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Schechter Life | High School
Naale Speeches
Jacob G.'s speech - read to Naale participants on their first day at an overlook at Jerusalem, after praying for the first time in Jerusalem.
Sammi J.'s D’var Torah - read to Naale participants after Shabbat dinner in Jerusalem.
Ben K.'s speech- read to participants on the last day, as the group was saying good-bye at Mini Israel.
Naale Updates
9/19/08
Yesterday (hard to believe we were in Israel only 24 hours ago) we spent the morning in Merchavim High School where the students attended some classes with their new Israeli friends. It was interesting for them to see how different their High School is from ours.
After classes we all went to a nearby park (Park Ofakim) to participate in a ropes course together. The additional challenge of trying to communicate with each other in either Hebrew or English added a different dimension to the course. The Americans and Israelis had to work cooperatively and creatively to accomplish each task. They persevered and were quite successful. After this hard work we were treated to a huge barbecue (in Hebrew – “Mangal”), which was our last meal together. Back at school the Israelis went home while Sam M. and Sara M. represented us and presented the Head of School with an Olive Tree as a gift from our school to theirs. The gift has many symbols one of which is friendship which bonds our schools together. We also donated sports uniforms which will be used by their volleyball team in the fall, we look forward to pictures!
Before leaving the states the students got Tzedakah money from you and their teachers, and they were proud to be Shlichei Mitzvah. We decided to donate to a facility for Special Needs people right next door to the school. Some of our friends from Merchavim school volunteer their every Friday. The madrichim came up with a very unusual way to add to the money by auctioning off items from our Lost and Found. Ask your kids about it – it was videotaped and may be on Youtube soon! Mindy and Matt D toured the facility and met with their staff to determine what the Tzedakah could be used for. They then shared their visit to the facility with the rest of the students. The group had to decide whether to use the money that they raised to purchase sensory books or to buy a scooter to be used in the hospital section of the facility. After discussing the options they decided that it would be best used to purchase a scooter. (to learn more about Aleh Negev you can go to: http://www.aleh.org/eng/branch_negev.asp )
Our final stop on the Na’ale Trip was Mini Israel. The park is a replication of Israel on a small scale, really cute! The students broke up into their groups to meet with their madrichim for the last time. The discussions focused on where to go from here as Jews and with their connections to Israel. They talked about what they will take away from the trip and some of the comments were as follows:
Jake G – “I’ve been to Israel with my parents, but this time I felt like I was part of a community”
Ari – “ I thought to myself before I left that I’ll come to Israel, but I won’t feel connected to anything. But I was really surprised, now I feel like it’s home”
Doron – “What I take away from the trip is a new sense of praying. When we were given the choice whether or not to pray we mostly all chose to pray. I think that many of us have found a way to make praying meaningful for us”
Matt H- “We’ve talked about Israel for so long in school but I couldn’t really relate to it. Now it is so real to me, and it makes it much easier to learn about.”
9/18/08
Our Final Day - By Ms. Jaffe
As we got off the school buses we took with our hosts, we were again surrounded by Merchavim students who came to greet us. Some of them hosted in the past, some of them even visited our school and were hosted by our families. Gal from 12th grade was so excited to meet Jack R. Last November she was hosted by Jack's family and feels so connected to the family. We were able to sit in on some of their classes and got to see what High School is like in Israel. After some sports activities with the Merchavim students we are heading to Ofakim Park for outdoor ropes course. We will test our communication and leadership skills; we will need to work together as a group to achieve the goals off each station. At the end we will be treated to a BBQ lunch (but this is a surprise); another surprise is that Tal, the Rishon who was in our school last year and worked with the students will join them in the park for the activities. They’ve asked about him few times already during the trip.
We will then head to Mini Israel for our final Peulot with the madrichim, last Tfilah in Israel and a festive dinner.
We have to end here because we will not have another chance to write today. It will take us time to process and absorb all that we have done and seen during these past 10 days. It has been remarkable to live and breath what we have learned about for so long. Zach B. said that he has found his connection to Jerusalem. Not only have we learned about Israel, but we have learned about ourselves and each other. We have had a taste of Israel which has left us wanting more. Already we are saying - “we’ll do this on Neshama and that on Neshama”. We leave Israel with mixed emotions; we are excited to come home but are sad that it has come to an end. We know how truly fortunate we are to have had this experience, and we can’t thank you enough for giving it to us. The trip accomplished what it was supposed to; we have a strong tie to Israel and feel even more pride in being Jewish. We look forward to bringing our experience back to our families and to the school. A HUGE, HUGE THANK YOU TO MORAH BLUEVISE WHO PUT TOGETHER AN AMAZING TRIP AND FOUND THE BEST MADRICHIM EVER!
