Hi parents!
Today I write to you to tell you about our time at Auschwitz. Not because it was a happy day, but it was a meaningful one.
When I took 49 teenagers to Auschwitz, I stood next to them in front of the giant book with all of the names that they can keep track of everyone who passed in any of the camps during the Holocaust, and we looked for our family names together.
Your kids were so mature and poised and engaged. Not just because they are great kids, but because they learned. And I learned too.
I saw the absolute worst of humanity. I have spent my whole life learning about the Shoah, and it was still shocking and painful.
And I saw kids who met not even 2 weeks ago wrapping their arms around each other. Passing tissues. Holding hands.
Asking deep and thoughtful questions.
Reflecting deeply on their Jewish identities and how they relate to the Jewish people.
At the end, as we left Auschwitz-Birkenau, we stood together in a circle and kids led us in the Mourner’s Kaddish and the Shema.
I don’t quite think I can describe it all, today or ever.
But I am incredibly proud to get to serve as a madricha for Yallah! Israel and Habonim Dror, in this particular moment in history, in this particular part of the world, with these particular kids.
I want you to know that you have done an incredible job raising loving, thoughtful, mature, and sensitive young people.
I don’t know everything, but what I do know is that the Jewish people are stronger together.
Shabbat Shalom.
