arrive in New Orleans. However, we had no idea what to expect. Katrina hit about three years ago, and for those of us who had never been here, the devastation that still lingers left us all in complete shock. We began our work at a building that used to be a school and has now been transformed into a center for fine arts. The artists pay the rent by teaching classes, as it is slowly renovated back to what it used to look like before Katrina struck. Just by doing simple things like painting and laying carpet, we made such a difference by the end of the week, and it felt so great to know how much we helped these artists.

We also took a tour of the lower ninth ward where the levies broke, and watched a documentary on the disaster, which really brought everything home. This town still needs so much more help, and with what we learned and experienced on this trip, I know I will be back to help, as well as share my knowledge with others and encourage them to do the same.

Leah

Being such a culturally diverse city, New Orleans has had a lot to teach all of us. We have been so fortunate to be able to experience all that the city has to offer from the great Cajun and Creole food to the arts to the nightlife.
During the day, we have been busy helping to paint and lay carpet at a school, which has been converted to a community arts center and community center in the Lower 9th Ward district. Though we aren’t rebuilding houses, I feel so good about supporting the arts and helping to restore public buildings. On New Year’s Eve day, we went to the New Orleans Children’s Museum to volunteer with kids for their New Year’s celebration. We were also able to watch an Imax documentary about hurricanes in this area.
Before this trip, I had no idea about all the devastation and tragic circumstances that had come from Hurricane Katrina. This city needs not only our hands-on help, but the knowledge we can spread and bring back home to new people is so important. I have spoken with local people in the area about their personal experiences and have had a much more personal connection to the city than I would have expected. This has been an eye-opening experience for me and I hope to carry it with me for a long time.

See Photos From New Orleans

Volunteer work at Louisianna Children's Museum

2009-01-01T19:11:00.011-05:00

See More Photos

We are always learning

2009-01-01T18:59:00.006-05:00

We’re always learning.

New Orleans is such a unique place. It doesn’t feel like a part of the U.S. It has such a unique culture. The music is always playing. Songs of a love that is so strong the people can’t stop this passion for this place. A pride exists that unites the community.

The internet won’t connect even though I was promised free access. There are only 2 thin, small towels in the room. The water is not running with a strong force. People are living on the streets on every block. Buildings are being renovated everywhere. The music plays on. The hearts of the people beat hard. And they welcome us with a warmth and gratitude. “Thanks for coming to visit, to work”.

I only stopped at New Orleans to be able to share a small part of the trip with the 24 students who went there to help rebuild. On my way to Taglit-Birthright Israel I wanted to spend New Years with my husband who was staffing the trip. As always, the students taught me so much. They told their stories of their first 4 ½ days. Through their words I heard how they stepped out of their comfort zone to rip up floor boards, strip floors, paint walls. Their pride and effort showed through the spoken word. They spoke to the people; whispering first, voices getting louder and louder...............Were you here when Katrina came? What have you seen?

Tonight the students saved their leftover food and gave it to the homeless. They didn’t do that the first day. Today they grew and stretched and embraced their experience. We all shared something that will forever change us for the better.

The Garden district contrasts the distraught buildings we are working on. Slick and clean with new paint, crisp lines with sculptured gardens.... In contrast to chipped and fragile walls, wires revealing the guts of the buildings, bleeding with pain, and containing stories never told.

Life is fragile. Time goes fast. We are all part of precious communities. I hold close the incredible sacrifice and decision the students made to come here and work during their break. Thank you, Julianna, for all your work and organizing.

We are always learning.
With appreciation and love, Sue

First Day of Work in New Orleans!

2008-12-29T11:54:00.006-05:00

Our first day of real work!

Painting walls and scraping floors.

Alternative Break Shabbat

2008-12-26T18:15:00.003-05:00

We're having our first Shabbat together as a great Alternative Winter Break to New Orleans group!

We're having our first meeting soon. Have a great evening! More information to come!

--Julie

5 Days to New Orleans!

2008-12-21T15:08:00.004-05:00

We can't wait to get to New Orleans and begin to work on the school! On December 31, we will be working with the Children's Museum of New Orleans and helping the children celebrate the new year. This is going to be an amazing trip. We can't wait to share our stories and photos with you.

