Winter Taglit-Birthright Israel: DC Community Trip Day 10

Day 10 - The End

This morning started a particularly emotional day for us, compared to some of the less intense days we'd had previously on the trip. This is partially because we spent the morning at Mount Herzl, which is both Israel's main military cemetery and the burial ground of many of its greatest leaders and pioneers, from Golda Meir to Yitzhak Rabin and to Theodore Herzl himself. Connecting the graves we were seeing to everything from the 1948 War to the Six-Day War to incidents that happened as recently as two months ago, as well as seeing the grave of a prideful American Jew who made aliyah and joined the Israeli Defense Forces made for a difficult and solemn morning, to say the least. Our Israeli friends shared many emotional and heartbreaking stories of friends who left this earth far too soon in an effort to protect the country and people that they loved. Many of us have friends and family who have served in the American military, and even some who have not made it home. But the harsh reality of Israel's mandatory military service is something that our generation does not know - our friends, lovers, brothers and sisters having no choice to go to war. The bravery, dignity and strength of the Israeli people is truly awe-inspiring, and Mount Herzl is a gorgeous and sobering tribute in their honor.

Following this, we returned to Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem for lunch and shopping. We spread out on our own, often in the cliques and packs that have formed over the past nine days. Many of us left with full bellies and even fuller shopping bags, ready to tackle the challenge of how exactly all of this Israeli swag is going to fit into our already overstuffed suitcases. Do you try and shove it all in, or do you toss that pair of jeans, fearing that the camel blood will never truly come out? Is there any way to get your favorite Israeli participant through customs?

As I write this, we have very little time left together. We have one meal, a group activity, and a final trip to the Western Wall tonight. And then it is the final bus ride to the airport. Once we step through the security line in Tel Aviv, we are no longer numbers 1-45, and we are no longer Shorashim Bus 229. We're a collection of individuals who happen to be returning from a trip to Israel on the same flight. Some of us will keep in touch and see each other again, whether at community events or on our own. Some of us will never return to Israel, while others may be back sooner rather than later - and maybe that time for good.

In many ways, we are still the same people today that we were ten days ago - exhausted, and really hoping that winter weather doesn't delay or cancel our flights. But in other ways, we have changed profoundly. We may go back to cubicles and law libraries, apartments and town homes, Metro stops and traffic jams. But even as we do that, we will never forget how we felt here in Israel, together as Americans and as Jews. There is a little bit of every participant that I will take with me, whether an inside joke or a lifelong friendship. And there is a lot of Israel that I will bring back with me as well.

If I am truly the last blogger for this trip, I'd like to thank you all for reading along with us for these ten days. I'd like to thank our staff, Lani, Sarah and Ariel, for leading us through this wonderful experience. I'd especially like to thank our Israeli participants - Tom, Orin, Udi, Nir, Meidan, Noa and Yarden - for sharing so much of themselves and their country with us. As we prepare to start preparing for the "Reverse Mifgash" in an attempt to bring all of them to the United States in 2010, I will close: "See you soon, my friends."

Josh Frank, Falls Church, VA

Winter Taglit-Birthright Israel: DC Community Trip Day 9

Day 9 – Old McDonald Had a Moshav and Other Tales of Service-Learning

Thus far on our trip, we have had the opportunity to see renowned sites throughout Israel from Masada and the Dead Sea in the south to the Golan Heights to Jerusalem. Today, however, brought us the chance to see a different side of Israel, that of its everyday citizens.

We started the morning at a farm (moshav) in the Negev Desert, where we learned about farming and agronomy in Israel. The farmer who guided our tour allowed us to sample the various fruits, vegetables, and herbs that he grew, directly from the source! While many of us have been to "pick-your-own" farms in Maryland and Virginia, I cannot remember having been to a farm with such a wide variety of crops at any given time. Some of the samples included small citrus fruits, cucumbers, more than 30 types of tomatoes, strawberries, basil, and peppers, including the extremely hot habañero pepper, which a few of our group members were brave enough (or crazy enough, depending on your opinion) to try.

