The five legged Table, Second day of Kennes- WIE 2014, Cohort 17

Today was our second day of Kennes and our last day in Israel. Avraham Infeld came to speak to all of us about his 5 Legged Table idea. Basically, he believes that a person's Jewish identity is made up of five legs: memory, Israel, family, covenant and language (Hebrew). A table can't stand on just one leg--it usually needs three to be sturdy-- and similarly with his table, when a person connects to more of these legs they are able to create a stronger Jewish identity and connect to other Jews. 

In the afternoon we split into our color groups, which consisted of two members of each cohort, a junior counselor and a coordinator. The junior counselor led a program about the important values of North American Jews. My group decided on community, opinions on Israel, Tikkun Olam, adaption and roots. It took a long time to pick these 5 because while we all agreed on most of them, we do come from different communities so there were some differences in what the last few values should be. It was also interesting to see how some of our own values overlapped with Avraham Infeld's 5 legs. This was one of my favorite programs of Kennes because it allowed us to see how just living in a different part of the same country could change what a person values. We ended the day with a New Years countdown and confetti poppers outside by the crater in Sde Boker. I thought that this was the perfect way to end a great trip. 

On our way to Kennes- WIE 2014 Cohort 17

After saying a final goodbye to our Israeli partners and the Upper Galilee, we loaded all of our luggage onto the bus and headed down to Sde Boker for the North American Kennes. After briefly meeting the other North American Dillers at the Mega Evening in Tel Aviv, we were all extremely excited to reconnect with them and make some new friends. 

The evening started with an opening ceremony where David Ben-Gurion himself gave an introduction to the Kennes and got us all pumped for a jam-packed one and a half days of programming, socializing, and exploring North American Jewry (or maybe it was a junior counselor dressed up as David Ben-Gurion, it was hard to tell). We then broke out into our different color groups where we did some ice breakers to reintroduce ourselves to the other North American Fellows that we met  at the Mega Evening. Next on the schedule was a really interesting lecture from Liat Cohen about the history of the Jewish people and how the Jewish communities all around the world came to be. We closed our first day of Kennes with an emotional Maagal Lilah where we reflected upon our fifteen months since starting Diller. The first day of Kennes was filled with interesting discussions and new friends, and I can't wait for what tomorrow has to offer.

High School and beyond- Last day of community week, WIE 2014 Cohort 17

The theme of the last day of community week was Israeli adolescence. We examined what the late teens and early 20s look like in Israel. So naturally We all hopped on the bus and went to har vagai, the regional high school. Many of the Israeli fellows attend the school and showed us around. It highlighted some of the cultural differences that exist between American and Israeli teens. I wish I could have a major in high school!

Next we went to an Army base where we talked to a lone soldier and a reservist about their army experiences. Afterwards we walked in Park Hazahav, translated to the Golden Park modeled after our own Golden Gate Park. The park was endowed by San Franciscans. We got a tour of the shacks in which Jewish immigrants lived when they settled Kiryat Shmona. 

We then went to mitzpe liran, a vista point that overlooks Kiryat Shmona. Liran was a soldier who died in the second Lebanon war, and the outlook is in his honor. His father came to speak with us about his son's legacy. Liran was an incredibly kind soul and devoted individual and learning about him was a reminder of how amazing we can be. Afterwards we met with a local youth group that Liran was active in. We talked through desert island scenarios. Through which about making difficult decisions and compromise. Then, as a closing activity, we each picked a picture of us as out partner that symbolized out friendship. We talked about the meaningful community we had built throughout the course of the week. Afterwards we met our host parents for our closing ceremony that included thank yous, reflection, and a slideshow. It was a lovely summation to an unforgettable week.

