Blog

By: Alexis Silhavy and Logan Suffel

 

It is hard to find the words to describe the amazing experience we participated in this past December as our Achshav Cohort traveled to Israel together. We will always remember our Israel trip for so many reasons. Every day was a new adventure full of laughs, leadership, and learning. One of our favorite days started in Ashkelon, Baltimore's sister city, where we met with 6th-grade students from the Arlozorv school. Going into the activity we expected to learn about their game-oriented school and talk to a few students, but we walked away with so much more. We connected on a deeper level with many of the students despite the language barrier as we spent the afternoon planting flowers and playing different games. A powerful moment for us was when we saw one of their many bomb shelters because it showed us what they were dealing with daily. We were to learn that their lives were not just filled with games and flowers; they have moments of real fear.     

 

One of the most impactful moments of the trip came later that day. We were told to close all our windows as we were driving to Jerusalem. Once we stopped, we were blindfolded and guided by our staff to what we learned was Mount Scopus. As we approached the viewpoint, we were all told to take off our blindfolds at the same time for our first look at Jerusalem. This was an amazing opportunity for us to see Jerusalem in all its glory; it was stunning. The next day we went to Yad Lakashish, an organization that supports low income and retired elders by teaching them a new artistic skill so that they can help create something which Yad Lakashish sells. We thought this was very important because we aren't familiar with anything like this in the U.S. and it helped us to look differently at this group of people. We enjoyed buying many of their creations like Mezuzahs, Hamsa Necklaces, and Tallitot. 

 

A few days later we went to Kfar Nokdim Bedouin Tents where we rode camels through the desert and spent time talking to a Bedouin Man. He taught us about the culture, and how they've evolved over hundreds of years. He also introduced us to Bedouin tea which we loved. That evening we ate a traditional Bedouin dinner on pillows. We spent the American New Year's Eve night with a “bond �" fire” where we sang songs and played games.

 

This trip meant more to us than words can describe. Each one on of us had an “ah-ha” moment where we realized that Israel was our second home. A great example of this was when a man on the street asked us where we were from and after we told him, he said: “welcome home." Those simple words had a profound impact on us. Another moment was when we started talking to an Orthodox lady at synagogue, and it turned out she was from Baltimore. After talking, she invited us to her house for Kiddush. 

 

In addition to the many amazing activities, we participated in, spending ten days in Israel helped us to learn our strengths and weaknesses as we grew as both a group and as individuals. We also learned how our small actions could impact the greater good. This trip will remain in the forefronts of our minds as we continue to move through life and make decisions that impact the world. 

 

We want to thank our wonderful Ramah staff as they truly made our trip one of a kind. We connected with all of our Israeli staff like we'd known them for years. To our Baltimore teachers, Dr. Bor, Amy, and Jason, we appreciate your dedication and hard work over the past several years as you prepared us for our journey. This was a trip of a lifetime, with people we will always remember. Lastly, thank you to Beth El's Board of Directors, The Crane Foundation, The Center for Jewish Education, and Mr. John Davison for making our trip possible.