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)

Community Week: Army Day

This was no regular day.

Imagine being greeted by a 5"10 stocky red-haired general yelling, “You have 15 seconds to get off this bus and you just wasted five." We started at the army base where we saw some top secret videos as well as expired army tanks.

Sam Maller captures Matt Blumenthal, our red-haired general

 

 

 

 

 

After our top secret tour, we spoke with a member of our Israeli families fathers who served in the Israel Defense Force. He spoke about his experience as well as his views on the draft, who should fight and how being in the army helped him as a leader.

After group discussions we all put our game faces on, for it was time.

It was the time that we were all preparing for, the battle of all battles. The mighty paintball war. For 4+ hours the battle waged on. Balls of paint shot through the dry Israeli air as the tactical units of each side set positions in bunkers, cars, and behind musty old tires. The paintball battle was surely one for the ages and will be told for generations to come.

It was then time for the last leg of our journey, to Liran's lookout, an Israel soldier who was killed in the Second Lebanese War, but, more importantly, the brother of a fellow Diller and an all around incredible person. Thriving in all realms of life, academically, athletically, morally, and ethically, Liran was an outstanding human being, and to commemorate and celebrate his life, his father spoke to us about his life and the significance of the lookout.

It was truly a magical moment and one that got me personally thinking about my life and that one day hopefully I could do something that is deserving of a memorial like that, and, more importantly, do something that will leave an impact on others like Liran did. After dinner and a nice night circle, our night ended.  Besides the welts, bruises, and paint stains, we all fell into bed with a smile on our faces.

Thanks Diller for another amazing day!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Alex Jekowsky

Hiking the Golan

As the tour bus drove past countless "danger mines" signs we prepared to set out on a 4 hour hike along the Gilabon river. The Gilabon river is in the Golan Heights in the northern part of Israel, surrounded by scenic mountains and trees. We began the hike with a short lesson on the history of the Gilabon; the main source of water for the Kineret and Israel. The River, along with the rest of the Golan Heights, became a part of Israel during the 1967 six days war. 

We started the hike along the river and were given the opportunity to taste sabras, or prickly pear; then we climbed down rocks covered in gum.  We hiked past trees that bent over the path and over slippery rocks in the river and finally arrived at the destination: a beautiful waterfall. Looking around at the natural beauty I felt a sense of pride that this place was my homeland.

 

At the waterfall we found that one could actually stand on the rocks behind the waterfall and look out past the thundering falls onto the arid desert--it was a breathtaking contrast.  We spent some time swimmingl and splashing each other.

 

After eating lunch we finished the hike. The second half consisted of a never ending verticle staircase from the base of the valley back to one the same altitude we started at, a perfect opportunity to burn off some schwarma and falafal. We then traveled to the Gadot lookout where we learned more about the war against Syria. We also played in an army bunker.

After taking one too many pictures of the surrounding hills we piled back into the bus and rode to our final destination Dadalhadan park, where we rested after the hike, played guitar and ukulele, and for dinner, handmade pizzas in a tiny oven. 

We finished with night circles where we debriefed the day. At last we returned to our respective Israeli's homes to rest up for another exciting day.

 

Sincerely,

 

Josh Pitkofsky

A Message From Cohort 15 to Their Parents

July 29.

Sorry for the delay, technical difficulties. Here's a quick check in from the teens!! 

Community Week Begins

Today marked the end of our intensive week long congress that consisted of two hundred and forty teens from Israel and the U.S, while simultaniously signaling the beginning of the last leg of our trip: Community Week. As we sadly said goodbye to our new found friends, mentors, and, of course, wonderful food, we left Givat Haviva for the Upper Galilee. After dispersing into our separate homestays, we all met for a delicious dinner near the Jordan River at a restaurant called Iskander. With full bellies, both Isralies and Americans sat in a circle and shared their hopes for the coming week. While the responses were slightly varied, everyone voiced that they were ready to make the most of our last week in Israel. Tomorrow we look forward to a trip day with hiking in the Golan. The next day's theme is the army. I can't wait to continue working on the leadership skills we have been cultivating all year, and see the passion and energy my co-American and Israeli Fellows will bring to this experience. Sincerely, Nadine Herman

Shifting Gears: From Congress to Community Week

Being the last full day of congress, the mood seemed a little different, not better or worse, just different.

We have been working to this point for the entire week, and it was a strange feeling to almost be done. The entire week we were working on the 5 legs of Judaism, and today, we were intoduced to a sixth.  Now the sixth leg was not a pre determoned leg, it was one the we chose.  Our group (light blue) decided that we would not have a leg, but we would have a ground cover that would protect and raise these metaphorical legs; and that cover is love. This whole metaphorical table made me relaize more about my Jewish identity, and what judiasm means to me.