Additionally, the farmer demonstrated the skills of his carrier pigeons, as they flew messages between sites that we visited. At the close of our visit to the farm, we were invited to try the farm's homemade basil pesto, along with freshly baked pita that we put on hot grills ourselves. We've tried many types of pita on this trip (seriously, there's been a LOT of pita), but this was by far the best I've had.

From the farm, we drove through the Negev back toward Jerusalem, stopping in the city of Beit Shemesh. Beit Shemesh is Washington, DC's sister city through Partnership 2000, so we were given an afternoon to learn more about the city and its citizens, as well as performing community service. We were welcomed at the city's high school, where we met the director of the Partnership 2000 program and watched a new video highlighting the different aspects of the partnership, which also includes the Jewish community of South Africa. Then, we split into groups to work on art collages with students, do yard work at the school, or in my case, paint benches on the grounds of the school. We interacted with 11th graders at the school, who had much more in common with high schoolers in the U.S. than I might have originally thought. They seem to listen to similar music and enjoy each other's company (often to the detriment of their paying attention in class). As we left, we sang and danced with the Israelis (including to "Cotton-Eyed Joe" and the "Electric Slide", which proves that horrendous music is universal). Overall, this was a rewarding experience that allowed the students to practice their English and the members of Bus 229 to give back to citizens of the country that has been our host for more than a week now, while building a partnership that already exists.

We then continued on to Jerusalem, where we split into groups to work with the group Elul, which does Torah and text study with a modern twist. This was the first time many of our group members had studied Torah before, but we had a lively and interactive discussion. Following dinner, we also had a brief program in which we discussed and debated our views on Israel and its role in Judaism, the IDF, and the issue of intermarriage. Many of us then went back to our floor of the hotel to relax and talk and enjoy one another's company as we prepared to return to the U.S. in less than 36 hours.

Overall, today was unlike any other day I experienced on this trip. The chance to see Israeli citizens going about their everyday lives was enlightening and reminds me that there is more to this country than religion, tourism, and conflict. There is a vibrant culture here, and Israelis are proud to share their work and their lives with visitors. This trip has been truly rewarding, and I'm glad I made the decision to come to Israel, especially with my fellow DC community members, with whom I can share these experiences upon our return. I had many opportunities to participate with Birthright Israel until now, and for whatever reason, it never just seemed like the time is right. Thankfully, I'm glad I waited; I think I am more able to appreciate this trip now, and I can't think of 44 other people with whom I would have rather shared this. Many of us have commented over the last nine days that we were looking to find a Jewish community on this
journey; I think I speak for them when I say that we've found it.

Adam Lewis, Crystal City, VA

Winter Taglit-Birthright Israel: DC Community Trip Day 7

In response to the group's visit to Yad Vashem

"Dragged Down"

I knew a man,
Neither by name nor face.
I knew him
Because I know myself.
When he fell,
I was dragged down.
No, I did not stumble.
I became shorter.
How will I reach the ledge?

Richard Schneider, Potomac, MD

Winter Taglit-Birthright Israel: DC Community Trip Days 5 and 6

We left Tel Aviv and drove to Jerusalem. The scenery on the way ranged from really pretty to nice to look at. The company and conversation on the bus was nice, as usual. We then stopped at an overlook and looked over the entire city of Jerusalem. The view was amazing. All of us taking pictures of each other staring off at the city, listening to the stories.

We then traveled to downtown Jerusalem. We saw the start of the hustle and bustle in preparation for Shabbat. We looked at King David's burial site, which was near the scene of the last supper, on Christmas day. We had Shabbat challah saying the motzi before heading towards the wall. Once closer, we saw the menorah said to be from the original Temple. Eventually we got to the wall. Men and women split up and went in. Even while looking at the wall, I knew I felt something, but could not describe it. It wasn't until after I put the note in the wall, walked backwards and turned away before I realized the sensation was "awe." All these years of turning towards Jerusalem in prayer, I was at the spot that I pray towards. It was amazing.