Those who sacrificed for Israel- Past and present, WIE 2014, Cohort 17

Today, we started with a tour of the historic Tel Hai yard. Our tour guide explained to us that this fort had been built so the early settlers could live closer to their farms during the week. They would then go home on the weekends. Eventually, it was abandoned due to violent neighboring Arabs. It was later re- settled by pioneers prepared to face the harsh reality of the surrounding communities. Joseph Trumpeldor, a Jewish settler who had served as an officer in the Russian army went to teach these new settlers how to fight. While he was there, the Tel Hai yard was surrounded by 400 Arabs. Shortly after, fighting started. Seventeen Jewish settler defended themselves against this enormous army, yet they were able to make the Arabs to leave. The cost of this battle was eight Jewish lives, including Joseph's. He famously said, "Never mind, it is worth giving my life for the State of Israel." This phrase was used by the early Jewish authority to inspire young pioneers to settle the North And is known to most Israelis today. They abandoned the fort for some years until Israel became a state and it was turned into a museum. As we toured the yard, we took a moment to close our eyes to try and feel what it was like to be in Tel Hai at the time; able to bear the daily struggle of life through an undying hope that one day, Israel would have a state of its own. We discussed the importance of sacrifice in its many forms and what we, as young Jewish leaders can do to better Israel and the world. 

From the Tel Hai yard, we drove through the rain to the Kiryat Shmona Community Center where we played some games, ate a 'make your own' falafel lunch and listened to a presentation on Mutav Yachdav (or "Better Together"); a community project in Kiryat Shmona. This project is a large scale effort to get residents to play a role in their community by planning and leading events. We discussed similar organizations we saw in our own communities and similarities we saw in Diller. Some teen's Impact Projects target their local communities and it was inspiring to see a program similar to the ones we were planning which had experienced successes. 

We then took a break in which we played some team building games and had an impromptu game of beach ball volleyball. This was followed by a Diller Alumni program. We all created a piece of art that represented Tikkun Olam (fixing the world) and discussed our pieces. We were then able to talk to the Alumni about how Diller had affected Tikkun Olam in their lives and how we hoped it would affect ours. The Junior Counselors and Staff then led two programs which were part of a series Diller has been doing. Previous lessons included Language, Covenant and Family. 

Today, we went over the units of Israel and Memory. In the Israel unit, we briefly discussed our opinions on what relationships to Israel should look like for Jews in and outside of Israel. The Memory unit focused on the importance of memory in Judaism; as an individual, as a leadership program and as a nation of Jews. The night ended with one of our Ma'agals which consisted of feedback for the previous two days. Overall, the day was jam packed, interesting, educational and fun!

Shabbat with Families and Evening of fun- WIE 2014, Cohort 17

After starting the day with an enormous and delicious breakfast (in true Israeli fashion), Hila, Shachar, Claire and I headed out the door at 10:30 and made our way down to the Hula Lake nature reserve. Our free day was packed with activities, the first of which being a bike ride around the lake with a group of other Dillers. It was a beautiful day, by far the warmest since we had arrived in the Upper Galilee. As we rode, we made stops along the way for bird watching, snacks, and of course, taking selfies. At 1:00, we went our separate ways and drove to Niv Zinger's house for lunch, and were treated to an afternoon of Israeli bbq and card games. 

I thought the day up until that point had been exciting enough, but the next activity in store put the rest to shame -- three rounds of paintball, Israelis vs. Americans. With our limited experience, we were shaking in our boots (and masks and padded vests) just walking into the arena. Needless to say, we were beat pretty badly, but hopefully the memories will last longer than the bruises we sustained. Last on the schedule for the day was a gathering of all the teens for an evening of food, music, and games. No, I didn't exactly expect to watch people eating various American and Israeli snack foods while blindfolded, but when it comes to Community Week, I have learned that it's best to just accept, not expect.

Samara cohort 17 

Let Community week Begin! WIE 2014, Cohort 17

Home-stays have arrived! After driving for about three hours, we were greeted by warm hugs and smiling faces. Our night began with an interactive program led by a joint Israeli and American committee. 

As diller teens and Israeli families we’re split into groups they were asked a few questions about traveling, where they have visited, where they want to visit in the future and questions pertaining geographical differences/similarities. 

Our night was concluded with a fellow-led overview of our community week. Finally we said our goodbyes and headed home for the evening. Each American fellow was warmly welcomed into an Israeli fellow’s household, whether it be with candy, food, or beautiful signs. 

