Shalom L'olam,
I am currently in home hospitality in Tel Aviv staying with Ron Arbel, a Tzama member this year. After spending the entirety of the last week doing preparations for Kennes and Congress, I have had the chance to reflect on my own experience as a Chanich and would like to use this space to offer my own final pieces of packing and preparation advice for my fellows that will be boarding flight LY006 direct to Tel Aviv in less than 24 hours!
1. Contrary to popular belief, it is hot in Israel. I know, groundbreaking! So bring a hat and a refillable water bottle. You have been thoroughly warned and we expect no complaints from any of you about the heat or dehydration. We're all under the same sun.
2. Remember to eat smart and bring healthy snacks. Though delicious (and my personal favorite) schwarma does not exactly qualify as a well balanced meal. Vitamins are as important as hydration and sickness will surely put a dampener on the trip.
3. Embrace Israel. For some of you this might be your first trip to Israel, for others it might be their 3rd or 4th, regardless take the time to appreciate this great country for its religious side as well as its not do religious side. If you come back in 3 weeks speaking with miserable grammar, an unhealthy desire to put hummus on everything, and more enthusiasm than you know what to do with, you've done a good job.
4. Get excited. Over the past week, 13 North American JCs, 14 Israeli JCs, about 20 Tzama members, and several more staff have been working tirelessly in order to make sure your trip to Israel will be fantastic and unforgettable. We're bringing back old traditions as well as experimenting with new ones (i.e. The Quest: a comedic and high energy competition , created and MC'd by yours truly, that I expect every Los Angeles chanich to attend to prove which Cohort is really the best). This summer is shaping up to be one of the best yet.
So finish packing, say your goodbyes, and prepare yourself to experience the land and people of Israel in a way you never have before.
L'hitraot,
Zach Getelman
Los Angeles Junior Counselor
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