Then we made our way to Mahane Yehuda, an outdoor market. The preparation for Shabbat was in full swing. Incredible! Fresh pomegranate juice, falafel and more were there for us to purchase and enjoy. It was great. Then we headed toward Kibbutz Tzuba in Jerusalem. It sits in gorgeous hills, looking out towards the mountain. We prepared for Shabbat and had a nice discussion about the meaning of Shabbat and what each portion of the service means. We then went to dinner.

After dinner we returned to our classroom to have a boys versus girls sing off. The songs had to include the words "sun" in the first round and "peace" in the finale. The songs ranged from classic kid's songs to Backstreet Boys to classic rock. It was hysterical, quite possibly the funniest thing thus far. Who knew 22-to-26-year-old boys from DC could sing and dance in unison so well. After that we all hung out and relaxed and enjoyed Shabbat. The day was great!

Carolyn Abraham, Washington, DC

Winter Taglit-Birthright Israel: DC Community Trip Day 6

The Holocaust is a scar across the face of humanity, and Yad Vashem is a literal scar on the landscape of Israel. Early Sunday morning our group ventured to the Holocaust memorial museum for the most gut-wrenching three hours of our trip through Israel. A prism-shaped building that cuts through a hillside outside Jerusalem, the primary structure of Yad Vashem presents the Holocaust from the victim's perspective from the beginnings of modern anti-Semitism through Eichmann's trial in 1961. We saw the sadness of the ghettos, the terrors of the gas chambers, and the placid faces of mass murderers who never fired a single bullet. It is impossible to describe the confusion, anger, and despair we felt in that building, but one lasting memory will be the hope we felt when the end of the main hall opened up to a vista overlooking the hills of Jerusalem and the modern Jewish state. We continued through several ancillary areas of Yad Vashem, walking through the children's memorial and then the Valley of Communities, a rocky canyon constructed to memorialize every European community affected by the Holocaust.

Throughout the entire trip, our days have been packed and Sunday was no different. While the names and faces of Yad Vashem will be forever etched in our minds, we nonetheless ventured away from Jerusalem and south into the Negev. As the landscape changed from green mountains to plains and then desert, our amazing driver Hussein demonstrated his mastery of the south's treacherous roads, though even he was unable to prevent a short delay when the road was blocked for an IDF training exercise. While Bus 229 sat idle, cars, trucks, and boys on donkeys and bikes simply went off-road through the dunes. In short order we arrived at the Bedouin tent camp that became our home for 12 hours. We were greeted not only by our hosts but also by camels and donkeys. Those beasts of burden took us on a brief tour of the site, one of the highlights of our trip. After the walk we stole away to our tent to claim a prized mattress in our 45-person tent before our host, Haled, welcomed us with tea, coffee, and an introduction to Bedouin culture. Yes, he said, they have plumbing, satellite television, and laptop computers - and tell great jokes - but above all they value their traditional way of life, the beauty of the desert, and the expression of hospitality. Haled invited all of us to his house on Tuesday for goat, and after the traditional feast of lamb, rice, and pita we had at night, we were sad to pass up on his offer.

Our day, which began at Yad Vashem, ended with a sing-a-long around a bonfire. Absurd, really, to move so quickly from visions of trauma in the lush beauty of Jerusalem to warm hospitality amid the barren rocky dunes of the Negev Desert. No time to think too hard about it though...sleep beckons with another early morning over the horizon.

