Discovering Myself as a Leader

Ej Weiss volunteers with an new Ethiopian immigrant during Community Week.  (photo credit: Sam Maller)

For me, the Israel summer seminar was full of learning. Not traditional classroom style learning, rather learning about myself. I discovered my style of leadership, what I excel at, what I need to work on, and where my limits are. I had the opportunity to be leader of the day on the first day that our cohort, San Francisco, merged with our partnership, Upper Galilee. This day enabled me to help lead not only twenty, but forty teens. The job was tiring, but it was also incredibly rewarding. The simple act of getting all forty teenagers to stand and pose for a photograph became a test of leadership. How could I quiet the rowdy group? How could I get everyone to cooperate in a timely manner? I was dealing with so many challenges, yet somehow I managed to succeed in both the smaller and larger goals of the day. I came to realize that I have a strong voice as a leader. People listen to me when I speak confidently. When I communicate and I am flexible, I can even deal with forty teens, speaking two different languages, from different sides of the earth.

I further discovered at congress, that while I may not always be the most knowledgeable about everything, my ability to speak articulately is useful in communicating my ideas. I was able to persuade my peers while participating in heated debate. The feedback from others taught me an immense amount about what I do that is effective as a leader. When working with the Israelis in community week, I got the chance to put all of my newfound skills to the test. I was able to work well with my Israeli counterparts. We were able to teach history lessons, keep the group quiet, and help everyone have fun. Along the way, I realized that I conquered my fears. When I feared playing paintball, I was the first one to shoot the gun. When I was scared to swim to the waterfall, I would grab my friends’ hands and race them to it. I grew stronger and learned to push the boundaries of what I thought I was capable of accomplishing.

Volunteering at an absorption center with young Ethiopian refugees ended the trip in the perfect way. I began to find myself hating the phrase “community service”. Spending a day playing with kids: running around and laughing, was not service, it was pure fun. There is a notion that comes with community service that it needs to be hard work; it is not thought of as being something fun. I realized that making a difference in the world can be fun. I want to live my life using the quote: “it is not your responsibility to finish the work [of perfecting the world], but you are not free to desist from it either” (Pirkei Avot 2:16). I have learned that I have the ability to change the world. If I follow my heart and find what I am passionate for, and dedicate myself to the cause, I will make a difference. The Israel Summer Seminar helped me find myself and inspired me to stand up and take action.

Thanks,

Ej Weiss

"We Felt Like a Family"

What an amazing summer I had! I can’t even begin to describe the change that occurred within me during my three weeks in Israel. When I think back to all that we’ve done, certain memories stick out, but the ones that stick out the most are the people I met. Not only do I feel as though the SF cohort became incredibly close, I also believe we became a cohesive partnership with the Upper Galilee cohort. I feel connected to the most amazing Jewish teenagers in Israel and that’s something very few programs can offer.

Other memories also stand out, such as deciding that we would tackle a four hour hike in the hot Negev as a partnership. Not only did everyone finish, but we were also cheered on as we came to the end of the hike. We felt like a family, everyone helped each other have a wonderful experience. I also remember making a difference in the lives of young children. We got to paint and garden for a psychology office for children and we got to spend time with Ethiopian Jewish children. Some who were so new to Israel they barley knew Hebrew. These experiences have brought two cohorts together in so many more ways than just a partnership, we are now a family.

SF-UG volunteering with newly arrived Ethiopians (photo: Sam Maller)

 Through Kennes and Congress I learned a lot about myself and the role Israel will play in my life. I know I want to learn Hebrew and be able to speak it fluently as well as study abroad for a semester once I’m in college. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do these before I left for Israel. I also realized how lucky I am to be Jewish. I realized that Judaism is not just a religion and that there are so many things I can connect to besides being spiritual. I know Judaism will play a large role in my life to come.

Overall I had the best time in Israel and I know I will go back someday. I also know I will use my leadership skills throughout the rest of my life and that is something I cannot be thankful for enough. I want to thank Helen Diller and everyone else who are apart of the Diller foundation for making this experience possible. I would also like to thank Sam, Sarnia, and Aaron for guiding me through a change I didn’t think was ever possible. 

I had an unforgettable summer. 