Last night in Israel

2008-01-13T10:34:00.000-05:00

It has been our honor to be a part of your children's (and friend's) first experience in Israel. This trip has certainly changed their lives and, as this was the beginning of a personal journey for them, we can't wait to see where it leads.

Maxine and Dana

Shalom everyone!!

With only one day left of traveling around this beautiful and historical land, I can honestly say this has been the most amazing experience of my life. I know all of you at home are probably wondering what is going on over here so let me just set the scene for you for a second. For the past 9 days, 48 of us have been traveling around on a tour bus..from 7 am to late hours of the night. We are all together constantly and I am so thankful to have made so many best friends on this trip that I will be able to carry on relationships with even after we leave Israel. We have visited the most amazing sites I have ever seen and I am sure that all of your sons and daughters will have a million pictures to show you upon their return ( Don’t worry ma, you know I do). I have two experiences that I feel for me stand out above the others. First, the feelings that I felt upson visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem. It was an unbelieveable feeling being there, knowing that so many of our ancestors had been there. The emotions that I felt during the duration of our visit were unlike anything I could have imagined. The second was our swim in the Dead Sea. While I have never been so cut up from swimming in a pool of water before, the feeling of lying back and having no control over your body floating was unbelievable. Oh, yeah, and the mud wrestling was cool too (haha). Anyways, just a short briefing of my experience. There is simply just too much to tell but I must go for now. Only 2 more days until you get to see us again! It is getting close, no worries☺

Lots of love,
Jen Libbares
Virginia Tech ‘10

In the midst of the NFL playoffs, the VT Chokies upstting loss to the putrid Jayhawks, the stresses of a new semester at school and the new year being rung in, stepping off the airplane on January 4th and leaving all that behind was easier than I thought. The fact that we don’t even know the day or even the time of day back in the States might have something to do with it, but the sights, sounds, smells and everything else in the land of Israel is surreal. With all the craziness in the world today, specifically the Middle East, I never thought I would make the journey, but this was the year that my darling mother’s nagging and persistence finally paid off and she was able to persuade me to go and I’m so glad she did. There are so many amazing places that we have visited and sights that have touched us all.
This trip has not only allowed me to make 46 new jewish friends, but the amazing feelings and emotions associated with the sites and lectures have made me think twice about a lot of the things I take for granted and the life I live in the good old US of A.
I love to travel and it is something I plan on continuing the rest of my life. In one year I have visited the highest elevation on earth (Mt. Kileakahaahhaha or something of that sort), and now I can add the lowest place on earth to that. The only difference is that Israel feels more like home for some odd reason. Maybe because everybody here is Jewish and has a spicy haircut with curly hair, but the overall feeling all over the country makes me think some crazy thoughts I have never thought before. I have enjoyed my nine or ten days here, whatever it has been so far, and it is not because our TV’s only two channels are in Hebrew and I can’t watch MTV or sports, it is because this place has an aura surrounding it that touches everyone that visits it, even a bunch of college kids from all around the lovely state of Virginia. There’s a lot more that I would love to add now but I’m gonna go run and try and catch the Chargers game. I’m sure you all will hear it from my mom anyways, because we all know she LOVES to talk.

Post Script:
Thanks to all the parents for allowing their little hooligans to make this journey and to all the Jews of the 20th centrury that made this trip possible. It is one experience I will never forgot. L’Hitraot and see you soon!

Later,
Zak A. Kurtz
Roanoke College ‘07 and Boston U ‘07

and now for some pictures...

2008-01-10T18:02:00.001-05:00

Ben Mills and Craig Luxenberg enjoying a camel ride in the Negev
the group at Independence Hall
the group on an army tank at the Armed Forces Memorial
Josh Rubin, Maxine Squires, Ben Mihal, Dave Starler, and Mike Ross at the MegaEvent, where we celebrated the fact that we were in Israel with thousands of other Jews from all over the world, all visiting here for the first time

Yerushalayim shel zahav (Jerusalem of gold)

2008-01-10T17:35:00.000-05:00

Jerusalem, if I forget you,
fire not gonna come from me tongue.
Jerusalem, if I forget you,
let my right hand forget what it's supposed to do.
-Matisyahu

Jerusalem is one of my favorite cities in the world and I am so excited to be here for Shabbat! Above is one of my favorite quotes- it's actually taken from a psalm and Matisyahu popularized it. Below you will find 3 student updates of the trip, as well as a special post from 2 of our visiting soldiers. One of the greatest parts of the trip is that we get 8 soldiers from the Israeli Air Force to spend 5 days with us and teach us about what they do and all about Israel and we get to teach them all about what we do in America. What better way to learn about Israel than from the people who live here, right? They've only been with us for a day, and already we've had some great conversations.

