Shabbat Shalom from Rome!
What a week it has been! As we enter our final Shabbat together, we’re leaning into a powerful theme, impact. We are mindful of the impact we’ve had on each other, the impact these places have had on us, and the impact this journey will carry forward into our lives long after we return home.
This week was packed with moments that made a lasting mark. We began in the Dolomites, where we rafted through the waters of northern Italy, surrounded by gorgeous peaks and crisp mountain air. It wasn’t just an adrenaline rush, but a reminder of our ability to work together, to trust, and to laugh with one another. These moments in nature helped us reconnect with ourselves and each other and the campers absolutely loved it!
From there, we made our way into Venice, which was definitely a treat. We kicked off our time there with a gondola ride through the canals and then we walked across tons of bridges and narrow streets. The campers had pizur dinner and lunch the following day to explore and dine on their own! We explored the Doge’s Palace and stood in awe in St. Mark’s Square. You could see the campers absorbing the quiet beauty and history around them, allowing it to settle in.
Our next stop was Florence, and it’s safe to say it swept us off our feet! We stood before Michelangelo’s David, visited the stunning Duomo in the rain and the shine, and spent a morning at the Great Synagogue of Florence. It was great to meet and connect with the local Jewish community. A few campers even wrapped Tfillin with the locals! Although the history and community in Florence was spectacular, we also had some pretty awesome pastas, pizzas and gelatos. We explored local towns and markets in groups, and those seemingly small moments had big impact, too. We saw their independence, confidence, and happiness grow.
Midweek, we biked around the old city walls of Lucca before heading to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, where we of course perfected our “holding it up” poses. Then came a chance to pause and soak it all in with some rest and fun at a beach on the Tuscan coast.
And then, on Thursday morning, we reached our final stop, Rome. We walked the walls of Vatican City, taking in its religious significance while also drawing powerful comparisons to our experiences with Jerusalem. These conversations weren’t just educational, they were spiritual. They pushed us to think deeply about identity, power, and the way sacred spaces shape who we are. We finished the day with our “Gladiator for a Day” experience, which had us rocking tunics and learning the skills of ancient warriors. It was a perfect mix of giggles, learning, and stepping back into Roman history.
Throughout the week, Judaism remained our anchor. From singing Jewish songs to discussing the Jewish communities of Italy and their historical resilience, this trip has shown us how to see the world with Jewish eyes, how to feel connected even when far from home. We’ve explored ancient cities and asked modern questions, built a community rooted in care and curiosity, and created growth through our shared practices.
As we prepare for our final Shabbat together, the theme of impact couldn’t feel more fitting. Each camper has made an impact- on this group, on the places we’ve visited, and on the stories we’ve lived. And each of these experiences has shaped them as travelers, as Jews, and as friends stepping into the world with new experiences
Thank you for sharing your children with us on this journey. They are heading home with so much more than memories. They’re carrying the impact of every moment, every friendship, and every lesson we’ve lived together.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out in the future. Your kids will always be a part of our lives. 🙂
Shabbat Shalom,
Rachel Bienstock and the Yallah! Western Europe Team
