Jenna (26)

Ive been back for a little over a week now and not an hour goes by that I don't think back to my wonderful experiences in Israel. Beyond thanking Birthright in general I was to throw a thanks out to our amazing staff. Without them my trip would not have been the same.

Rabbi- You were always there to tell us stories, jokes, and answer any questions we could through at you.
Beni- You are one of the most knowledgeable men I have met and I thank you for teaching me so much about Israel. I also got to hear about your family and seeing all your ninja skills.
Alexis- You got us all to start talking to each other and became friends with right away. I have so many fun memories of you.
Karen- You kept us safe at the bars and anywhere we went. You also go to know each of us and had a crazy time singing and dancing and fooling around with us. I am so glad I have you as a new friend.
AIdel- You were our mom, and my friend. I had such a good time getting to know you. You always took care of us when we needed it and listened to our non sense. And you taught us new songs and words that I will keep with me forever.

I also want to throw a thank you out to the soldiers. I didn't get to know all of you but the ones that I did I will never forget. I am so proud to have friends who do such meaningful things with their lives. Learning about your lives and how they are so different and also so similar to ours was a great experience.

Last but not least Im thanking the 38 wonderful people I got to spend 10 days with. I made some great friends who I cant wait to see again (I'm counting down the days). I miss my silly roommates, dancing on the bus, singing Waving Flag, screaming 303, 42, walk the walk/talk the talk, and of course, our countdown.

I miss you all,
26-Jenna

Alex's Video

Chelsea

Chelsea

This trip has by far been the most amazing experience of my life. I have learned so much about what it means to be Jewish. Most importantly, I learned that being Jewish is different for every person. Coming from a not very religious household, I was nervous to come on the trip because I thought that I would be lost from the lack of a Jewish education. Luckily, I was blessed to be put in to a group of amazing and welcoming people. Last night Benni took us out to explore the desert. I found it strange that he would not allow us to use flashlights, rather he wanted our eyes to adjust to the light and we ultimately, became one with nature. Our time of meditation brought about emotions that I never thought I had in me.  We sat, watched the stars and just opened our hearts. We sat for 5 minutes in complete silence in the middle of the desert in Israel, it truly was an overwelming experience. It allowed us all time to think about anything we wanted. We then came together as a group and Benni asked us to think of one word that described the emotions we were feeling. Breathtaking was my word.  Every person felt a different emotion and yet we were all connected in that moment. It made me realize that no matter our different backgrounds, we are all Jewish and therefore we are all family. I will forever remember this amazing trip with these amazing people. I saw my first shooting star!

Elan

Elan

So far the trip has been absolutely amazing. We got to put on tefilin at the Wall and it was breath taking. I felt like is was one with G-d. We continued to tour Jerusalem and all its history. The next day we went cave diving in Israel.  We went through the tightest spaces we could possibly fit in and bonded as a group. I was struggling to crawl without a flashlight, but Alex helped lead the way with his bright LED light on his camra. As I crawled through the caves I got filthy as well as everyone else. We learned how the people used to live in the caves and killed off others who tried to intrude. We then went hiking in the South at a desert. We saw the most beautiful views as we climbed higher, and at the top were able tpo hear our echo after yelling the word of the day. We yelled Achlala as well as foooouuurrtttyyy tttwooo, immitating Shy. The day ended with us going to sleep in tents, although I slept outside, looking forward to camel back riding in the morning.

Jillian

Jillian

This trip has been one of the best experiences ever. I have made so many great memories and friends that I know will last for a lifetime.  Today we hiked Masada and went in the dead sea, which were both so much fun! The time spent in Israel for these past 10 days are too great to even put in to words and everyone needs to come here to see how truly great this place is! I’ll never forget this trip for as long as I live.

Pictures on Facebook

B"H

Some pictures from facebook

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.791470669550.2209046.27901153&type=3&l=cb94c5ba60

