Israel With An Israeli
Hey there! Today is my turn to write on the blog and boy is there a lot to write about.
To start, I think I should introduce myself, as well as my background and intentions for this trip. My name is Maya Sherer, I'm an Israeli citizen born in Los Angeles, California and am about to attend a theater conservatory in Santa Marina, California (PCPA). I have been to Israel many times to visit family, friends and, more recently, graves. Israel was simply second nature to me and was a potluck here and a shabbat dinner there. With my parents losing people to go back to visit, the need to go back to their home dwindled, year by year, until we stopped considering a part of our summer plans. I chose this trip because it's about time I saw some life in Israel again and see all the tourist attractions I had never bothered to visit. This trip is a rebirth for me and this group has become a second family to experience this with.
The last few days have been an amazing roller coaster of physical strength, emotional revolutions, and all around happiness. We hiked up to the Jilabun to be welcomed by freezing cold water and warm plant life. We then spent the next couple of days climbing and walking through the Golan Heights, learning Israel's history both military and geography. I learned the birth of this country was a series of miracles fueled by geniuses amongst of fearless pioneers all connected by their heritage and need to keep their culture alive. I also learned that american shwarma and falafel can't even begin to compare to the real deal, the Mediterranean diet of meats and salads have made me feel good about my own health habits and my tasted buds could not be more appeased.
The most stressful point in this trip so far was the descent down Mt. Arbel. That was a REAL cliff we climbed down and it was our own singular responsibility to follow the group, grab the right ropes, hold on to the right steps, not step on anyone in front of us and not drop anything... oh and of course not to fall..that was kind of important. The reward for our courage was rafting on the Jordan River, we cruised, we battled, we dropped, we flipped, and had so much fun just being together! And just before we retired to bed we explored Mechinat Mitzar. We tackled the politics and structure of this and kibbutz an the programs that preps IDF soldiers to discovering their Jews.
Next day was exploration of the mysticism and art of Tzfat. Tzfat's beautiful blue windows and doors highlighted a serene and calm definitive city with warm and talented locals. I picked up lots of souvenirs from the shops and impeccably awesome teachings from Abraham who gave us a run down on Kabbala and how it pertained to his art. The following day was Jerusalem! The Holy land! Hurrah! Raise the roof! etc. There is so much to this city - the history is both ancient and recent and every point in between pertains to the buildings currently standing and the people currently residing. To put it simply: you have to go. The air alone is enough to make it worth it and doing more is an honor as a Jew and as a person.
Today (and last night) we celebrated Shabbat. I don't know the audience of this blog but I'm going to assume its parents checking on their babies abroad and kids genuinely curious as to what goes on during birthright.
To the parents: your children are amazing. They are so loving and kind and never have I been so connected and open with a group of initial strangers. All they have done is take advantage of the full experience and reflect upon themselves as they continue to better themselves as representatives of the Jewish community.
To the prospective kids: stop the guessing and just go!
Today we celebrated shabbat, and this birthright trip was the most special I ever experienced. Please, I cannot stress this enough, sign up and do this adventure. Meet these incredible Israeli's, eat this hummus drenched food, walk between the prickly bushes on the hikes, kiss the Kotel, and dive as deep as you can into the Dead Sea because this will be the best time of your life. Maya out....or done...fin? Yeah Ill go with that. FIN
