Birthright-Mayanot, Bus 83

 As we walked down the cobble stone roads on our way to the western wall many emotions started to rush through my mind. I couldn’t stop wondering about what we were about to experience. Coming into the trip I thought to myself about the western wall not knowing anything about the history and the importance of that special site that I’ve heard mentioned before,  and had no clue what to expect. As we approached the wall I could see hundreds of different people sitting by the wall each engaging in prayer in their own manor. As we found our spot together by the wall I started thinking to myself that we just walked so far to sit by a wall and pray, but what came soon I had never expected to see. As Rabi Levi led our group in prayer we followed along with our individual prayer books. We recited prayer after prayer with the rabbi till the moment came when another group of praying men began to grab one another and formed a large circle as they began to sing and shout the prayers out loud. Within moments hundreds of men joined in and began to sing and recite prayers together. It was truly an amazing site as the Rabbis began to sing and dance on tables, fellow Jewish men hoisting each other onto one another’s shoulders, dancing and celebrating like I had never seen before. I was very confused as to what was going on as my pre conceived notions of the event were that we had gone there to pray and remember our long and sad history as a Jewish state, but what I had thought was a night of prayer and remembrance for those we had lost and the hardships that our people had gone through for years ended up being a celebration of life and happiness, the happiness we celebrated came from the idea that after so many years of fighting for our rights and freedoms as a Jewish population our holy land was finally reclaimed, and as we had gathered at the holiest site for the Jewish population in the world to sing, dance and appreciate the fact that after so many years of struggle and hardship that our people finally had received the outcome we had been seeking for years, an internationally recognized Jewish state. After a while of dancing and singing I thought to myself “wow this is what it means to be a Jewish man.” people who I had just met moments before had felt closer to me then friends at home that I have had for years, for the first time in my life I felt like I had a real connection to my faith and to my religion and I could not have been any prouder to be a Jewish man. I had never been a religious person at home  I followed along with the important holidays because I knew I had to ,but never did because I wanted to, but after my experience at the wall I can honestly say that I now understand the reason for how, and why we celebrate the holidays that we do ,and can’t wait to come home with the knowledge and tradition that I had gathered here in Israel to share it with my family and friends, I now know what it means to be proud of who you are and I would never want to change anything that I had experienced and learned that night. It was truly a life changing event.

Over the past week, friendships have bloomed and developed with not only the people we have had the pleasure to accompany on our trip, but with the eight additional Israeli soldiers as well.  They serve their country everyday as we safely go to school, and for that we are truly grateful.  The other day, we were given the opportunity to remember and honor those who have lost their lives while serving in the Israeli army, and it was certainly a significant experience on our trip through the Holy land.  As we walked through the cemetery, the emotional expressions on each American and Israeli were able to speak to the magnitude of importance that a place such as this holds.  As I walked around the graves, I was personally moved by a unique experience that was made possible by one of our very own Israeli soldiers, Nadav.  He slowly walked to the grave covered with countless stones and mementos.  I was then given insight into the life of a soldier who had served with Nadav and who unfortunately had his life taken too soon.  We then stood silently in front of the grave for several moments as the emotions sunk in and the imprint was generated.   Then as a group, stories were shared, and it was evident that we, as a group of Israelis and Americans, were able to live as one united front and family, as Mayanot 83. 

 
Preparation for Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum

At Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum 

 
At Mount Herzel Cemetery

 At Kibbutz Sdeh Eliyahu

 
At Mount Scopus, overlooking Jerusalem

 
Binghamton meet up at Ben Yehudah 

                Greetings from Jerusalem,

                It’s been a few nights since my last post. We have a lot to catch up on. The past couple of days have been inspiring to say the least, and while I can give you all a beat by beat run down of every activity we participated in, I’m more than certain that my friends here on Mayanot 83 will without a doubt fill you in when they come back home. Rather than regurgitating our itinerary and sprinkling in some jokes about my mother, I want to share with you some personal thoughts about my time here… while sprinkling in some jokes about my mother.

                For nearly 22 years I’ve sat around the Seder table on Passover, just going through the motions as any person would in a situation that he’s accustomed to, but doesn’t fully understand. For nearly 22 years, I’ve listened to my cousins ask the four questions until I was old enough to recite them myself, and then again I listened until my sister took over. For nearly 22 years I’ve listened to my uncle conclude each Seder with “Next year in Jerusalem,” and for 22 years I’ve had no idea why. That is, until this past Friday.