The following day we drove up to Yiftah a little kibbutz and had Kabbalat Shabbat with the local children. It was a little tough at first because the kids don’t speak English, but we had a few activities to demonstrate how easy it can be to pass a language barrier just by communicating through art meditation and games. 

Next, we were taken to a Circassian Museum in Rechania. We had a speaker explain the traditions and a little bit about their day to day lives. We ended the lecture up with a Q and A session. Each day we’ve had in Israel has been jam packed with new experiences and life lasting memories. We can’t wait to see what more Israel has to offer!

From Tel Aviv- Up North WIE 2014! Cohort 17

Today we woke up early to check out of our hotel in Bat Yam. We drove to the Children's Museum in Holon, where we participated in an exhibit called Invitation to Silence. 

In Invitation to Silence, we wore headphones to eliminate our sense of hearing, simulating deafness. A deaf guide led us through a series of challenges, and we had to communicate without using speech or hearing. After we made it through the challenges, our guide answered questions about living with deafness.

After leaving the museum, we drove north to the Upper Galilee. On the bus we played games and tasted "shoko" (chocolate milk from a bag!)

Our host families welcomed us after we arrived, and we enjoyed an opening ceremony, highlighting exciting plans for the week ahead. Finally, we dispersed to our host families.

Paul Cohort 17

A day in Jerusalem-WIE 2014 Cohort 17

Today, we spent time in Jerusalem. We first went to a contemporary museum on what used to be the border between Israel and Jordan whose exhibitions portray the challenges in leadership and global issues. 

The Diller Teen Fellows had incorporated the art from this museum into a workshop, so it was a nice way to understand and see first hand how the museum works. The exhibit was a combination of paintings, videos and multimedia displays about failures in leadership of catering to and serving the people. After going through the exhibit, we met with the curator who was very lively and excited to answer questions and inspire the younger generations about the faults in government and other aspects of leadership. He said that the goal was not to force an opinion onto the public, but to spark debate and to provide an understanding about what type of leaders the younger generations aspire to be. It was a very interesting experience, especially for the Americans because it was not a typical thing for tourists to do when visiting Jerusalem.

We then toured around the old city and went to the Kotel Where fellows had the opportunity to put notes in the wall and to touch it. My favorite part was to watch the sea of people so absorbed in praying. We then went to Ben Yehuda street where we had a few hours of free time to shop and eat. The day was a nice way to see both the touristy and non- touristy parts of Jerusalem. I came out with a better understanding of how Jerusalem plays a huge role in multiple religions and how it's a connecting factor for many different types of people.

-Sydney cohort 17

First official Day In Israel- Winter Israel Experience 2014

After finally getting to sleep in a real bed, we all had to get up and eat breakfast. We were greeted by two of our Israeli partners who had come down a little early. After we ate the traditional Israeli breakfast, we did a quick round of wishes and thoughts on our trip. Everyone was super excited for the trip, and falafel.

            

We then met up with our partners. There was lots of hugging and screaming. Soon we were on the bus and headed to Bina, a secular yeshiva in South Tel Aviv. It is a place where non-religious Jews can go and study Jewish texts like the Torah and Talmud, as well as more modern writings such Israeli poetry and newspapers.  The guide for my group was a grad student at Tel Aviv University, who was from London. The location in South Tel Aviv is intentional. South Tel Aviv, which we toured with guides from Bina, is a very poor neighborhood, and is home to asylum seekers, mostly from Eritrea and Sudan, foreign workers, and poorer Israelis. We walked to a park, which only a few years early had been filled with asylum-seekers sleeping and living. It was now empty, as Israel has built a wall on the Southern border, so refugees are no longer allowed to cross. Bina, which emphasizes social action, is very involved in the community. Back at Bina, we talked about the complex problem of asylum seekers, and what Israel should do about them. In our discussion, it was framed as a tension between being a Jewish state and democratic state. Is it more important the Israel remains a haven for Jews or should it accept everyone? We also compared the problem, with the American problem of undocumented immigration.

