It’s Friday and that means that its Erev Shabbat in Jerusalem. This weekend is officially the off Shabbos, so everyone that has friends or family in Israel can get to see each other. I have been on a lot of Israel trips, but I have never seen a program that puts so much into each day. Everyone has been so cooperative and helpful and after three weeks of intense hiking and touring, everyone could use a little break.
Since the last post we had a chance to see more of our biblical history unfold and come alive before our very eyes. This past Wednesday we visited two important sights. We have all heard the famous story of David and Goliath and I’m sure that you have imagined what the area might have looked like. Well TJJ not only visited the site but a few of our teenagers even got to play the parts of Davis and Goliath and reenact the famous battle. Don’t worry no one was hurt! As we approached the site we hiked through a small forest that had small pillars along the path every few feet. On each of the stone pillars a verse from the Prophets was inscribed so you could really put yourself into the famous stories. Next we went to the famous Bar Kochba caves where we went to see the tunnels that the Jews constructed in order to secretly teach Torah and flee in case of a Roman attack. The tunnels were narrow and almost all of the teenagers actually crawled through.
The next day was not an easy day; and it was a very emotional day. We started the day on a guided tour of the new Museum at Yad Vashem and had a chance to learn about Jewish life before the war and what the Nazi’s did during the Holocaust. We then split up into groups so that we could all process the experience and ask questions about the Shoah. From Yad Vashem we walked to Mt Hetzl, which is right next door. All of the presidents and prime ministers of Israel are buried there and the largest IDF cemetery is there as well. We had all see the movie about the American born soldier Mike Levin, who was killed in battle and everyone was very moved when we got to see the place that he was buried. We heard real life stories about the people that were buried there and learned about their dedication to the State of Israel. All of the soldiers and leaders of the modern state are special people and courageous leaders and we all have a lot that we can learn from them. After a long and emotional day we headed to the Biblical zoo so that everyone could relax and enjoy the new relationships that each of the participants has formed.
I hope that you have a great Shabbos and I can’t wait for Sundays trip to the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi and Massada.
Inspire yourselves to inspire others...
Josh
-----------------------
Rabbi Josh Broide
Director of TJJ Bus 5
Monday, August 22, 2011
TJJ Bus 5 - Tel Aviv & Cholon
Everyone is still on a high from Yom NCSY and for those of you that missed the broadcast I have been told that there will be a link that will be made available so you can see the recorded event.
The past two days have been very exciting! We began our journey on Monday in Tel Aviv and started at Rabin Square, the actual place that Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin was assassinated. While we were there we had a chance to learn about the great leaders of Israel and encouraged the teens to follow up with reading and studying about them when they get back to the States. For the first activity all of the teens were given a notepad and pens and asked to go over to local Israelis on the streets of Tel Aviv and ask them if they remember where they were when they heard about the assassination, as well as a few other questions about the event. After the activity everyone shared the compelling answers and discussed the emotional stories. We also took the time the discuss how to deal with others when we have disagreements and what’s considered appropriate behavior and what’s considered inappropriate behavior. We then headed for Independence Hall, the place where Israel declared its independence in 1948. They showed us a movie and we got to sit in the room, that is still setup the way it was that day, and hear all of the details of the famous event. Next we headed to Yafo and saw the famous old port city. While touring and shopping in the shuk, their local marketplace, we heard stories about the old and modern community.
Yesterday we went to the city of Cholon, a relatively new city in Israel, where we visited the Deaf Museum, and to honest I had no idea what to expect. It was a big surprise to see that it was really an interactive workshop with a guide that was deaf. We got to go into a number of rooms with headphones that prevented us from hearing anything. In each room we learned a different aspect of how deaf people communicate with each other and with people that are not hearing impaired. It was amazing to see that all of the guides that took each group were so happy and if given the chance to hear again would not be interested in being able to hear. There were so many lessons that we learned that day and it had a big impact on the participants.