Sincerely,

Jenny Gross

Jenny forging a relationship (photo credit: Sam Maller)

 

We, the Fellows

It sounds cliché, but it is difficult deciding where to begin my experience in Israel through the Diller program. During the closing ceremony on the last day of the trip, I presented a speech about my experience throughout the three weeks (first of all, I have always had stage fright. I doubt I would have had the courage to voluntarily give a speech before this trip). I began by explaining that beginning from the flight to Israel, I knew that this trip was going to be like no other. As two of the fellows took the initiative to guide us through the airports, it was pretty obvious that we, the teens, were going to be shaping our own experiences.

            
One experience that stood out to me during the trip was Community Week. Knowing that we, the fellows, planned the week was very rewarding. During Community Week, we found a way to balance a sense of fun and a sense of seriousness. While we did many fun activities, such as rafting and milking cows. We also did many serious things, such as visiting memorials and visiting an army base. No matter what it was that we did, our cohort found a way to make life long memories and learn extensive amounts about ourselves and about Israel.

One of the most incredible take-aways from the trip is the relationship that our cohort made with the Israeli cohort. We made friendships with the Israelis that will last for a life time. Having the opportunity to stay in an Israeli’s home and truly become immersed into the Israeli lifestyle was something I will never forget.

Overall, this trip was absolutely incredible. I am so thankful to have experienced Israel in such a unique way and with such amazing people. Anyone can travel to Israel, but only Dillers can experience the land and the people as uniquely as we did. 

With gratitude,

Lindsey Berger 

Lindsey enjoying a mindful moment in Israel (photo credit: Sam Maller)

Israel Summer Seminar Reflections

Dear Diller Teen Fellows Community,

Now that our trip has ended, the teens and I are returning to our everyday lives.  School, work, and ongoing commitments.

As you have seen through our blog, this summer was an amazing journey of leadership, introspection, personal growth, and community building.  To summarize these incredible experiences, and to reflect on how they impacted the teens, you will continue to hear from the teens themselves as they articulate how they will weave these insights into their upcoming senior year and beyond.

Thanks for taking part in our adventure.  Feel free to comment if you are so inspired!

Sincerely,

Aaron Levi

The San Francisco Diller Teen Fellows on their way home through JFK.
(photo credits: Sam Maller)

Shabbat in the Upper Galilee

This week for Shabbat I was staying at a house that is Shomer Shabbas (A shomer Shabbat or shomer Shabbos is a person who observes the mitzvot (commandments) associated with Judaism's Shabbat). It was a very new experience for me and I went in a little scared to mess up the families Shabbat. Luckily, nothing went wrong it was an altogether very fun Saturday. I got to wake up late and when I went out, a lot of their family was over. I played board games with the kids, listened to the adults argue in Hebrew, and didn't think once about Facebook. It was a little crazy since I met seven of the nine if my host mothers siblings and their families, but I really enjoyed having a day off and not having to worry about what was happening on the Internet.

Shabbat Shalom,

Kamala Sloss

History Day in the Hula Reserve

SF-UG teens biking in the Hula Reserve (photo credits: Sam Maller)

We began our day bright and early at the Hula reserve with an eight kilometer bike ride. We learned the history of the swamp and the importance of draining the water to stop malaria. From there we went to the helicopter disaster site where, in 1997, 73 soldiers died in a freak accident. From above, one can see that the memorial is in the shape of a helicopter. Our medic, Chatzav, told us some touching stories about the soldiers who died in the crash.

SF-UG teens at the Helicopter Crash Site (photo credits: Sam Maller)

From there we went to Tel Hai which is a cemetery in which eight fighters are commemorated for their bravery in protecting their city from their Arab neighbors. A statue of a lion symbolizes Trumpeldor, the fearless leader of the battle. The lion represents the strength of the fighters and the pained expression on its face shows the hurt of the people. We had our late afternoon circles there and then headed back to our host families for delicious Shabbat dinners.

Sincerely,

EJ Weiss and Lily Peterson

A Poem by Lily Peterson

Here where the sand meets the sun
and both meet skin
I soak in the air and
with pleasure and fear
for all the greatness I see
can be destroyed
as I walk back in time
to the beat of my heart.  The
pulse of my blood and the
past seeping through me
taking my breath and giving me
life.

The sun's descent casts a final glow on the Hula Valley.  (photo credit: Sam Maller)