                We arrived in Jerusalem on two days ago and every moment since has been nothing short of awesome. Friday night we celebrated Shabbat at The Wall. Maybe I didn’t have the most engaging temple experience growing up, but I’ve never seen a bunch of Jewish people actually having fun during a service. We were singing, we were dancing, and we were enjoying each other’s company. Not once did I check my watch in anticipation of the end, and not until that night did I truly experience the rock star that is Rabbi Levi Slonim. Watch out, Bieber, there’s a new guy in town and he’s carrying the word of Hashem. You think Bieber’s hair is worth talking about? Ask Slonim about his beard- that outta be a nice hour-long conversation.

                The next day, we were all divided up and had the unique experience of eating a home cooked meal at an Israeli family’s home. A few of my friends and I had the pleasure of eating with the head of Mayanot, his family and guests. The table was flooded with food, song, laughter and overall joy. It was an amazing experience and the opportunity to see how another family celebrates the day of rest was an eye opener.

                It actually reminded me very much of my upbringing. I recall waking up on Saturday mornings and watching intently as my mother spent the day in our kitchen putting hours of thought and loving care into the important decision of which Italian restaurant to order in from that night. Sometimes we’d even find a coupon online that allowed us to get a free Baked Ziti with every purchase of 15 dollars or more. Ah, the memories.

                Saturday night was spent on Ben Yehudah street, which is a lively, upbeat strip of shops and eateries. It’s a great place to buy jewelry that will more likely than not disappoint your sister.

                Today, we spent our time at Yad Vashem and Mount Hertzel. If you don’t already know, Yad Vashem is Israel’s Holocaust museum, and Mount Hertzel is our military cemetery. Both experiences were beautifully emotional, and I suggest visiting if ever presented with the opportunity.

                Mount Hertzel was especially gratifying, for we spent our time there with our soldiers. I know I’ve touched upon the idea of having Israeli soldiers on our trip a few nights back, but the experience has changed completely having spent the last 72 hours with them. I talk to our soldiers with same level of comfort and understanding that I talk with the friends I’ve known my whole entire life. It’s an honor to be able to act like an absolute idiot in front of these guys just to get a laugh. However, the following joke did not translate as well as I would have liked:

Q: Why did the girl from Long Island, wearing Solos, an American Apparel zip-up and Ray Bans cross the road?

A: Because there was a self-serve yogurt shop on the other side in which she had plans to meet up with some “high school friends” whom she doesn’t really have anything in common with anymore other than a mutual understanding that if they don’t try and force this relationship that clearly isn’t working, they’ll have nobody to hang out with over winter break.

 Alrighty, I’m gonna go spend my last night with our soldiers.

Until next time,
Jason

 
Greeting our soldiers 

 
Speed dating at Ein Tinah 

 
At Ein Tinah wtaer falls 

 
At Kibbutz Misgav Am 

 
 Activity with the soldiers

Readers,

After a brief hiatus, I have returned to my post as trip blogger. Phew. I know. I’ll be able to sleep better now too. Just kidding, I won’t- because we never sleep.

Today was a very special day for multiple reasons. First and foremost, we met our Israeli soldiers. “What?! They weren’t with you the whole time?!” – calm down, Ma’.

 We were joined today by eight soldiers who all range in age from 18 to 22. Now, you at home may be wondering, what does an Israeli soldier look like? Tall, in peak physical condition, always alert, ready to protect and serve at a moments notice? Yeah’p- they all look and perform just like that!

Mom, stop reading for a sec.

None of them look like that. In fact, they are all kind of like me. They enjoy similar music, the same television shows, relaxing and shooting the breeze. So, by the transitive property, I’m pretty much an Israeli soldier. I mean, I did stand up to a bully a few years back… but he was seven, and I was his camp counselor. Full disclosure, I was still pretty nervous. Tough kid.

You can continue reading now, Ma’.

…so yeah, all Arnold Schwarzeneggar-types. Exactly what you’d expect.

