Monday, March 22
By Olivia Feldman
Monday was a really fun day!
Because we were still in school we didn’t do much with
our Israelis but it was the first day that I felt we really started to get to
know one another. With the introductions and ice breakers the first day, we
were much more comfortable around each other. At night, we all met at Noah’s
house and there was swimming and a bonfire available. As everyone came in, we
got to talking with people we hadn’t necessarily talked to the day before. We
swam, ate pizza, and sat around the fire talking and asking each other
questions about life in Israel vs. LA. The unstructured casual evening was a
really great introduction for the amazing week that was coming.
Thursday, March 26
By Justin Williamson
On
Thursday the Americans and Israelis embarked on a journey to create stronger
bonds and enhance the world around us. We all met at the Los Angeles Jewish home
for the Aging. Here, Jewish elderly from all walks of life live together in a
comfortable environment that has been aiding Jewish elderly for decades. The
Americans and Israelis aimed to perform tzdaka by enhancing the days of the
Jewish elderly. We learned about the history of the Jewish home for the aging,
then split into groups of a few Americans and Israelis to talk to the elderly.
We had incredible and inspiring experiences in both English and Hebrew. We
learned about the life stories of the elderly and in return we brightened their
days.
Next we all boarded a bus to head to Camp Alonim; the start of our
Shabbaton. The Shabbaton was the building block for the tight knit bonds that
formed between TA-LA. We ate meals together and experienced various programming
that helped to mold our close relationships. Thursday night, we all played fun
games such as lap tag, that lasted far into the night.
By Talia Wenger
After a quick breakfast, we were split into small groups and began a Window to a Prayer activity. My group was with Mika (the Israeli coordinator) and I found the program to be really insightful. We discussed the different kinds of prayer and the reason we pray in an attempt to better connect to prayer. We even had some time to take a personal moment to ourselves and just imagine a happy place, which some fellows in my group actually considered a type of prayer. It was interesting to hear the different perspectives and connections to prayer.
We then had some activities led by our own fellows, including my own joint TA-LA group. We played Taboo based off of the people in the TA-LA Diller group and important sights and aspects of Israel and America.
Perhaps the most moving program of the JCM Shabbaton was the Box in a Box activity. First, we were split into groups and then asked to arrange the aspects of Judaism in three categories: mandatory, important, and less important. This caused a great deal of controversy and argumentation as we discussed the different levels of Jewish observance and the importance of different aspects of Jewish life. We then had a chance to discuss the activity with a second group. I enjoyed the activity and found the participation of my group to be interesting, especially in the difference of opinion and practice that we all shared.
After some breaks and closing programs, we shared a beautiful Havdallah together. This was one of the most special moments of the Shabbaton because we stood in a circle with only the light of a flame and sang songs together. We all felt like a big community and great friends in that moment. Then, we headed home and parted ways until our next meeting after the free Sunday.
Monday March 30th
By Maddie Page
Today some of the Americans and I were lucky enough to start our spring breaks so we were able to meet up with the Israeli group during the day. It was their pluralism day so we met them for lunch in the Pico Robertson area. They were all so excited to see us being that this was the first time we could actually join them for programming. We went to a great kosher place for lunch called Jeff’s Sausages.
After lunch we had free time and had an “exciting” time in Walgreens. So many of the Israelis loved Walgreens and they stocked up on candy, makeup, and Chap Stick. After our lunch break they went and toured an orthodox temple.
After touring the Pico Robertson area we then rode the bus to the Reconstruction temple KI in the Palisades. This temple was beautiful and we were able to go in the sanctuary and meet with their rabbi. Soon the other Americans came and we were all able to have dinner together.
After dinner we found out who was in each group for Community week in Israel. This was exciting too because it was the first time we found out who we were working with and planning for what day. We then had time to meet with our groups and start actually talking about our day.
After this we had our final maagal. This was a little sad because we all knew it was the last circle, even though we knew there was still one more full day together. We had to go around and share a personal moment that has stuck with us and made us think about. Some moments were nice, others funny, but all around great to listen to and share with the group. Overall it was a very fun day, learning all about the different sects of Judaism.
Tuesday March 31st
By Zoe Krut
The last day with our Israeli counterparts was a bitter-sweet one. For those who were on spring break, we all met up at the JCC with the Israelis and joined them in working and playing with the little kids in the preschool at the JCC. All of the kids were adorable and we got to make friendship bracelets with them.
We then all got on the bus and headed for Venice Beach. Once we got there we all ate pizza at Blake's grandfather's house but then we split up into small groups to explore all of the Venice boardwalk for a few hours. We got to go into cool shops and see the different cultures and everything that Venice had to offer.
We once again boarded the bus after a long day of exploring to go to the 3rd Street Promenade. Everyone ate their last dinner together in the old Wolf Gang Puck restaurant with a beautiful view and great company from our friends and families. The day was extremely fun and it will be one that we remember always.