Later that day we visited with the Israel Experience at Bar Ilan University, where we got to hear about this new gap year program for American high school graduates. There are so many options for college and hearing about an option in Israel where you can get a full years college credit from one of the foremost universities in Israel was an eye opening opportunity for many. Rabbi Tully Bryks, who created and runs the program is a former NCSY Regional Director, and has created a program that utilizes the Bar Ilan education program and infuses it with Judaic classes. Since yesterday was a fast day called Shiva Asar B’Tamuz, and we had a lighter load, everyone was very happy when we went to Papa Gayo (and I know its misspelled) to break the fast. I just want to point out that not everyone fasted and because of the heat in Israel compounded with the fact that the teenager’s health is paramount, we instructed everyone that the fast day was voluntary and we insisted that everyone drinks throughout the day if they felt uncomfortable. At the restaurant we had an “all you can eat dinner” with delicious food. I can honestly say that I have never broken a fast in a nicer establishment.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from TJJ Bus 5!!!
Inspire yourselves to inspire others…
Josh
-----------------------------
Rabbi Josh Broide
TJJ Bus 5 Director
The past two days have been very exciting! We began our journey on Monday in Tel Aviv and started at Rabin Square, the actual place that Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin was assassinated. While we were there we had a chance to learn about the great leaders of Israel and encouraged the teens to follow up with reading and studying about them when they get back to the States. For the first activity all of the teens were given a notepad and pens and asked to go over to local Israelis on the streets of Tel Aviv and ask them if they remember where they were when they heard about the assassination, as well as a few other questions about the event. After the activity everyone shared the compelling answers and discussed the emotional stories. We also took the time the discuss how to deal with others when we have disagreements and what’s considered appropriate behavior and what’s considered inappropriate behavior. We then headed for Independence Hall, the place where Israel declared its independence in 1948. They showed us a movie and we got to sit in the room, that is still setup the way it was that day, and hear all of the details of the famous event. Next we headed to Yafo and saw the famous old port city. While touring and shopping in the shuk, their local marketplace, we heard stories about the old and modern community.
Yesterday we went to the city of Cholon, a relatively new city in Israel, where we visited the Deaf Museum, and to honest I had no idea what to expect. It was a big surprise to see that it was really an interactive workshop with a guide that was deaf. We got to go into a number of rooms with headphones that prevented us from hearing anything. In each room we learned a different aspect of how deaf people communicate with each other and with people that are not hearing impaired. It was amazing to see that all of the guides that took each group were so happy and if given the chance to hear again would not be interested in being able to hear. There were so many lessons that we learned that day and it had a big impact on the participants.
Later that day we visited with the Israel Experience at Bar Ilan University, where we got to hear about this new gap year program for American high school graduates. There are so many options for college and hearing about an option in Israel where you can get a full years college credit from one of the foremost universities in Israel was an eye opening opportunity for many. Rabbi Tully Bryks, who created and runs the program is a former NCSY Regional Director, and has created a program that utilizes the Bar Ilan education program and infuses it with Judaic classes. Since yesterday was a fast day called Shiva Asar B’Tamuz, and we had a lighter load, everyone was very happy when we went to Papa Gayo (and I know its misspelled) to break the fast. I just want to point out that not everyone fasted and because of the heat in Israel compounded with the fact that the teenager’s health is paramount, we instructed everyone that the fast day was voluntary and we insisted that everyone drinks throughout the day if they felt uncomfortable. At the restaurant we had an “all you can eat dinner” with delicious food. I can honestly say that I have never broken a fast in a nicer establishment.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from TJJ Bus 5!!!
Inspire yourselves to inspire others…
Josh
-----------------------------
Rabbi Josh Broide
TJJ Bus 5 Director
TJJ Bus 5 - Shabbat & Yom NCSY
After checking into the Jerusalem Gate Hotel in Jerusalem we all got ready for a very special Shabbat experience. We started by going to the Kotel, the Western Wall, for Kabbalat Shabbat. There were so many people that were praying there, that it was a very overwhelming experience. Having the opportunity to just see so many Jews gathered in one place was a special sight. But the best part was the fact that everyone was coming from a different place. You had Jews that were religious and secular, old and young, IDF soldiers and tourists, and for the moment we were all on the same page! Many participants even bumped into old friends and there is no better place to do that than at the Kotel. But what really touched me was seeing the reaction of our teenagers to the Kotel, many ran to the wall to be able to be as close as possible, some placed personal notes inside and others embraced each other and cried. The soul is a very powerful force in each one of us and its always looking to break out of the physical confines of our physical body and really shine. This group of teens in a very special group that keeps getting closer to one another.