Abram Fox, Laurel, MD

Winter Taglit-Birthright Israel: DC Community Trip Day 5

So if it was not blatantly clear that we were in Israel it became clear yesterday. We visited the "Holy City" - Jerusalem. Having been there ten years ago with my family, you might think the experience would be less overwhelming or meaningful but that was not the case. The Western Wall, while in most people's opinion smaller in person, is still quite a sight and experience. Men and women were of course separated and we were given time to approach the Wall and in whatever way we felt comfortable pay our respects, so to speak. It is almost impossible there not to feel connected to being Jewish when you see people from all countries and walks of life gathering at a single place to pray, leave notes, or just touch the Wall. As if anything could live up to this experience, afterwards we headed to the open market. With the help of our Israeli haverim (friends) we had lunch and participated in a scavenger hunt of sorts. If this sounds exciting, you won't believe our evening. After a brief but touching Shabbat service and dinner we had what can only be called a sing-along battle. Men versus women with songs as diverse as Salam to Grease, Shalom Aleichem to Sir Mix-A-Lot. This evening proved that we are here for a religious experience, but that does not mean we can't show Israelis how to have a proper battle of the sexes in the Holy Land! Shalom for now.

Mindi Levitz, Washington, DC

Winter Taglit-Birthright Israel: DC Community Trip Day 4

"Because it's bleepin' free!"

That's what he said, artist Udi Krauss. It's true: that's how we're here, but it's not why.

Our last day in the Golan Heights was activity-packed: after leaving the kibbutz we've called home for 3 days, we loaded ourselves and our luggage into our second home, the bus, and traveled to the Kinneret to spend time getting a sense of the individuals who gave birth to Eretz Israel: the pioneers. We sang emotional songs together, led by Oren's guitar, at the graves of Naomi Shemer and Rachel.

We then took the drive down to Tel Aviv, where we first stopped at the site of Yitzhak Rabin's assassination. Since most of us were too young and detached from Israel at that time, it was the first opportunity to make that event a real, tangible event. We then gathered at the top of the square to discuss that fateful day, the events and political climate that led up to it. Our Israelis shared their personal stories and feelings, and we closed with a meaningful read of Rabin's final speech.

What was supposed to be a short drive to the Independence Museum was slowed down by a painful pkak, so we all got off the bus to walk on the beach boardwalk and take beautiful sunset pictures. Ariel then told us a short story of Jaffa.

When we finally made it to Independence Museum, we saw a short video about Tel Aviv's history and the declaration. Our guide then took some time to describe in detail the events behind the historic event. After listening to 3 minutes of David Ben Gurion's original declaration of independence, both the Chicago group and our group stood for what turned out to be a very emotional rendition of Hatikva (the Israeli national anthem), to the track that played following the declaration. When Richard approached me and said what I had been thinking, my mind was blown away: we both sang Hatikva every day in school but it never felt as meaningful and connecting as it did at that moment, in that room, and with those people around us.

Finally we made it to the hotel and after dinner went for an activity with alumni from the Reverse Mifgash. We played an ice-breaker and they shared with us their favorite things about DC and their US experience. I was personally touched by 1Israeli, Uri Lerner, who mentioned how touched he was by OUR Judaism, OUR Judaism in the States. He said that we were free to practice a Judaism we were comfortable with, which was something he had never experienced here in Israel. What a mind-boggling comment!

Just when you'd think it was bedtime, we were treated to an interactive, educational and fun performance by Udi Krauss, who gave us insights into Israeli life, culture, and music. We closed with an awesome dancing and singing of Salam, with its uplifting lyrics that certainly brought us closer to what the Israeli reality is day to day, and how much we all just want peace. After some marshmallow puffs we were ready to join our Israelis, new and old, at Manda Rosa, where we had an hour and a half to disco disco!

Even though we may have at first been surrounded by sadness and painful memories of loss, we were at the end of the day reminded of what life is truly worth living for: doing, feeling, creating, pioneering. Ariel left us with an open question: what are we doing to be pioneers today? And while we may not get the opportunity to put our bare hands into the land and create a promised land like our ancestors did for us here, we can pioneer a new consciousness of our Judaism, a new relationship with our fellow Jews, our culture, our neighbors, our past, and our future.

Tanya Arditi, Washington, DC