            

After a lunch of falafel, we headed to the Diller Mega Event. Every group in the big auditorium was shouting their cheer loudly. We start with a brief opening ceremony were some upper level Diller people talked. We then broke into “color groups” for activities. After a few icebreakers, we talked about family. What is a family? Who is a family? We then put stickers on a map to represent where our families and we came from. Though in the first round only one person was from outside Israel or North America (she was from Ethiopia), within three rounds we had stickers all over the map.

Then came dinner, which was a mad house. There was only one falafel station for almost 400 people. There was so much pushing and shoving that some Dillers, myself including, just decided to not get any food at all.

Back in the color groups, some Israeli alumni led programs about “What it means to be a Jew?” They used the analog of it being a playlist. Every Jew gets to choose what songs, or ideas, are on their personal playlist. At this point jet lag was hitting most of us hard, and it didn’t help that the next activity was a concert from an Israeli folk music band. Most of us were to tired to enjoy it.

At the very end, each person wrote a six-word story about their Jewish identity. By the end, all of us were very anxious to get back to the hotel to sleep, and to be prepared for our upcoming day in Jerusalem.

Katie Wysong cohort 17 

Winter Israel Seminar- were off! Cohort 17

The San Francisco Diller Teen Fellows embarked on their Israel trip Sunday the 21st. The Fellows started the journey by learning about covenant while waiting at the gate. In this program, Fellows shared times in Jewish history that they felt important to remember. The Fellows then "lit" a 

Chanukia for the sixth night of Chanukah (by symbolically moving an unlit Shamesh over the other candles). The ten hour flight to London was filled with movies, sleeping, and eleven (mostly) quiet babies.

During their layover in London, the Fellows stocked up on snacks and learned the important difference between boarding time and departure time. The Fellows finally landed in Tel Aviv around 1 AM and drove to their hotel (which is right next to the beach!). 

Claire Murphy cohort 17 

Partners and Rabbis Oh my! Cohort 18 Workshop 4

We started our fourth workshop by introducing our Israeli partners. Raps, limericks, posters, songs, photos, and games reveals new fascinating information about our corresponding  fellows in the Upper Galilee. Because Cohort 17 will soon embark on their journey to Israel, we made card to wish them pleasant travels and a fruitful trip to Israel. Being that this is Diller, we held a feedback session to discuss the activities that have been beneficial or those which need improvement. We reflected on how the four pillars (Jewish identity, leadership, Israel, and Tikkun Olam) have been incorporated throughout the past workshops and the Shabbaton.

Finally, Rabbi Glazer and Rabbi Zarchi arrived to tell us about their backgrounds and perspectives as rabbis in the Bay Area. They each discussed their individual views of human relationships to God, Kabbalah, the importance of Jewish mysticism, and the state of the Jewish community after HaShoah. We closed the workshop with a Whoosh and some time to reflect on our journals. We left with the assignment to Skype call our Israeli partners before Workshop 5!

I look forward to the next workshop!

- Sophia  Landress, Cohort 18

Getting "Jewced" for Israel- Cohort 17 workshop 13!

At our last workshop, Cohort 17 and our parents met to talk about our upcoming trip to Israel. First Gabi led us all in a chalk talk relating the teen’s journey to Israel with the parsha that week. We then continued to talk about the logistics of our trip; flight schedules, clothes, and of course, safety. 

After the parents’ portion of the day was finished, the Swag committee led us in a great workshop. The day was centered on mentally preparing us for our departure in just two weeks. The committee led us in a “pre-Israel maagl” were we communicated our concerns with what is next to come as we embark on the Israel Winter Experience. Ophir taught us about Hebrew slang we should know while we are there, and Claire helped us get excited by showing us how to make a calendar countdown and a luggage tag to take with us. 

Gabi reconnected us as a group and gave us a safe space to express our emotions when we had a more formal maagal. Lastly our committee leaders challenged us to answer some complex questions surrounding the different minority groups in Israel. The day was packed with a lot of information and was a great way for us to get ready for Israel.

-Izzy Nickel, Cohort 17