Anyway, shabbat shalom! Talk to you soon!
Maxine

Shalom!

Since the minute we all started learning about our Jewish heritage back in Hebrew school, it has been our dream to visit the Promised Land, the land of our forefathers promised to our nation by Adonai. Thanks to the Taglit-birthright: israel program those of us on this trip have been given that opportunity, and its more than we ever imagined. I won’t spend time reviewing what we’ve done so far on this trip, in such a short amount of time it feels like so much. Instead I would like to make sure that my parents (and probably a few others) are at ease, and are not needlessly worrying for our safety. To do this, I would like to explain about the staff guiding us. We have three men that are in charge of taking us around the Land of Milk and Honey, and their names are Benny, Elad, and Yoni. Benny is our driver, and while he doesn’t talk much, I have witnessed him do things while driving a bus that I thought were impossible, and now that he has performed these manuevers, I would like you all to feel as at ease as I am about us riding on the bus. Elad is our protection. All touring programs hire former Israeli soldiers to protect the groups, and not only is Elad a former soldier, but also a first class medic who served as such in the IDF. Finally, Yoni is our tour guide, the one who has already imparted us with so much knowledge in just a few days about the formation, destruction, and reconstruction of our land, and our resliliency as a people. To make you a little more familiar with him, he was born and raised in Queens (that should make you feel better, Dad), graduated from Queens College with a degree in International Relations, has an MA in Israeli Politcal Science, and served as a soldier in the IDF when he intially made Aliyah. These three men, along with Maxine and Dana (who are our staff from Virginia Tech and Richmond) have made this an amazing trip that has given all of us much more insight into the history of our people, and our relationship to all of it.

David Ramras
Virginia Tech ‘11

So I was sitting on the rather long bus ride towards Jerusalem this afternoon, vaguely dozing off, when our tour guide, Yoni, grabs the mic and tells us to look out to the left. Apparently we were closer to Jerusalem than I thought, because right out my window was a fantastic view of the whole city – and let me tell you, that is quite a sight.
While it is fortunate that I was awake enough to hear Yoni’s alert, I wish I had been more tired – the schedule today was originally to wake up around three (!) and go to Masada in time to see the sunrise. This plan fell through due to rain and general haziness, which was rather a bummer, but I imagine I got more out of the overall experience of Masada (which is an amazing place, by the way, with a lot of dramatic stories behind it) than I would have if I had been too exhausted to pay attention to the history.
We then went to the Dead Sea, and, uh, I mean, I knew it was really salty, but nobody told me that the beach was made of salt! I mean it: there’s no sand. While this makes it extraordinarily painful to walk on, and I saw some people end up with lacerated feet, it is also really cool.
The rest of the evening was fairly low key: some downtime and then dinner at the hotel we’re staying at and then a couple hours of tourism on Beh Yehuda street. Now we’re back at the hotel and despite having woken up at seven rather than three, it is nearing my bedtime. So I leave with regards from Jerusalem and a nod to how amazing it is that I’m in Israel at all.

Alexander Corwin
Virginia Tech, ‘11

I admitted early on the trip that I originally didn’t come to Israel to deepen any relations with what I call home with my own eyes, and to hear the tales of all the things that occurred. Last night was spent at a Bedouin tent in the Negev desert and the night out in the quiet and cold desert brought out something that I didn’t expect in such a seemingly barren section. We did an activity where everyone on the bus spred out in the dark and for me, sitting on a cold stone pathway, gripping a small weathered rock, I felt oddly at peace, and realized I wasn’t alone in this land, even if everyone in my group suddenly vanished. The feeling suffused my spirit, my mind reveling in the concept of sitting on the same stones as some distant ancestor, feeling connected through the barricades of time by a single thread. We were Jews, are Jews, always Jews. Israel is where we belong, and I felt like the land itself wanted us there, constantly calling out to us with its welcoming winds. Despite its sometimes harsh terrain, I felt no fear, for it is as if the very spirit of the land is walking with me.