9/17/08
4:20 AM – rise and shine. Sleepy eyed we gathered our belongings; drank Beduoin tea and left for Masada. It was still dark out as we hiked to the top. The hike was difficult, but we quickly forgot about it as we watched the most beautiful sunrise that we have ever seen. Jesse led us in Shacharit, and this was one of the most moving t’fillah that we have experienced so far. Other people on the mountain joined our service, and the feeling of being in a Jewish state was poignant. Our madrichim taught us about Masada by dressing up as settlers and taking us through “their home”. We learned how the rooms were constructed and really how ingenuous the settlers were. Unfortunately they had a tragic ending which to this day is an inspiration for it to never happen again. We had a very lively discussion about whether or not they made the right decision to take their own lives because there was the possibility that Judaism would have ended. We worked ourselves up in the discussion and used the energy for the intense hike down Masada. We helped each other traverse the path; stopping for each other; giving encouragement, and lending a hand when needed. At the bottom we felt a huge sense of accomplishment. Jared Kaplan said that this trip has helped him to conquer things and has made him a stronger person. After a hearty breakfast we moved onto the Dead Sea. There we rested, floated on the water, ate lunch, and some of us covered oursleves in mud.
Our next stop – Merchavim. As we got off the bus at the High School our new Israeli friends swarmed around us, and we immediately felt at home. We broke up into 2 groups; one went to volunteer at a soup kitchen while the other stayed at the school to do group building activities. Everything was done in Hebrew, and we are happy to say that we could understand it all no matter which level we are in. So we would like to thank our Hebrew teachers for preparing us so well. We gathered back together to board the buses which took us to our host families. There we were received with warmth, and openness. They made us enormous dinners and could not stop feeding us! We shared our albums and each learned about the others’ lives. Some of us played basketball together, some of us sat on porches together, and others got together with other host families. We had the most amazing time, and Matt H. said he could have stayed for a week. Each family opened up their homes to us, and we now feel a part of their community. It was interesting to see how our Israeli counterparts live, and even the difference in life in the desert and life in the north.
9/16/08
Boker Tov! Since we last wrote we have basically traveled from the top of Israel to almost the very bottom. You will not believe how much we have done and seen in only 3 days. Let’s start from where we left off – in the north. We toured the ancient, mystical town of Tzfat. There we learned about Kabbalah (not the Madonna kind) which is central to the lives of the people who live there. When you enter the town you get a feeling of tranquility which was different from other places that we have toured. We visited magnificent Sephardic shuls one of which is believed to have flown on its own from Spain and landed in Tzfat. The tour ended in a trip to the famous candle museum where a woman gave us a lesson in candle making. We had time to shop and then boarded the bus for our very long journey to the South.
Ah but on the way Morah Bluevise surprised us with a stop on the beach. There we ate lunch and dipped our feet in the Mediterranean. The water is very different from the Jersey shore – the colors are a mixture of turquoise and blue, and you can actually see the bottom. Under the hot Israeli sun we davened on the beach. After this refreshing stop we were able to catch up on some much needed sleep to wake up to a completely different environment: in Kfar Hanokdim where we were treated to Bedoin hospitality. We got off our bus onto camels. This is an experience we will never forget, wait until you see the pictures. Two by two we climbed on the camels and held on tightly as they stood up. Noni had the most memorable ride on the back of a camel which shall we say was unusual? Getting off was more challenging than getting on; picture a 7 foot animal bending down. The Batman ride in Six Flags is a piece of cake compared to this. Our hard work riding camels built an appetite for all of us. We were led into a tent where we were treated to a traditional Bedouin meal. We sat on Bedouin carpets and ate chicken skewers, rice, humus, pita, and salads. Maya summed it up for all us by saying that this was one of the best meals so far. The food was simply amazing and being in an authentic tent made the experience more meaningful. After dinner we learned about Beduoin music. Matt D and Doron, our professional drummers, volunteered to make coffee with the instrument that the Beduoins use. The sound that it makes is much like a drum which is supposed to invite people into their homes to drink coffee with them. After doing this the boys gained an appreciation for modern drums; it was hard work. Our night ended with a bonfire. We rolled out our sleeping bags (yes, don’t worry we all used our sheets) boys in one tent and girls in another. Tonight we bonded even more intensely as we slept close together under the stars in the Negev desert.
