North American Seminar Reflection

March 17, 2013

This weekend was the first weekend of NAS for the 2013 Dillerim in Cohort 6, Los Angeles/Tel Aviv. It was a weekend filled with interesting initial encounters and a very sweet ending. 

Many of the fellows from both Israel and the US contacted each other through social media, getting to know one another and building bonds by texting their buddies and other members.  However, no matter how much you text someone and stalk their facebook profiles (I mean…we’ve all done it), that pales in comparison to the feeling of seeing and hearing the Israelis for the first time.  Though it was initially awkward getting used to the way Israelis spoke English and interacted, a few classic icebreakers softened the mood.  It was really interesting to learn that in Israel, high school students eventually take specialized classes in careers they want to pursue, whereas in America, all students receive the same education until college.  What if you aren’t sure what you want to do with the rest of your life at 16?

Also, I found out that Americans and Israelis aren’t so different after all.  In fact, Tel Aviv’s culture is quite similar to that of Los Angeles.  Since both groups are coming from large metropolitan cities, we all contribute to Cohort 6’s eclectic and diverse vibe.  Everyone brings a unique characteristic to the table, whether it’s a passion in politics, sports, or fashion.  However, greater than all factors is that despite our differences in the way we were brought up, we are all ultimately united under our religion, and I think that was the most powerful discovery of all. 

We ended Shabbat on Saturday night with a party filled with dancing atop chairs or watching the Israelis show off their talented breakdancing skills.  But after spending the whole day together, each country split apart and had some time to reflect on what they really enjoyed/didn’t enjoy, reminding us that it’s not all just fun and games, but a learning experience, too. 

Sunday was the day when I feel all the dots were connected and people really started forming friendships with each other.  Through the ropes courses, everyone learned the importance of teamwork…and balance – especially when there are 40 teenagers sitting on each other’s laps in a giant circle.  We left JCA Shalom in Malibu and headed to Downtown LA, where we were a part of a really special ceremony for the first synagogue in Los Angeles, which was recently turned into a church and then turned back into a synagogue.  It was really interesting to see the diversity of Jews that attended this event, for each person came from a different background, but all were Jewish…it was really reflective of what we learned this weekend.  We concluded the day with a nice luncheon at a clubhouse near my house, where all the parents got to meet their kids’ buddies and all the other members of Diller. 

This was, hands down, one of the most exciting weekends of my life and I can’t wait to see what else Diller has in store!

-Michelle Banayan