After praying we went to the Sephardic Center in the Old City and joined with another TJJ Bus for Shabbat Dinner. There was a special ruach that permeated the room. The dinner was delicious and the singing was powerful, we even had one of our teens deliver a D’var Torah to the entire group. The next day we ate lunch with another group and went on an optional walking tour of Jerusalem. There are so many different places to visit, but because of the proximity of the Knesset to our hotel that was our destination. We got to see the famous large Menora and learn about how the government of Israel operates. After the tour, the girls and boys from all four busses were spit up for a special no holds bard question and answer session with Rabbi Goldberg and his wife, our scholar in residence. The Rabbi and his wife are so knowledgeable and understanding that it proved to be a great event. After Shabbat we went on a tour of the famous underground Kotel Tunnels. It’s really amazing to see how the Western Wall that is exposed in only a small part of the real “Western Wall”. The teen learned about how the retaining walls were constructed and also how the excavation developed. Towards the end of the tour we got to stop at the part of the Western Wall that is directly opposite the place where the Holy of Holies once stood. According to tradition that is literally the closest place that Jew can be and pray to God.
This morning, we started the day with a tour of the City of David. Most people are not aware of the City that David was built even before the construction of the Temple. The city even had a palace for the king, which was also a surprise. They showed us a 3D movie and then we went on a 45-minute underground walk through a water tunnel. The real highlight of the day came tonight when we arrived at Yom NCSY. To be honest I really had no idea what to expect. I figured there would be a meal and some entertainment, but nothing could have prepared us for what really was about to take place. Every one of the NCSY Summer programs was present and there were more than a thousand people in attendance. There were special guests, entertainers, impromptu interviews, great food, two concerts, dancing, singing and lots and lots of cheering. The night ended with huge fireworks show and I have to say that NCSY really put on one of the best shows that I have ever seen. Many of you that are following TJJ Bus 5 are not familiar with the other NCSY programs and I urge you to visit www.ncsysummer.com and to will be blown away by the selection and their really is a program for everyone!!
We are now officially half way through the program and I look forward to bringing you updates in the future.
Stay tuned and follow us on Twitter.com/tjjbus5 and join our Facebook group for exclusive updates.
Your children are really amazing!!!
Inspire yourselves to inspire others…
Josh
-----------------------------
Rabbi Josh Broide
TJJ Bus 5 Director
After praying we went to the Sephardic Center in the Old City and joined with another TJJ Bus for Shabbat Dinner. There was a special ruach that permeated the room. The dinner was delicious and the singing was powerful, we even had one of our teens deliver a D’var Torah to the entire group. The next day we ate lunch with another group and went on an optional walking tour of Jerusalem. There are so many different places to visit, but because of the proximity of the Knesset to our hotel that was our destination. We got to see the famous large Menora and learn about how the government of Israel operates. After the tour, the girls and boys from all four busses were spit up for a special no holds bard question and answer session with Rabbi Goldberg and his wife, our scholar in residence. The Rabbi and his wife are so knowledgeable and understanding that it proved to be a great event. After Shabbat we went on a tour of the famous underground Kotel Tunnels. It’s really amazing to see how the Western Wall that is exposed in only a small part of the real “Western Wall”. The teen learned about how the retaining walls were constructed and also how the excavation developed. Towards the end of the tour we got to stop at the part of the Western Wall that is directly opposite the place where the Holy of Holies once stood. According to tradition that is literally the closest place that Jew can be and pray to God.
