Today's blog post is unlike any blog post before.
What you are about to read is the account of four San
Francisco Diller Teen Fellows, recapping their JCM Shabbaton: the weekend
retreat spent with their Israeli partners at Walker Creek Ranch.
While the Israelis had spent a number of jam packed days
touring the city and the environs, and the SF fellows continued to tackle the
day-to-day workload of Junior Year, this weekend was the pinnacle of our
cultural exchange. Both groups were able to finally come together as one group
and spend some time in the sun-soaked nature of Petaluma.
Do read on:
Levi Myers begins.
" Friday marked the start of the JCM, or the retreat
which the partners went on. Both cohorts met at the San Francisco federation, and
after much eating and hydrating we embarked on our journey. The bus ride was
similar to a Warriors game, in that it was extremely loud, fun, and people were
constantly standing up then sitting back down again. The bus provided a nice
opportunity for informal bonding between individuals, and the cohorts as a
group. After getting off the bus, everyone participated in ice-breaker type
games to loosen up, then found their cabins. Dinner followed, then after the
opening ceremonies, in which the Junior Councilors greeted the cohorts decked
out in Olympic gear. Then fun ice-breakers allowed teens to get more
opportunities to bond. Finally, both cohorts split up for their separate Maagal
Lailas. The day as a whole allowed both cohorts to relax and interact freely;
teens got to make good connections with people from the opposite cohort, while
strengthening the bonds they had already made. We could only wait for what
would come next."
Aaron Morrill continues...
After finishing up our initial planning and learning about
community week, set to happen in Israel, we played an awesome game of Israelis
vs Americans capture the flag. Wearing ourselves out then called for some chill
time which was followed by a quick fashion show in which partners wore their
clothes in unorthodox ways. This led into the creation of our official SF-UG
cheer and flag which are both, if I do say so myself, AMAZING. We then had a
little time to ourselves and then welcomed in the Shabbat with traditional
candle lighting and a few prayers. Kabbalah Shabbat was followed by dinner.
What ensued immediately after the meal was a rousing Oneg Shabbat which
included many favorite songs of the fellows. After quickly changing into
evening apparel, we partook in a trivia program which enlightened us to cultural
fun facts about Israel and the United States.
After our final program as a complete cohort we split
into our regional groups in which both the Israelis and Americans had a
memorable closing circle, known to us as maagal layla. All in all this Friday
afternoon was one of fun and thoughtfulness which allowed us to bond with
each and every one of our peers. At least from my perspective, I will never
forget it.
Next, Hazel Olson-Dorf talks about Saturday morning.
Saturday was the last day of the JCM Shabbaton
and it was sunny with a bit of wind. We started off the day with a Morning
Circles activity that I lead with my committee. The Activity was “Speed Dating”
where the Israeli and the American cohorts sat in two circles, one inside the
other, and we answered questions like “If you could have any super power what
would it be?” I felt like it was a good way to start the day and still get to
know each other a little better.
After that, we had two options for morning
Tfila, one inside and one outside. Lara lead the one inside; a less formal yoga
version of a service. The one outside was a self-lead service that was more
formal and incredibly beautiful. We decided to do the service in a meadow and
were visited by deer and birds. After that we came together to do a D’var Torah
activity and a program lead by Oren Massey called Two and a Half Tribes. This
program broke down how two and a half tribes wanted to live outside of Israel
after wandering in the desert for forty years. Moses wanted them to join the other
nine and a half (to make the twelve tribes) to fight for the right to Israel.
This program grappled with the idea of being Jewish outside of Israel but
without making it the whole focus. It was a very interesting and incredibly
educational program that many teens took to heart. If you want to know more
about the program ask your teen, they will have a lot to say!
Next was a program coordinated by tour lovely
JC’s Aidan and Laurel. We were broken up into small groups and went to
different stations with different activities. In one, we had to untie ourselves
from a human knot, and once we did that we had to do it with our eyes closed.
It was very fun but also pretty physically challenging, but especially nice in
the sun! Right after that was lunch.
That’s all for the morning!
And finally, Lauren Safier wraps up the weekend with the
following thoughts:
Saturday Afternoon
Reflection
Saturday afternoon included our final
programs, dinner, and goodbyes. After lunch, we explored cultural differences
in a fun and creative skit activity. More specifically, we were all assigned
various categories - from music to food to school – and we instructed
were to create a skit, based on the differences between Israeli teens and
American teens in each area. The big takeaway was that while we all
have our various cultural differences and acknowledge and appreciate them, we
recognize that we also share common connections: Judaism, Jewish values,
leadership, and Tikkun Olam. After this activity we had the option to go on a
beautiful scenic hike to a lake. Although I did not go on the hike, I heard
from some people that they felt it was the most meaningful moment of the
weekend. Then, once everyone returned from their hike we all gathered on the
lawn in two large circles and reflected on our collective journeys, in the week
preceding the shabbaton, and the shabbaton in itself. While many of us shared
serious and meaningful adventures, it was also lighthearted as well. We shared
stories of debunking American and Israeli stereotypes. Specifically, we
discovered that not all Americans like McDonalds and not all Israelis love
falafel. For me, the most meaningful part of the weekend was our closing
ceremony. After dinner, we all joined outside in a large circle. We ended the
shabbaton with songs, cheering, heartfelt appreciations, and a true sense of
bonding and deep connection. The energy exuded in that circle was infectious
and electrifying. The moment was incredible, unique, and truly a once in a
lifetime experience.
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