9/15/08
Golan Heights by Navah, Anna and Carolyn
After a long night’s sleep we woke up and prayed Shacharit on the shore of the Kinneret. It was extremely spiritual and we got a chance to look at the beautiful views. This really added to our t’fillah. Thank you to our Torah readers Josh P., Dylan K., and Adam L., to those who had Aliyot: Rayn R., Ariel G., and Bryan S., our Gabaim Josh G. and Ari S. We then went to eat breakfast and soon enough we were filling our water bottles for the day ahead. We boarded the bus and were on our way to the Golan Heights. We stopped at a place that used to be part of Syria which was unbelievable to us. There we were standing on land that used to belong to our enemy. We learned about Eli Cohen, an Israeli spy who was sent to Syria, where he was instrumental in blocking planned attacks. From there we went on a very intense hike in the Jilaboon. Seems that yesterday was just a practice for today! Again we worked as one to help each other through the difficult parts although our confidence had already been built from the day before. At one part during the hike we split up and those who wanted to went through the water – it felt much like a jungle. The others went on dry land. The groups met up and ended the hike by going up the steepest hill we’ve ever seen! You would be so proud of us, and probably not believe that we did it! Those who were not feeling well stayed back and got Adam’s glasses fixed. At the suggestion of Morah Bluevise we bought coke ice pops and Navah purchased Israeli pop rocks.
We are excited to share some of the words of the day (Millot Hayom) which are current slang words and phrases. Today we learned “Haval Al Hazman” =‘really cool”, “Ma Hamatzav” = “what’s up bro”, and “Sof Haderech”= “spectacular” . So watch out when we come home and start sprouting Hebrew phrases that you don’t know! (we will teach you).
We were treated to a great lunch at a food court next to where our bus driver lives. The madrichim gave us each shekels, and we have to say that we have become professionals in converting money. Our tables were piled high with falafel, humus, pita, schnitzel, and yes some of us had a taste of home – pizza.
(by Zach and Jared) Our next stop was Mount Bental where again the view was breath taking. A bunker has been retained there which gave us an idea about what it is like for the soldiers in time of war. Matan explained the strategic vantage point of the mountain and also about how Syria has attacked us and tried to stop water from flowing into Israel. We were able to see the border of Syria and Israel which was kind of chilling as we got the sense of how close our enemies are.
On to the next stop, a biblical village in Qazerin. This place is a simulation of an ancient village which gives the image of how Talmudic Jews lived back in ancient times. However, we had our own special show from our very talented madrichim. In the boiling hot sun they dressed up in clothes from biblical times and demonstrated how families cooked, worked, and socialized. They made life come alive for us and learning about it was much more fun.
Finally we arrived back at our new home, Kerea Deshe, to shower and eat before our evening activity – the disco boat. This wasn’t just any boat; we were on the Kinneret dancing away to both Israeli and American music. As we looked around we could see the full moon shining on the water, and we still have to pinch ourselves to make sure that this is real. Disco on the Kinneret, how lucky can we be?
9/14/08
Kayaking down the Jordan River by Felicia and Danielle
We were sad to be leaving Jerusalem because it’s such a beautiful city, but when we saw the change of scenery up north we realized that we had just left one beautiful place, but we were moving onto another.
Today we went kayaking down the Jordan River. At first some people were a little bit nervous about capsizing but in the end everybody had such an amazing time.
“Not only was kayaking down the Jordan fun, but we really learned how to work together with our classmates to achieve a common goal” (Eliana). Maya added that she feels like she is connecting to the nature.
“It was the best part of the trip so far.” (Zach)
Our nature adventures continued with a challenging hike down the Arbel mountain. Before we ventured down the mountain we had T’filah at a spot which overlooked the Kinerret on one side and the Golan Heights on the other. We actually felt as if we were on top of the world; the view was remarkable. As we walked down the mountain we realized quite quickly that we needed to help each other manage the task ahead of us. We instinctually held out our hands to one another and gave each other words of confidence. Arielle G said at the end “I feel like now I can do anything”. Our grade continued to bond during this intense hike, and we each felt a sense of accomplishment.
We checked into our new home in Israel – Karei Deshe youth hostel on the shore of the Kinneret. We had a great dinner, and the rooms are nice. The night ended with small group discussions which inspired us to think more deeply about our Jewish identity.
As we continue to learn about Israel we are also learning much about ourselves and each other.
Good night from the Kinneret.
9/13/08
Shabbat Shalom from Israel!
Over the past few days we have experienced a wonderful Shabbat in Jerusalem! We began Friday with an amazing day at Yad Vasham. It was both an emotional and educational visit for all of us. Before we left school Jessica B. (10th grade) told us about her grandparents who were partisans and saved 1200 Jews (among them grandparents of a classmate, Neal Monka). It was amazing to learn that the only survivor relative of our tour guide in Yad Vashem belonged to the same partisan group.
We discussed our personal reactions to the museum in the small groups, and it was interesting to hear how each one experienced it. (Lilach adds that the madrichim were impressed by the level of discussion in the groups, by the Kavod most students showed towards their classmates during this activity.)