This morning, we started the day with a tour of the City of David. Most people are not aware of the City that David was built even before the construction of the Temple. The city even had a palace for the king, which was also a surprise. They showed us a 3D movie and then we went on a 45-minute underground walk through a water tunnel. The real highlight of the day came tonight when we arrived at Yom NCSY. To be honest I really had no idea what to expect. I figured there would be a meal and some entertainment, but nothing could have prepared us for what really was about to take place. Every one of the NCSY Summer programs was present and there were more than a thousand people in attendance. There were special guests, entertainers, impromptu interviews, great food, two concerts, dancing, singing and lots and lots of cheering. The night ended with huge fireworks show and I have to say that NCSY really put on one of the best shows that I have ever seen. Many of you that are following TJJ Bus 5 are not familiar with the other NCSY programs and I urge you to visit www.ncsysummer.com and to will be blown away by the selection and their really is a program for everyone!!
We are now officially half way through the program and I look forward to bringing you updates in the future.
Stay tuned and follow us on Twitter.com/tjjbus5 and join our Facebook group for exclusive updates.
Your children are really amazing!!!
Inspire yourselves to inspire others…
Josh
-----------------------------
Rabbi Josh Broide
TJJ Bus 5 Director
TJJ Bus 5 - The Week in Tzfat
We just left the holy city of Tzvat, where we have been staying since Sunday afternoon and this also marks the end of our tour in the northern part of Israel and the Golan Heights. The last two days have been very busy, but all of the activities have been both fun and educational. We had a chance to participate in an excellent team building exercise, where the bus was divided into three equal groups and given raw materials. All we had were a few pieces of bamboo, a rope, planks of wood and steel drums. Each group had to figure out how to build a raft and after the entire group boards the raft, race it to a designated flag in the Kinneret. The first team to build it and make it back to shore would win. Although there was a team that did finish first, there is no question that we were all winners because without working together and allowing everyone to work on a specific area, we would not have been able to complete our task.
It’s also amazing how so many small communities have build large scale production facilities in Israel. We have already visited that famous Naot Teva shoe factory that’s been built by a simple kibbutz, we also visited an olive oil factory that’s become world renowned for its products and finally we visited a chocolate factory. Everyone loves chocolate, but few know how its made. We had a chance to learn first hand the story of a family of chocolate makers to fled Europe and made it to Argentina before the Holocaust and eventually made Aliyah. Everyone got to make their own chocolate creations and off course enjoy lots of chocolate.
We also went of more water hikes and regular hikes and with each activity we get to see more of the beautiful land of Israel. Another aspect that has become very popular is the Teffilah (prayer) workshops that we have been running every morning. We started on page 1, with the first prayer called Modeh Ani and recognized the value of saying thank you and how much we have to remind ourselves everyday that we are truly blessed. The final two words of Modeh Ani hold an important lesson as well. We all know that life has its challenges, but we should never forget that God has faith in us, he has given us a mission and it’s up to us to live a purpose driven life. We also studied Rashis Chochmo, Ma Tovu, Adon Olam, Yigdal and the first blessing “All Netilat Yadayim”. It’s amazing how the simple siddur has so many valuable lessons.
Last night was the last night in Tzvat and we celebratd with a great BBQ and bonfire where we all sat around listening to great stories, singing and roasting marsh mellows.
As we head into our second Shabbat in Israel, I want to thank you for following our trip and please continue to help us spread the word about NCSY’s TJJ program. Remember you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter for exclusive pictures as they happen and tune into Jewish Pride Radio for live interviews with the participants at 6:00am EST on www.blogtalkradio.com/broide. If you want to see more pictures please visit our blog on www.ncsysummer.com and search for pictures of TJJ Bus 5 on Picasa.
Inspire yourself to inspire others…
Have a great Shabbos!
Josh
-------------------
Rabbi Josh Broide
Director of TJJ Bus 5
It’s also amazing how so many small communities have build large scale production facilities in Israel. We have already visited that famous Naot Teva shoe factory that’s been built by a simple kibbutz, we also visited an olive oil factory that’s become world renowned for its products and finally we visited a chocolate factory. Everyone loves chocolate, but few know how its made. We had a chance to learn first hand the story of a family of chocolate makers to fled Europe and made it to Argentina before the Holocaust and eventually made Aliyah. Everyone got to make their own chocolate creations and off course enjoy lots of chocolate.
