Meet your #Bus46 Staff
Get ready for an amazing adventure! #Birthright #Shorashim
*All pictures are either from your staff’s first trip to Israel, in general or as a staff person, or one of their favorite places
Ori Adelstein
How long have you been a tour educator/working with Shorashim?
Five years.
Why is it important to you to have Israelis on the trip for all 10 days?
It's important to see Israel, to hike, to learn about the history an different sights, but there's nothing more important that meeting other people. We are meeting people all the time - the venders at the shops, people from the hotel and other places, but in order to create real and deep relationships, you need time. This trip is very meaningful and involves alot of different experiences. It's going to be funny and sad and emotional.. and more. Experiencing this together worth more than anything else on this trip!
What's a fun fact about yourself?
I can move my ears and - when I drive especially if I'm tired.. I am singing with the radio so loud as if I was performing in front of 100,000 people.
What's your favorite site to go to take participants to and why is it your favorite?
I love the desert experience, but it's hard for me to pick one favorite place.
What's the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
Be yourself!
What's your favorite Shorashim memory?
I love the singing on the bus. When I was a participant, and also when I am a tour educator.
What do you love most about Shorashim?
I love that we are like a family. I love that it's a familiar place for me because of all the years. I love the educational and pluralistic approach and, of course, the people!
What's your favorite city in Israel and why?
There is only one city in Israel... Tel Aviv. It's my home town. I grew up there. Also, it's the place where you can do everything, be anything, with everybody. Everyone can find something to relate to in this place. so varid, colorful, happy, and, of course, there's the beach!
What's your favorite Israeli food and where is your favorite place in Israel to get this dish?
My mom's food.
What's your favorite thing about Israel?
The atmosphere, the people, the fact that it's so small, and it has everything! In an hour, you can drive from the center and you can see the sea snow green mountains lakes springs and the desert. I also like the humor and the informal way we're dealing with things (sometimes).
What's your favorite place that you have ever travelled to and why?
Its so hard for me to pick a favorite...but if I have to... I LOVE India! The people, the atmosphere, the fact that it's so loud and busy and dirty and such a mess, and within all this, you can find peace and quite - that's really powerful. also there's magic in the air there.
What are your words of wisdom for your future participants?
Come open - to the sights, the people, the ideas. Use your five senses when you're here. Take it in! Let it confuse youand after, keep in touch with the friends you made, with people you meet, and with Israel!
Anything else you want to share?
I'm excited! Can't wait to see you soon <3
Zach Pellish
Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
I'm originally from Skokie and currently live in Old Town in Chicago.
What do you do for a living?
I am the North American Operations Manager for Shorashim.
When did you go to Israel for the first time?
I went to Israel for the first time on a Birthright trip with Shorashim in 2010.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I love to go skydiving.
What's your favorite place to visit in Israel?
My favorite place to visit in Israel is Jerusalem because there is no other place like it in the world. The mix of different cultures and religions, along with the history, truly make it a unique city.
What's your favorite place that you've ever travelled to and why?
My favorite place I ever traveled to was Quetico Provincial Park in Canada. I went for a two week canoeing trip, and it is one of the most isolated and stunningly beautiful places I've ever been.
What's your favorite Israeli food and where is your favorite place in Israel to get this dish?
My favorite food in Israel is malawach, which is a Yemeni breakfast bread. It's doughy and eggy and delicious. I've only ever had this in Yemeni homes in Israel, and every time it seems to get better.
If there was one aspect of Israel that you could bring back to America with you, what would it be?
I would bring back the sense of community that exists in Israel. Everyone is incredibly hospitable and goes out of their way to make sure people are looked after and taken care of.
What's the #1 reason that you recommend that your friends and family should go on Birthright Israel with Shorashim?
The incredible North American office.
What /who is your spirit animal and why?
Probably Pumba from Lion King. I'm pretty laid back and easy-going, and try to see the positive in everyone I meet and every situation.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
"We're so busy watching out for what's just ahead of us that we don't take the time to enjoy where we are". -Calvin & Hobbes
What are your words of wisdom for your future participants?
Soak up this experience for everything that is has to offer. Ask questions, challenge the way you think, and learn from others, because you will get out as much as you put into the trip.
Ashley O'Brien
Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
From Buffalo Grove, live in Lincoln Park now.
What do you do for a living?
I am the Teen Program Coordinator for JCC Camp Chi, JCC Chicago's resident camp located in Lake Delton, Wisconsin.
When did you go to Israel for the first time?
My first time in Israel was in February 2015 to staff Ta'am Yisrael, a community trip for 8th grade students living in the Chicagoland area. I have since been back to Israel twice since that first trip, including my time as a Shorashim participant.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I know all the words to MmmBop by Hanson. And yes, there are actually real words.
What's your favorite place to visit in Israel?
My favorite place to visit in Israel is the newly renovated "train station" in Jerusalem. It's a great place for a night out with friends, an afternoon of shopping, a concert or outdoor movie, or to get some amazing food (mostly just eat the gelato though).
What's your favorite place that you've ever travelled to and why?
Israel, because Israelly fun. Also, I love the people, the culture, the food, the music, and the history.
What's your favorite Israeli food and where is your favorite place in Israel to get this dish?
My favorite Israel dish is Shakshuka. I have yet to eat Shakshuka in Israel that I haven't enjoyed, but my favorite place to get it is in Tel Aviv at Shuk Ha'Carmel at the small restaurant appropriately named "Shakshuka."
If there was one aspect of Israel that you could bring back to America with you, what would it be?
Other people are probably going to say Marzipan, so I'll go a little deeper. One of my favorite things about Israel is how passionate every single person is that you meet there. They are passionate about their work, their lives, their country, everything. I find it incredibly inspiring, and it creates an atmosphere of positivity and happiness that is completely addicting. I would love to feel this vibe everywhere in America!
What's the #1 reason that you recommend that your friends and family should go on Birthright Israel with Shorashim?
As a past participant of Shorashim and someone who has gone to Israel with a number of different organizations as well, it is great to work with staff who are organized, timely, intelligent, and passionate about what they do. Their commitment to the organization is reflected in the quality of their trips, and allows each participant to get the highest quality experience out of a Birthright Israel program.
What /who is your spirit animal and why?
Ringtailed Lemur because they have a ton of energy, love to explore, and sleep cuddled up in piles with other lemurs (Google image it right now if you never have).
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
If you don't A-S-K, you don't G-E-T. Simple, but is a constant reminder to ask for the things you want and that are important to you in life.
What are your words of wisdom for your future participants?
Birthright gives you the opportunity for both shared group experiences, as well as individual experiences throughout your trip. Take advantage of every experience and opportunity you can, and keep in mind that the trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity that many do not have the privilege to participate in. Additionally, every person is going to have a different connection to Israel, and different things that define their Jewish identity. This is an incredible way to learn from others and to learn about and view Israel from multiple perspectives.
Anything else you want to share?
It's officially Krembo season!!!