Flash Mob - Jerusalem

Sunday - Day 7 - Misha

Misha – One of the Israelis that joined the trip

So I’m in Taglit in maayanot group for like 4 days now and I’m having so much fun. I met the nicest people and I feel like I’m connected to each and every one of them.  I had so many wonderful experiences and getting to go through all that with American people that by now became my American friends is truly special. I wanted to point two of my best experiences so far. One was the flashmob in Mamilla. That was awsome. I can’t believe I got to participate in something like that, I really enjoyed myself and really let go of all the setbacks. I was so comfortable to be myself, and it’s amazing when keeping in mind that I was with a group of people from another country that I know for only a few days. The other amazing experience was the day in Herzel montain and in Yad-Vashem. WOW!!! That was so emotional. I’ve been to these places a lot of times and this was the first time I actually cried. This day was so intense. Seeing the faces of my friends in the group and having this jew connection with them was really amazing. Being there in my uniform was so special. I really felt that it symbolizes the victory that I feel the country of Israel is. I’m full of motivation to make sure that the genoside of the jewish people will NEVER occure. I also feel motivation to make sure that the walls and the empty parts in the Herzel mountain’s cemetery will stay empty, and only real and everlasting piece will get us there. I’m really excieted about going to the wall together with the group I think it’s gonna be so special. I’m quite sad we’re going to leave soon but I guess that’s out it is. I’m having the most awsome time and now I can even do the “Barnie” and that’s only one of the things I learn since I came here, about Americans, Israelis and especially about myself. This is the most wonderful experience, I know I’m going to carry it in my heart all my life. We’ll be giving our activity tonight and I’m looking forward to it. On that note I gotta to say that the staff is AMAZING. Everyone is so nice, calm and interesting. I’m really glad I came on this treep.

After Shabbat - Matt Kaplan

Matt Kaplan

1/14/2012

Today is Saturday and the trip is near its end. So far I have had a wonderful time on this adventure. Not to be cliché, but I feel very close to almost everyone on this trip. We have done so many wonderful things on this trip that will live with me for the rest of my life. To be brief, my favorite parts of the trip have been the spiritual and religious events that we have done. The Rabbi has really opened my eyes to the aspects of my religion with fascinating traditions and practices. I have put on teffilin, did a micva in the spring, and went to services. I have made it a duty to myself to not turn anything down and to try everything. This trip has changed the way that I think about Judaism and the way that I think about what is really important in life. I woke up the morning of Shabbat and I thought to myself that I don’t really care what is going on back in New York with the things that I usually go a day without checking up on; and it’s a really nice and humbling experience. I don’t really care about what my friends are doing or how the NFL playoffs are going. I don’t really care at all; and it feels great. I pretty much only care about my friends here and the activities that we do. I thought when I came on the trip that I was going to try to call my friends or check my Facebook, but I really don’t care at all. I’m so enthralled with this experience. Also, I am a huge junkie for information. Benni has pumped my head with countless amounts of information that is all interesting and prudent. He has found a way to get me to become interested in topics that I could not care about earlier. I am so happy that we get to do things on this trip that I would never get to do in my life if I did not go on this trip. I am really excited to see what the rest of the trip has in store for me and the rest of the group. Speaking of our group, usually groups will find a way to form into cliques but I think this one has passed the test. At first it is easy to hang out with a few people, but as we go through these events together, we grow symmetrically. Finally, I am so happy that I am surrounded by Jews. At home I don’t get much contact with Jews at all and this is a terrific change of pace. I don’t know why, but when I am around a Jew I feel like that person is already my family, and that makes it so easy to get to know him/her. This trip has exposed me to a new world of expression, spirituality, religion, and learning, and anyone would be blessed to have the experience that I have had so far.

Lori & Steve in Tzfat

Lori Altabet & Steve Heller

Today was sbaba, even though it was eize kor and rainy.  We left Tiberias and spent the day in Tzfat, another one of the holy cities in Israel.  We learned how to write on scrolls and even got to try it ourselves!  Right after that we picked up the Israeli soldiers that will be with us for the next five days.  They seem really sbaba so far!  We also saw old synagogues and a very spiritual artist named Abraham.  He is a follower of Kaballah and was very inspiring and interesting when he told us about it and how he expresses it through art.  Most exciting part of the day, however, was shopping (obviously).  We both bought very nice chamsa necklaces in a little market.  Can't wait to wear them out tonight in Tel Aviv!!!

Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose...

Day 2

Jamie Wollberg
Today was sbaba! That's our word of the day today, which means awesome. It was a great day for learning and bonding. We started out at the Lebanon border, which was pretty, but not as beautiful as the Syrian and Israeli border in my opinion. After a few pictures and moments to take in the scenery we were invited into a kabutz on the mountain where we heard the opinion of an Israeli man that stays works and stays there. He was very intense and opinionated while he spoke about how Israel is viewed in the news and Arabs, and what is means for him to live in Israel. He moved here when he was 21 and although what he had to say may not be agreeable with everyone, you had to respect him because he was so incredibly passionate about being Jewish and our land.