We also went of more water hikes and regular hikes and with each activity we get to see more of the beautiful land of Israel. Another aspect that has become very popular is the Teffilah (prayer) workshops that we have been running every morning. We started on page 1, with the first prayer called Modeh Ani and recognized the value of saying thank you and how much we have to remind ourselves everyday that we are truly blessed. The final two words of Modeh Ani hold an important lesson as well. We all know that life has its challenges, but we should never forget that God has faith in us, he has given us a mission and it’s up to us to live a purpose driven life. We also studied Rashis Chochmo, Ma Tovu, Adon Olam, Yigdal and the first blessing “All Netilat Yadayim”. It’s amazing how the simple siddur has so many valuable lessons.
Last night was the last night in Tzvat and we celebratd with a great BBQ and bonfire where we all sat around listening to great stories, singing and roasting marsh mellows.
As we head into our second Shabbat in Israel, I want to thank you for following our trip and please continue to help us spread the word about NCSY’s TJJ program. Remember you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter for exclusive pictures as they happen and tune into Jewish Pride Radio for live interviews with the participants at 6:00am EST on www.blogtalkradio.com/broide. If you want to see more pictures please visit our blog on www.ncsysummer.com and search for pictures of TJJ Bus 5 on Picasa.
Inspire yourself to inspire others…
Have a great Shabbos!
Josh
-------------------
Rabbi Josh Broide
Director of TJJ Bus 5
TJJ Bus 5 - The Golan Heights
Today we went on another hike, and for some this was the toughest hike to date. Any hike that lasts almost five hours in very intense, but I am proud to say that everyone who participated finished the hike and also really enjoyed all of the unique elements of this particular journey. Hiking is not one of the things that families really do when they come and visit Israel, but I highly recommend that you try one the next time to you are here.
The Golan Heights was also the scene of the Yom Kippur war and we got to see many of the important battle areas. We got to go to the top of Mt. Ben Tal, which has a secret bunker at the top (don’t tell anyone) and was also volcano, but no need to worry it was active about 50 million years ago. We got to see a film about the Yom Kippur war and visited another theater to see a film about the Golan Heights. We also visited an olive oil factory where they taught us how the area of the Golan Heights was home to the largest olive oil businesses in the time of the Talmud and how some of the best olive oil in the world is being made there right now. There was even an exhibit in another building that we could see the unique and important topography of the area and see how the Golan Heights came to be and the place it had throughout Jewish History. One of the things that was a surprise and not on the itinerary was a tour of a grape/apple/cherry farm. It didn’t sound like a lot of fun, but once we got there no one wanted to leave. We got to pick and eat three different types of cherries and also had fun playing with them… don’t even ask, but it was a lot of fun.
Of course there is a lot more to come. To hear the live reactions to the events as they happen check out TJJ on Jewish Pride Radio – http://www.jewishprideradio.com/ or search for Jewish Pride Radio on iTunes.
Stay tuned for more updates and more photos to come!!
Inspire yourself to inspire others…
Josh
-----------------------------
Rabbi Josh Broide
Director of TJJ Bus 5
The Golan Heights was also the scene of the Yom Kippur war and we got to see many of the important battle areas. We got to go to the top of Mt. Ben Tal, which has a secret bunker at the top (don’t tell anyone) and was also volcano, but no need to worry it was active about 50 million years ago. We got to see a film about the Yom Kippur war and visited another theater to see a film about the Golan Heights. We also visited an olive oil factory where they taught us how the area of the Golan Heights was home to the largest olive oil businesses in the time of the Talmud and how some of the best olive oil in the world is being made there right now. There was even an exhibit in another building that we could see the unique and important topography of the area and see how the Golan Heights came to be and the place it had throughout Jewish History. One of the things that was a surprise and not on the itinerary was a tour of a grape/apple/cherry farm. It didn’t sound like a lot of fun, but once we got there no one wanted to leave. We got to pick and eat three different types of cherries and also had fun playing with them… don’t even ask, but it was a lot of fun.