Then we proceeded to hike up the mountain in the Sataf reservation. It was our first hike and the nature and scenery was beautiful. At the Sataf we went into a tunnel which then opened up to a big cave with a spring. We then proceeded down the rest of the mountain, and we were very excited about our accomplishments! After a very long day we returned to get ready for Shabbat. Davening at the Kottel Friday night was an experience we will have for the rest of our lives. It is very difficult to put into words what it was like to share Shabbat in the Old City with our friends and watch what goes on at the Wall. We had a nice Friday dinner full of Ruach and songs .Yishar Koach to Sammy Jay for a beautiful Dvar Torah that connected the Parasha to our lives as a group on this trip. Yishar Koach to Danielle, Ariel and Jesse for leading our services on the balcony overlooking the Kottel. Our night ended with a Jewish identity Bachelorette (which was very funny) followed by a discussion.
On Shabbat day we all went to different synagogues in Yerushalayim. Each group was impressed with the t’fillah services that we all attended. We couldn’t wait to share with each other our different experiences. After Shabbat lunch we all went so spend time in a park and enjoyed the sunny weather. Some of us had family visits while others relaxed. After a communal Havdalah we headed to Ben Yehuda Street where we all bought many gifts and food. Ice cream was the popular choice of the night. We then went back to the hotel and packed our bags as we head up North tomorrow.
Layla Tov from Yerushalayim!
9/11/08
Shalom from Israel! T’fillah was very different for us today as we were actually in the place where the siddur talks about. When we are outside Yerushalaim we always face east to pray, but today we learned that when you are in the city you look for the location of the Western Wall and pray toward it. Thank you to Sara for leading the service, and our Torah readers: Eliana, Matt D. and Sam M. The staff was impressed by how independent the gaba’im were. At the end of the service Ms. Jaffe talked about the importance of remembering 9/11which our madrichim had a special service for in the Jewish quarter. She also remarked how different it is to be in Israel where the maintenance man kissed the torah while passing through, not something that happens often in America. We were treated to our first true Israeli breakfast which included eggs, cheese, vegetables, salads, bourekas, bread, cereal, fruit, yogurt, the list is endless. We were full and ready to go to the Kotel. As we drove up and looked right at Kidron Valley and left at the wall that surrounds the Old City we became overwhelmed with emotion. Gaby and Miriam hugged each other while crying tears of happiness. They could not believe they were finally here. We wrote our notes to put in the Wall. Boys and girls separated to enter and spend time alone at the Wall. In the background the melodies from a Bar Mitzvah filled the air along with sound of the shofar being blown. We ended with a group picture with promises of returning tomorrow for Kabbalat Shabbat.
Next we met our new friends from Mercavim. They came with a great attitude and welcomed us with open arms. We bonded through ice breakers and a mini version of “The Great Race” in the Jewish Quarter. After lunch we all traveled through the water tunnel that brought water to the Old City, it was quite an experience. Communicating with them was a fun challenge. It was interesting to find how similar our lives are to our Mercavim friends. We will meet them again on Wednesday where they promise to prepare great family meals for us.
In the first neighborhood built outside the walls some of us met with family and friends while others played soccer, wrote in their journals, or just rested underneath the Jerusalem sun.
Mrs. Bluevise surprised us with a trip to the mall where we were able to use our newly found math skills by using the Shekels that were given to us for dinner. We had so much fun eating at kosher Burger King! We were given a short time to experience an Israeli mall before moving on to our night activity.
Drumming took on a whole new meaning for us. We had a workshop on how to drum in a nearby park. We were treated to solo performances by Matt D and Doron and our energetic madrichim. We ended the day on a high note (no pun intended!).
Tomorrow will be an emotional and moving day when we visit Yad Vashem, and spend our first Shabbat in the Holy Land.
We feel so privileged that we are able to be here.
9/10/08
By Eliana L.B., Jesse N., Mindy F., Ryan R. and Rebekah L.
We began the first day of our Na’ale adventure with a very turbulent ride. After what seemed like days the eventful plane ride came to an end. We were greeted by our madrichim one of which was wearing a clown suite walking on stilts. We then knew we were in for a wild ten days.
We started our journey at Independence Hall in Tel Aviv where Israel was declared the new Jewish state. Our next stop was Rabin Square where we discussed Israeli citizens’ views about Itzak Rabin’s political actions explained to us by Matan – one of our madrichim. He gave a very interesting presentation on people who opposed Rabin’s peace policy. We were all excited to see our bus pull up because we knew sleep was almost moments away on our ride from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Ariel – a madrich gave us a passionate first glimpse of Jerusalem. This was followed by an emotional D’Var Torah and our first prayer service led by Jacob G. overlooking Jerusalem. There are no words to express how we felt, how lucky we are to be a part of this most unbelievable experience
We ended our full day by checking into the hotel our hearts filled with anticipation for the week and a half to come.
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