After giving our thanks we headed back on the bus and went to the location where we were to go jeeping. EVERYONE was so incredibly excited and it was clear that this would be one of the most enjoyable and favorite parts of the trip for everyone. As soon as we got there we watched another tour group bring in the different vehicles, which were either three seaters, five seaters, or six seaters. After a brief explanation on how to drive them we took the wheel. In a matter of seconds we were having a blast driving through the bumpy and mud filled trails of beautiful cow country, which was surrounded by gorgeous mountains. Along the drive we passed tons of cows and new born calfs, which of course got some awes. There were beautiful little rivers, bridges, and more to see. Everyone got a chance to drive who wanted to and we rotated turns at several points, including stopping at the river for some herbal tea, which was so incredibly sweet. I don't remember the last time that I had so much fun and I have many pictures and videos to prove it. Next was lunch time and we had it at the same place. They made home made mini pizzas that were delicious. Our options were corn, mushroom, olive, and plain. It started to rain and it was time to head out after awhile, so we hopped back on the bus for our next stop.

The last location for the day was the incredible Banyas waterfalls. They were literally breath taking. We had a short hike to take a look as we took a minute to breathe in the fresh spring water air and energy. Of course we had to stop for a group picture. Even though it was pouring rain that didn't stop Bus 303 from having a good time and appreciating the 200 year old springs.

At this point it was time to head back to the hotel and I have to say the majority of us passed out on the hour ride home. We had two hours of down time, where most people continued to nap, or chatted in the lobby until dinner. Dinner was buffet style, no surprise. At 8:30 sharp everyone gathered to have evening activities. We started out marking our big map of Israel with stickers so that we actually had an understanding geographically as to where we have been and where we are going tomorrow. Then, we made posters of what we felt our soldiers would look like and what they thought we would look like. It was really interesting to see the same patterns. This was to prepare us for their big arrival tomorrow and to make us  realize that this is an opportunity to change any sterotypes and break all of the myths. The only way to know Israel is to get to know the Israeli's and the soldiers are a very important part of that. I can't wait for tomorrow when we visit one of the holy cities and continue on our unique and life changing experience.

Day 1- Ben Gildenberg and Chelsea Kramer

WOW! After a scrumditilyuptious 5 course breakfast consisting of 5 hard boiled eggs, 2 servings of cottage cheese with 5 pineapple rings, 3 pancakes, granola with milk and last but not least the world renowned plum jam smeared delicately across two slices of toast we finally set out on our first Israeli escapade. Unfortunately our initial hike was cancelled due to the rain. Nevertheless we were able to venture through the Golan Heights. Next we made our way to an authentic olive press where we were educated about the art of pressing olives and using them to make products such as creams, lip balms, and the always enjoyable olive oil. It was a great first day leaving me drunk (but not too drunk) and sheckeless  leaving me to scavenge for lunch on day 2………..SO WORTH IT! I <3 ISRAEL!

Day 1

After an extremely long journey to our homeland, we finally made it to our destination. Mazel Tov! We started day one at the top of a mountain which was very exciting. We continued the day learning all about olive oils and birds. For lunch, we noshed on a falafel. Delicious! After showering and getting ready we headed to a family style dinner at a dairy restaurant. To end the fabulous day, we headed to a bar. Going out as a bus really brought everyone closer together and now we have fun and silly memories to laugh about together. After only knowing my peers on this trip for a couple days, it feels like I have known everyone for years. I really enjoyed the Hebrew word of the day  – “come on” is Y’alla! J SHALOM!

Day 1

Zoe K.

We got the wakeup call at 6:45, and I ate a breakfast of mini-pancakes with syrup, orange juice, all sorts of soft cheeses, coffee, fresh rolls with butter and black currant jam, coffee, orange juice, milk, an assortment of yogurts, granola, scrambled and hardboiled eggs, and of course, some more coffee. Needless to say, it was delicious and I was going to need the fuel. We made up our way up winding hills and past the Sea of Galilee- a misleading title for Israel’s largest body of freshwater.  We passed cows grazing along the mountainous terrain, then some snowcapped mountains, surrounded by foggy valleys. We finally got to the Mountain of Ben Tal, a windy outpost, overlooking the Syrian border. Beni, our knowledgeable host, is the best. He explained the significance of the peak, its role in our history, its purpose today, everything down to its geological composition- limestone covered by igneous rock, fyi.

First Impressions

Steve Heller

I have had a very busy winter break but the whole time, in the back of my mind, I was waiting for only one day to come; January 8^th. I have had many friends come through the program and have only said great things about this trip. I am lucky enough to be here with my cousin and my roommate, so we have been talking nonstop about it. Upon my arrival to the airport, after seeing everyone in the group, I became even more excited for this trip. I just couldn’t wait to get on the plane and get going, and here we are now, on the way!