Of course there is a lot more to come. To hear the live reactions to the events as they happen check out TJJ on Jewish Pride Radio – http://www.jewishprideradio.com/ or search for Jewish Pride Radio on iTunes.
Stay tuned for more updates and more photos to come!!
Inspire yourself to inspire others…
Josh
-----------------------------
Rabbi Josh Broide
Director of TJJ Bus 5
TJJ Bus 5 - Shabbos in Pki'in
After leaving the holy city of Tzfat on Friday, we headed back to the hotel to prepare for Shabbos. This was this first shabbos that we would be spending together on TJJ and I am so happy to report that TJJ Bus 5 didn’t disappoint. After a week of hiking and touring, the transition to Shabbos was spectacular. Everyone came to the synagogue in their special shabbos clothing and you could tell that there was something special about to happen. After a spirited service we all sat together at a large table and enjoyed a delicious meal and leaned a few new Shabbos songs. After dinner we all went back to the shul for a “tish” the yiddish word for table, and everyone sat around the table for dessert and more singing and a special “cholent” made by the Bus 5 advisors. There were many other highlights on Shabbos, including lots of free time to get closer with each other and informal educational classes with the advisors. As Shabbos came to a close there is a long standing tradition in NCSY to run a program called “as Shbbbos ebs away” where everyone sits in a circle and sings slower (not quite, just slower) and more inspirational songs. A number of teens who had never dreamt of observing Shabbos, found it surprisingly easy in the no pressure environment. So many people came over to the advisors and remarked how they really enjoyed the past week and found making new friends was easier than they expected. After Shabbos the girls had a dance party and the boys watched a movie and everyone got together for delicious Israeli Pizza! Now its Sunday morning and we just packed up the bus and left the city of Pki’in and will check into our new hotel in Tzfat tonight. Please check out the Havdalah pictures on Facebook and stay tuned for regular Twitter updates with new pictures as well. And tune into Jewish Pride Radio at approximately 6:00 am EST for the live updates on the radio show. What a great group!! And please tell your relative and friend to join us on the Facebook and Twitter pages so that they can see the magic as it unfolds.
Josh
Josh
Thursday, July 7, 2011
TJJ - The Jerusalem Journey Week 1
Each week I will be sending you a message and update from TJJ – The Jerusalem Journey. I can’t even begin to tell you how incredible all of the teens on this program are. For the most part I didn’t know most of them well before getting to Israel, but I knew as soon as we met each other at JFK that this was a very special group. As soon as we landed in Tel Aviv, we headed up north, where we have been for the past three days. We visited the Rosh Hanikra, where we discussed the challenges that Israel faces with its neighbors. We also broke the group up so that each smaller group could learn about and discuss the IDF and the MIA’s. We went rafting down the Jordan River, a three hour hike along a river and went biking around Mount Carmel. By the time you read this we will also have traveled to Tzfas. We are headed there tomorrow morning (Erev Shabbat) for a special program.
Another aspect to this trip is the learning sessions that take place. Since the teenagers are from public schools, we want to make sure that they learn important and essential Jewish values and lessons. Each morning we spend 30 minutes studying the text of the siddur and demonstrate how each prayer is incredibly relevant. Each evening there are smaller learning groups that are led by each of the advisors on the trip. They are intentionally smaller so that each student can develop a meaningful relationship with the staff.
Finally Shabbos is coming and I am so excited to be able to share a shabbos in Israel with the teenagers. Stay tuned for next weeks update.
Inspire yourself to inspire other’s…
Josh
Another aspect to this trip is the learning sessions that take place. Since the teenagers are from public schools, we want to make sure that they learn important and essential Jewish values and lessons. Each morning we spend 30 minutes studying the text of the siddur and demonstrate how each prayer is incredibly relevant. Each evening there are smaller learning groups that are led by each of the advisors on the trip. They are intentionally smaller so that each student can develop a meaningful relationship with the staff.
Finally Shabbos is coming and I am so excited to be able to share a shabbos in Israel with the teenagers. Stay tuned for next weeks update.
Inspire yourself to inspire other’s…
Josh
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