Jessica Harowitz
VCU, ‘10

We knew all of the places that we have been today and we heard all of the stories that we heard today, but every time it is a more special experience for us. This is our first time in Taglit-Brithright and it feels really good to know that the Jews from all over the world really appreciate the country, the histroy of Israel, and the religion, and it doesn’t matter that they live far away from here. Today we were in the Dead Sea, and even though it was so cold, we had a great time. Even when we climbed Masada, that we had climbed before, it did not feel the same because the atmosphere felt so good. Every place that we have visited with the Taglit program looks so different than before because we are with these other Jews who are visiting Israel for the first time. We think that it is very important to continue with this program because it changes the way that they think about our country.

Thank you for an excellent trip we appreciate it so much.

Bat-hen Zohar and Aviran Haham, Israeli Air Force

Shalom from Israel!

2008-01-06T18:46:00.000-05:00

Ashkelon, January 6, 2008

Hi everyone! We have been in Israel now for 3 days and things have been incredible. Sorry for the delay of the updates, but we've been very busy celebrating Shabbat and starting to tour the country. Pictures will come soon, but for now, here are some student postings.
Maxine Squires

Boker Tov!
We’ve just left the MegaEvent with about four thousand other Taglit: birthright- Israel participants, from all over the globe, and what an event! Our first day in Jerusalem was full of amazing views, from the old city skyline at sundown to an impromptu dance party to all of us singing “Salaam, aleinu ve al kol haolam, salaam” (peace to the whole world) just now at the Mega Event. But that’s not all we’ve seen: we’ve also had the opportunity to see the bunker where the Declaration of Independence was signed and Hatikva first played, an underground super-secret bullet factory for the War of Independance, a yoga shabbat service, and so much more in just three days! We’ve all become a lot closer to Israel and to one another. We participated in group discussions where we debated whether the Jewish people are normal or special and how we felt connected to Israel. It’s truly an amazing experience, learning about everything that’s happened in the short 60 years since Israel became an independent Jewish state in 1948 and at times overwhelming when we try to order falafel and shwarma.
Personally, I feel better than ever about my decision to become more active in the Virginia Tech Jewish community, and coming to Israel may have been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Israel is an amazing country, and being here in our homeland makes me feel so proud and I know that whatever the trip brings, I will relish as much as the pita and hummus I had for dinner.
Very tired, but very, very happy,
Sabrina Wilbern, Virginia Tech

Shalom from Eretz Yisrael!!!
We’re three days into our journey to and around our homeland, and things couldn’t be going any better. So far we have been spending our time in the central portion of the country, based out of our hotel in Ashquelon. We have done quite a bit of sightseeing in and around Tel Aviv-Yafo, including Independence hall and the Israeli version of the Pentagon (don’t remember the name though it was some pretty sweet architecture). We also went to Yitzchak Rabin Square where we discussed the “special-ness” of the Jewish people (apparently we are quite special…).
Today, Sunday, can pretty much be described as awesome, as the entire day was simply amazing. We started the day with a fun Icebreaker and then another interesting discussion. Following that we visited Ayalon Institute, which was a factory hidden under a kibbutz that was used to make bullets from 1945 until 1948. Then we went to visit the Israeli Armored division memorial and museum, where we learned abou the history of the armored corps of the IDF, and managed to fit everyone on our bus onto one tank.
Time to go pass out,
Zach Gottlieb
Richmond ‘10

P.S. No trouble yet mom…

Greetings from Sue, Director of Hillel at VT

2008-01-02T14:19:00.000-05:00

Bus 703
Have a great trip!!!!

Day before Taglit-birthright israel winter trip!!!!

2008-01-02T14:12:00.000-05:00

We're so excited. We're doing last minute packing.
Go bus 703!!