Message from Orli Berman (NRE-DC) - CLTC 6
Posted on 07/24/2011 @ 04:40 PM
CLTC 6, 2011 has been even more incredible than I ever thought. The 91 participants are absolutely amazing. In just a short 6 days, we’ve already formed such a strong community, with people from Florida, California, Seattle, Toronto, and everywhere in between. Together, we have had an incredible Shabbat and Havdalah, each pledged to make a difference in a cause we believe in, spent our free time swimming, learned the birkat, grown as leaders, made great friends, and above all – had an amazing time. Dan and I are so fortunate to have such a great group of participants and staff, and we can’t wait for the remaining days of CLTC!
Our Journey in Israel as a Cohort
Posted on 07/24/2011 @ 11:12 AM
With Shabbat in Tel Aviv behind us, BBYO PDI Cohort 2 began our first full week in Israel with some Hebrew and a lesson in Zionist thought. We read a piece by Martin Buber, the 19th Century Jewish German philosopher, who outlined the difference between Nationalism and Zionism.
At mid-day, we split up into three groups to visit three different organizations doing social justice work in Israel. One group met with an organization that supports foreign workers. Another group met with an organization that works with gay and lesbian youth. The third group, which was the group that I was a part of, met with HUB Tel Aviv, a network of social entrepreneurs working together in one space, collaborating and creating a community of social entrepreneurs within Tel Aviv. It was fascinating to hear from professionals at HUB as well as members – individuals working at the HUB space to further their causes ranging from environmental efficiency to community service projects in India. The hours spent with HUB gave me a new glimpse into everyday life for an Israeli and allowed me to draw comparisons between myself and Israelis in a new way.
As we continue along our journey in Israel as a Cohort, we continue to be amazed at the vibrancy of life in Israel and the strides Israeli society is making to compete in a modern economic and cultural world.
CLTC 5 Presents One Day Song
Posted on 07/23/2011 @ 11:28 PM
One Day - Matisyahu When we got off the Beber bus We were so excited We looked around the dining hall I thought this is our family Getting to CLTC we knew That all the things we heard was true We started off as caterpillars But now we spread our wings and sing All our lives we've been waiting for To be come more For the people to say BBGs always lead the way And we're here to stay Thanks CLTC BBGs AZAs, BBYO x2 Scream thank you CLTC
The Normal and the Holy
Posted on 07/23/2011 @ 11:08 AM
Here in Tel Aviv we have spent a lot of time talking about the concept of חול וקודש - the normal and the holy. Shabbat for PDI Cohort 2 in Israel's cultural capital is a perfect example of this principal in action. For the first time on our trip, we were given the day off, and we all enjoyed the day off with a variety of activities across the spectrum.
Several people rose early and attended services at a local orthodox synagogue in Tel Aviv. Services were very traditional and brief, and I'm told the oneg was sub-par. Another group slept late after enjoying Tel Aviv's legendary nightlife on Friday, and then decamped for what may be described the typical Tel Aviv shabbat: laying out at the beach, and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. The sun was high and hot, but the water was perfect, and the 6-8ft surf was just right for playing around and body surfing. The free time also afforded an opportunity to spend time with local friends. Many of us know Americans (who have made aliyah) or Israelis that live in the city, and took advantage of the day to catch up with them or enjoy a nice summer lunch in the city.
As havdallah approached, we regrouped to welcome the new week together by the seashore. The warm sea breeze and gentle lapping of the waves on the beach was the perfect setting for the simple evening service. After havdallah, we all took cabs to northern Tel Aviv to attend a concert by the band Divan Halev. They are an eight person collective that is at the forefront of the Sephardi music revival. They played beautiful, multi-instrument compositions influenced by world music, prayers, and the traditional music of Morrocan, Iraqi, and Yeminite Jews. After the concert we returned to the hotel for a few hours rest before we began the new week bright and early Sunday morning with Hebrew class. These one-day Israeli weekends will take some getting used to!
Aaron Bock
A Note from Brandon Mond and Brad Hongberg
Posted on 07/22/2011 @ 12:42 PM
Dear Viewing Jewish Parents,
Over the past week we have had a tremendous time in the glorious city of Washington DC. We work at a Wider Circle, an organization created to furnish dwellings of people in need, and focuses on helping restore dignity to people coming out of poverty. On occasion, much to Max Lazar's (our group leader's) chagrin, we enjoy breakfast hotdogs at a local eatery cart conveniently located right outside the metro station. Another event we must share with you is the program called “Street Torah”. In “Street Torah” we connected with homeless people in McPherson square by striking up conversation. We met a very colorful gentlemen by the name of Alfred who told us about his adventures spanning multiple continents and shenanigans within the United States. We are having a great time and learning a lot.
Brandon Mond, Dallas TX, and Brad Honigberg, Mequon, WI
Comments
Leave a Comment