For me, the moment that i will remember the most from that day was the closing ceremony. All of the color groups got together and had to make some type of performance (skit, Song, ECT..) to exhibit to the rest of Congress. It was a very interesting and fun experience. My group decided to make a parody of our JC's and coordinators. We exposed the few quarks they have (in a loving way, of course), and it was all great fun.

I enjoyed this part so much because for the first time in Congress we stopped cheering for our own cohorts and started cheering for the individual groups. It was very cool to see everyone come together as Diller Teen Fellows, and not just individual cohorts.

After the closing ceremonies came probably the most fun night of congress: the dance party.  They had a dj and lots of lights and music. It was nice to let go of all the worries and stresses of the week and just relax and have a good time.  It was a great overall experience. I met some amazing people and did things I will never forget.

Now it is time to shift gears and head to community week!




Lots of love,

Matt Blumenthal

Kennes Continues

Today we had our first day of congress. Congress consists of six North American cohorts plus all of our sister cohorts in Israel. We began our day with breakfast while simultaneously awaiting the arrival of the Israelis. Once the Israelis arrived, we broke into our color groups for our first program. The program focused in on "breaking the ice" (figuratively and literally) through various games and activities. One activity consisted of ordering the goals of congress in order of their significance. After, we realized all of the goals were equally important.

After lunch, we had our second program with the Israelis. This program focused on the notion of language. The Israelis and the North Americans studied texts together  from the Torah and discussed how the meanings of the texts can change because our languages are different. After exploring language within our color groups, we got ready for Shabbat.

We began Shabbat with a "white parade." Everyone dressed in white in honor of Shabbat and walked together to an outdoor Kabbalat Shabbat service. In addition to some songs and prayers, we all received a postcard with a randomly selected name of someone from another cohort. We wrote our Shabbat wishes for that person and had to find them in the crowd. It was just as gratifying to receive the card as it was to see the receiver's face when they got the card.

After, we broke into our separate services. We had the option to attend any service offered. From orthodox to conservative to camp to alternative (and even more), we had many choices. I personally attended the alternative service which turned out to be quite a moving experience. We studied text, we meditated, and of course, we discussed various topics.

This was immediately followed by a wonderful family-style Shabbat dinner. We had the opportunity to sit with our entire cohort, including our fellow Upper Galilee cohort. After dinner, we attended one last program with our color group to wrap up the day. The program focused on studying more texts and poetry and deciding which pieces resonated with us the most.

To complete a busy day, we ended with a classic San Francisco night circle. While it mostly just consisted of laughter and smiles, we had the opportunity to confide in one another and vent about our days. Night circles are always a beautiful and satisfying way to end such long days. Overall, I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we learned A LOT today.

Ps. Thank you to our amazing staff!!

-Lindsey Berger 

Tel Aviv and the North American Kennes!

Wooooooooo! Today we woke up in Tel Aviv, ready to have a fun half day in Jaffa before heading to North American Kennes. We took a short bus ride from Tel Aviv to Jaffa, and when we arrived in Jaffa, our program leaders had a fun scavenger hunt ready for us. We were divided into groups of Americans and Israelis together, and we were given a list of tasks to do in Jaffa, most of which included taking group pictures with local landmarks. After completing the scavenger hunt, we were given some money for a pizzur lunch (which is when we get our own lunch with the money we are given). After refreshing lunches that varied from sambusaks (local, homemade Hot Pockets), ice cream and falafel, many of us headed to Shuk HaPishputim in Jaffa, a small market in which we could purchase inexpensive goods.

Finally, we all got back on the bus with our Israeli counterparts and headed to Kennes. When we arrived, we said goodbye to our Israeli counterparts and they headed home. Our North American Kennes experience was ready to begin! We had a little free time before having our opening ceremony in which all the cohorts from North America introduce themselves with skits and/or songs. Our cohort did "Oops...We Dillered Again" (courtesy of Nadine). We then broke into color groups (with one or two SF fellows in each color group) and began Kennes programming. Finally, we all reunited at our SF night circle and shared our rejuvenated love for each other after interacting with other North Americans. There is definitely a variety of opinions, but we are all staying open-minded and we are all looking forward to getting to know the other North Americans better. Our night ended with a chill-out session with the other teens.

All in all, the day was fun, interesting, overwhelming, exciting and new! We're all thrilled for our new experiences to come.

