Meet your #Bus47 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*
Elaun Rave
How long have you been a tour educator?
Since July 2011.
What's a fun fact about yourself?
I am the only boy in a family with five kids.
What's your favorite Shorashim memory?
The first time I did a closing "Achim" at the end of my first Birthright Israel: Shorashim trip.
What's your favorite site to go to take participants to on Birthright Israel?
Mt. Hertzl.
What are your words of wisdom for your future participants?
You are about to get an opportunity that could change your life. You should savor every moment, say yes to every new experience and make the most of each day. You Only Birthright Once!
Why is it important to you to have Israelis on the trip for all 10 days?
The single best way to get to know a place is through the people.
Shoshana Gibbor
Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
I was raised in Toms River, New Jersey and now live in Cambridge, MA.
What do you do for a living?
Director of Birthright & Israel Engagement @ MIT Hillel and Wellesley College Hillel.
When did you go to Israel for the first time?
Summer 2004 on USY's Eastern European/Israel Pilgrimage teen tour.
What's your favorite place to visit in Israel?
The beach in Tel Aviv and the Shuk in JLem & TLAV (Shuk = open air market), specifically the stores with tons of spices, tea blends, and dried fruits.
What's a fun fact about yourself?
I just got really into spinning and think I might be addicted to soul cycle!
What's your favorite place that you've ever travelled to and why?
I love to travel & adventure...so it's hard to pick just one place. Within the last year - my favorite place that I've visited is Colorado! It's beautiful and I have never been somewhere in the US where I have felt so at peace and one with nature.
What's your favorite Israeli food and where is your favorite place in Israel to get this dish?
My favorite Israeli food is Shakshuka, and I like to cook and eat it with friends!
If there was one aspect of Israel that you could bring back to America with you, what would it be?
The fresh fruit and veggies - food just tastes better in Israel!
What's the #1 reason that you recommend that your friends and family should go on Birthright Israel with Shorashim?
The single best way to get to know a place is through the people, therefore, to see & experience Israel the best way is through Shorashim, because you'll get to hang out with Israeli peers the whole time! I also recommend Shorashim because they are SO prepared and participant-centered. They think of everything and really care that everyone (staff & participants alike) have a memorable and meaningful experience.
What /who is your spirit animal and why?
A Swan - Swans are idealistic, open-minded, and passionate. My good nature might lead people to think they can take advantage of me, but they should be careful—beneath that serenity lies a fighting spirit. My love is fierce and unconditional, fueled by the certainty that it should last forever. Spirit Animal Powers: Foretelling future through dreams, dream-walking.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
“The only thing that can stand in your way to success is you.”
What are your words of wisdom for your future participants?
You are about to get an opportunity that could change your life. You should savor every moment, say yes to every new experience and make the most of each day. You Only Birthright Once! My goal on Birthright is to massage your exclamation points back into question marks - come on the trip with an open mind but don't forget to be critical thinkers - the more questions you ask - the more you will gain from this experience.
Anything else you want to share?
My passion, energy and love!
Dan Yolles
Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
Denver all around!
What do you do for a living?
Jewish Music Teacher/Mentor/Songleader/Spiritual Leader
Guitar and other instrument/production/theory instructor
Music Director at JCC Ranch Camp
Youth Choir co-director at Temple Sinai
Youth mentor/counselor
Professional Musician: Wei-Chi Field
When did you go to Israel for the first time?
I was first in Israel in 2004 with my family for a family group trip. I only remember bits and pieces, but one thing that stuck out was the feeling of being home. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I just felt familiar with Israel.
What's your favorite place to visit in Israel?
For nature, The Yam L'Yam (Sea to Sea) trail is fantastic, especially around Safed. For Culture, Acco in the North. beautiful architecture, interesting history, fantastic pita/humus/falafel. For social, Tel Aviv. So much opportunity to meet people randomly on the beach or see live music or have a nice meal/drink. Thriving city with lots to do.
What's a fun fact about yourself?
I lead a live electronic dance music project called Wei-Chi Field, and have been fortunate to be blessed with the opportunity to perform my music in various states across the US and other countries as well.
What's your favorite place that you've ever travelled to and why?
Too many to chose from. Every place I've been to is special for its own reason. Can't even pick a favorite country!
What's your favorite Israeli food and where is your favorite place in Israel to get this dish?
Well, I am now a vegetarian and my favorite Israeli food was Shawarma, particularly from this place in Safed, but I would say Shakshuka is the runner up, and it can't get better than homemade in the homeland.
If there was one aspect of Israel that you could bring back to America with you, what would it be?
The fact that Israeli culture doesn't beat around the bush. People are direct and say and do what they mean. I love it
What's the #1 reason that you recommend that your friends and family should go on Birthright Israel with Shorashim?
Simply because the Israelis are on the trip for the entire 10 days. You truly gain Israeli perspective about what ever you want because you have plenty of time to ask and learn about what ever you want.
What /who is your spirit animal and why?
I have many spirit animals but consistently they are the owl and the K-9. Owls always show up in transitional times of my life, whether physically or in images or references around me, and K-9 daily because the word for dog in Hebrew is כלב (Kelev) which literally translates to all heart. I live daily with my whole heart :-)
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Don't get too attached to anything, and don't hold back!! Your life could change in a single moment and having the freedom to do so brings personal fulfillment and growth. This mentality has changed my life in the most amazing ways.
What are your words of wisdom for your future participants?
My advice to you is to disconnect from whats not in front of you and around as much as you can while on the trip (i.e. internet world). There is so much to experience and learn from through the connections you will make, places you'll see, and things you'll experience. The world will still be there when you get back or when you lay down, but I urge you to be as present as possible so you don't miss out on a thing. :-)
Anything else you want to share?
I'm here to offer as much of my guidance, perspective, and experience with you all to enhance yours and help to make it truly meaningful. Im talking individually! Don't be afraid to reach out, I love to help and I love to learn.
