Dear Crane Lake and Eisner Yallah! Israel Families,
As we approach Shabbat after your teens’ first few days in Israel, we wanted to share some reflections. The transition from Poland to Israel has allowed us to appreciate the miracle of life and both individual and collective Jewish freedom and sovereignty.
The first days in Israel were dedicated to three beginnings.
The beginning of our Israel journey. Our time so far in Israel has been dedicated to fostering a community that supports growing friendships and safe and joyful space for self-expression. We put a lot of work into maintaining an atmosphere of mutual respect amongst the teens and staff, and toward the wellbeing of campers. Deep gratitude to Raya Seidman and Robin Kulwin on our participant care team, and to Karin Hellmann, the Rosh Eidah (unit head). In this week’s Torah portion, we read about the daughters of Zelophehad fighting for women’s rights. We strive every day in our bus community to model this notion and to improve the way we behave toward our fellow human beings.
The beginning of the nation of Israel. We hiked in the Tzin Desert, mentioned in the last Torah reading as one of the deserts the tribes of Israel crossed after the Exodus. We discussed with the group why the desert was chosen as the platform to build a nation and discover monotheism.
The beginning of the State of Israel. Coming from Poland, the Eisner group visited Mitzpe Revivim, a community built during World War II by European Jewish teenagers who were sent by their families to escape the Nazi regime. With the beautiful background of the Negev mountains at David Ben Gurion’s tomb, we shared the story of the first Prime Minister of Israel and his vision for the Jewish State. The theme of great visionary leaders is also in this Shabbat Torah reading, with Joshua appointed as the successor of Moses.
We contemplate who will be today’s next great leaders and remind our participants that each one of them could be the next Moses that our people need so desperately.
We are now camping in the Eilat mountains, hiking, and snorkeling in the Red Sea and are inspired and excited as we enter our first Shabbat in Israel.
Many more thanks to all our amazing team members, to the families that entrust us with their greatest treasures on earth, and to our amazing participants who fill us with pride and make all this experience so interesting and joyful.
Shabbat Shalom,
Yallah! Israel team