- Matt & Gabe

Tel Aviv: The Old New City

7/24/12

Today we started the morning by visiting David Ben Gurion's grave in the Negev, and continued our discussion of Jewish leadership and having a vision for a large group of people. We considered if we would accept the money from Germany or if we would decline it so that they aren't considered "off the hook" for annihilating 6 million of our
People. 

After visiting Ben Gurion, we left the Negev and drove to Tel Aviv where we visited Rabin square and saw his memorial after talking more about Rabin and his assassination. After this we visited  the Palmach Museum. We quickly learned that this was no museum we'd ever seen before and decided to name it the "Palmach Experience" instead of a museum because it was an interactive walk through the life 
 of an army platoon in Israel. 

We enjoyed a shawarma and falafel lunch outside of the Palmach Experience and then headed off to a neighborhood in South Tel Aviv where we visited a secular Yeshiva. 

We all participated in a discussion on secularism in Israel, which then escalated into a discussion on the different sects of Judaism and their different "places" in Israel. After our discussion we Toured around the neighborhood and learned about the Refugees who came to Israel for work, yet they're all living in extreme poverty and if you ask me, segregation. It was apparent that the Israelis had never been there before and some even felt uncomfortable. We learned that one primary reason that this secular Yeshiva is in that neighborhood is to help the neighborhood, such as a soup kitchen each night and volunteers playing with the kids and reading to them in the park. 

From south Tel Aviv we continued on to Independence hall where we learned about the history of Tel Aviv and The affirmation of Israel becoming an official state. 

Preceeding independence hall, we walked to Sheinken street where we had a pizzur dinner and had
Free time to visit the shops and eat dinner. 

After dinner we drove on to our hotel (which was on the beach!) and had our full night circle with the Israelis, and then our own SF cohort circle. In the first night circle we discussed how everyone felt about the secular yeshiva and learned that the israelis had very different opinions on the matter of "Israeli Judaism". We discussed  how we feel about the role of government within Judaism here in Israel and concluded by breaking off into our specific cohorts and sharing thoughts on the day. 

It was a fabulous day of learning about Israel, both past and present, and tomorrow we will head off to Jaffa before beginning Kennes. 


Your Leaders of the Day,


Maya Hutchinson and Negin Ehsanipour

Leaving Jerusalem

We began the day in Jerusalem, stopping at a viewpoint at the separation fence. We discussed the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and how having a physical fence creates division as well as protection.

We then headed to Neot Kedumim, where we met up with our long-awaited partner cohort from the upper Gallile. We were happy to be reunited after so many months of separation. With the Israelis, we participated in a few leadership activities, including fetching water from a cistern blindfolded, and herding sheep and goats. It was an experience that thought us a lot about communication and leadership.

After eating a delicious lunch, we embarked on a two and a half hour bus ride to the Negev. We reached our campsite and did some get-to-know-you games, and shared in lots of laughs and bonding. We then ate a dinner that we prepared ourselves and hung out and began catching up with each other. We set up camp, enjoyed a long night circle, and slept out under the stars. Overall, it was a very successful and enriching day.

Your Leaders of the Day,

EJ Weiss and Isaac Kort-Meade

Lighting up the Desert

Our seventh day of this incredible experience began for many of us at sunrise. We watched the sun come up over a hill near our campsite in Sde Boker and light up the golden mountains. After breakfast we drove to Nachal Haverim, where we were to hike. There was an ancient cistern at the beginning of our trail that we were able to walk inside and escape from the heat. As we hiked down into the canyon every view blew us away. We arrived hot and sweaty at Ein Ovdat where we enjoyed the beauty  of a waterfall and lagoon. But we were still at the bottom of the canyon. So from there, we hiked up 410 stairs that were carved into the canyon 1500 years ago. Despite the heat and the tiring steps we kept high spirits chatting with the Israelis and soaking in the canyon's majesty.
       After the rewarding hike we took a cool air conditioned  bus ride to Sfinat Midbar, where we had our Bedouin experience. We sat on covered pillows inside  a tent and listened to a man explain about their culture.  Then we ate off of large platters filled with bread, tomato, cucumber, hummus, and shwarma.
        In the evening, we went to the hostel where we showered and cooled off in the pool.  Shani, the Israeli coordinator, led an interesting discussion surrounding the theme of being a host and a guest to prepare us for Congress and the home stays. We ate a very nice dinner and then broke up into our night circles where we talked about our thoughts of the day. Following our group discussion was a bonfire behind the hostel overlooking the canyon. Not only were the stars and shadows on the rocks amazing, but the roasted marshmallows and conversations were great as well. Overall, we had a wonderful day seeing Sde Boker and rekindling our friendships with the Israelis.




Your Leaders of the Day,
Anna Bernstein and Lily Peterson