After meeting the soldiers we went on a water hike in Ein Tina. Honestly, it may have been one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. Our whole group scaled a beautiful, live waterfall full of large rocks, and rough terrain. It was by far and away the most athletic thing I’ve ever done in my life. Not as big of an accomplishment given that the second most athletic thing I’ve ever done involved Finding Nemo on Blu-Ray and a body pillow, but still, I’m proud of myself.

After some lunch, we had the distinct honor of listening to Aria, a man who lives in a Kibbutz in the northern most part of Israel, as he spoke of his passion for his country and the importance of being Israeli. It was a truly moving experience that left some in tears and others looking to punch somebody in the face.

                Then, we all had an awesome time rafting down the Yarden, which seems like it is currently the frontrunner for the group’s favorite experience so far.

                Alright, time to break the ice with our soldiers.

                Talk to you tomorrow,

 More photos to come over the next few days.

 Greeting our soldiers 

At Ein Tina Water Falls 

  Hi! Meira and Becca here from Israel and we just wanted to tell you a little bit about our day. We started off in the holy city of tsfat at a museum, where we learned many interesting facts about the torah, mezuzah, and how to write Hebrew.  Personally, we enjoyed the jeopardy game the most because we were able to both show and gain knowledge with this activity.  It was also very exciting to learn the techniques of Torah writing! After the museum, we gave back to the community of Israel and helped clean up the garden of tsfat.  It was very exciting to feel a deeper connection to the old and holy city of tsfat.  We then moved on to grab lunch, where many people enjoyed their first taste of shwarma, it was delicious! After lunch, we met with a man, Avraham Leventhal, who had moved to Israel from the states within the last 15 years.  He went on to talk about the importance of kaballah.  Some even bought paintings and books from his gallery. After this great learning experience, we prepared for the Israeli soldiers, which we would soon be meeting.  We made welcome posters so they would feel at home when we greet them tomorrow morning! Finally, we toured the synagogue of tsfat, where we were able to get in touch with a different side of our Judaism.  We already all feel at home here in Israel, especially after our night out in Tiberias! We cant wait to share our adventures for tomorrow!

 
At the Sefer Torah, Tefillin & Mezuzah museum 

 
At Livnot Ulehibanot 

Enjoying the first shawarma in Israel! 

 


At the Avarahm Levental Art Gallery

Prepping to meet the soldiers tomorrow

 
In the Kabbalist the Ari's Shul

Eating out in Tiberias 

At Livnot Ulehibanot  

En Route from Tzfat back to our hotel in Tiberias 

Hello America,

This morning Rabbi Levi told us that if, by the end of the trip we don’t change as people, then we didn’t have the full Mayanot experience. Well, my internal clock is no longer a thing, so congrats to me.

Today we went to the Caesarean section of Israel where we learned about how King Herod gave birth to a culture based on that of the Romans.

Then we travelled to a nice little town called Zichron Yaakov where a vast majority of the group tried Shwarma for the first time. I enjoyed mine, I just wish it was a little shwarmer. (Can’t all be winners, I’m running on empty.)

We ended the day with a walk through the Ganei Hanadiv Gardens which my mother would describe as “very nice” and then took a brief hike down Ramat Hanadiv which my mother would describe as “too hot, not for me.”

Until next time,
Jason 

 
Welcome Orientation outside Ben Gurion Airport 

 
At Caesarea 

 
At Ramat Hanadiv

 
"knocked out"  after a long, exciting first day in Israel

Greetings from the sky. It’s 7:55 eastern standard time. Captain says the Holy Land is another four hours away. I’ve already depleted my supply of Peanut Butter M&M’s and all I have left is a small ration of water and hummus, which I’m saving because my source tells me that hummus is a scarce commodity in Israel. My source is a fictional character whose sole purpose is to provide this log with a hint of humor grounded in irony.

With six hours of travel behind me and four to go, I am left with what may be the most grueling decision I’ve ever had to make in my life. That is, to either watch One For The Money, a film in which Katherine Heigl looks good while doing things, and The Vow, a film in which Channing Tatum “looks arguably better” (Evan Sussman, 2012) while doing things. I imagine this is the modern day equivalent of being starving on a voyage across the Atlantic and having to decide between eating your own hand and dipping into your hummus reserve.

That’s all for now.

Jason Blackman
Passenger 46A

Several students of Mayanot 83 aboard the Israel bound flight