Cohort 1: Day 4 in Israel

On Friday, after waking up and eating breakfast, the first thing we did was visit Yad Veshem. Yad Veshem is the Holocaust memorial museum, which many of us had been to before, but this was a new experience. Not only were we with the Israelis (some of whom had never been to the museum), but we also got a tour of the sites outside of the museum that were built in the surrounding areas that we had never seen before. Afterward, we went to the Machaneh Yehudah shuk, a traditional Israeli market. It was a strange experience being there on a Friday afternoon right before Shabbat. The market was extremely crowded, flooded with people speaking different languages and interesting stalls full of food and other goods. We got to walk around with the Israelis and see the market and how they navigated through the pool and how they interacting with the shopkeepers and the people around them. At the end of our time at the shuk, we all bought souvenirs and pounds of food to be shared. We also ate lunch at the shuk and were able to enjoy some more Israeli food.

Finally, after our morning, we drove to our partnership region to spend our Shabbat together on a kibbutz in Shafir. After resting for a little while, we all put on our fancy clothing and when we were all dressed in white, some went to the kibbutz synagogue while the rest of us did our own Kabbalat Shabbat service. Those that stayed enjoyed a group yoga session and meditation. Following dinner we had a lesson the parasha of the week, led by Liana. We talked about forgiveness and the reasons that people do or don’t forgive each other. We spent the rest of the night hanging out and having fun.

By Leta Berkowitz

Cohort 1: Day 3 in Israel: Past, Present, and Perfection

The theme for Thursday was remembering our past. While we were still in Tel Aviv, we went on top of the roof of the hotel under the bright sun with a view of the beautiful beach. It was a nice change of scenery from the winter weather of Chicago. On top of the roof, we participated in a discussion about the important events that have defined the history of the United States and Israel. We also discussed the most defining moments of Judaism and well as personal memories of our own lives. 

After the meaningful discussions, we headed to Jerusalem to visit the Israel Museum. While there many of the Americans tried schnitzel for the first time. (Schnitzel is breaded chicken). After lunch, we enjoyed a tour from our guide Maya through the Israel Museum. She delved into the historical context of the first and second temple in Jerusalem, and afterward we explored the model of Jerusalem from 586 AC and the Dead Sea Scrolls housed underground. In a very interactive way, we gained insight into the culture of the era. 

After the museum, we ventured off to the Old City. In four and half stops, Maya was able to share stories and details of the architecture, history, and meaning behind the places. Once the sky darkened, we walked to the Kotel and were fortunate enough for our experience at the Kotel to be different because there was a induction ceremony of Israeli soldiers’ training. At the wall, we paired up and led each other to specific areas that were meaningful for us. We all had a very special and personal experience at the wall. 

Then, we all headed to Ben Yehuda Street where we split up for some dinner and free time. Our final activity of the day was a walking lecture tour about the Black Panther Party of Israel. Despite it a long day of walking and cold weather, we were still able to learn from his engaging stories.

By: Jamie Schlacter and Sam Klein

Cohort 1: Ideal vs. Real, Day 2 in Israel

After a long night’s sleep, or relatively long compared to what we had gotten on the plane, Diller KaShLaSh woke up at the hotel they were staying at and went downstairs for breakfast. For me, this started our day with a bang. I have to say, the hotel breakfast tops all others I have ever had. We then got on the bus and took it to Independence hall in Tel Aviv. But before we went into the hall we sat down in a circle outside and discussed various terms in Israel’s Declaration of Independence and why exactly we thought these words were placed in the declaration. This provided for a nice opening into our day, as it introduced the topic of starting a nation, something that we would touch on later. We then proceeded to Independence Hall where we watched a movie that described the beginnings of Tel Aviv and listened to excerpts of the meeting in which the Israeli Declaration  of Independence was ratified.

After we wrapped up this segment of the day we moved into a bit of a lighter portion in which we played an “Amazing Race”-type game. We started in Rabin Square where we were given team colors, a navigation clue, and a few other question/challenges we needed to complete. After a few complications our team finally reached our first destination where we picked up our next clue. This went on for a little while until my team finally stopped for lunch at a local pizza place. The whole race was a really cool experience for me, as I had never been to Tel Aviv, let alone Israel, and it was very interesting to experience the culture and feel of the city in this way. We all convened later on at the end destination where we revealed the winners of the race. Unfortunately, my team did not make the leaderboard but we did have a very good time.

When this was completed we took the bus to a Gay Teen Community Center in Tel Aviv. In the center we talked to two teens participating in a gap year in an organization called IGY (Israeli Gay Youth) that educated and advocated about LGBT experiences and rights. We played a few games to learn about terms (like gay, female-to-male transgender, asexual, etc.) that I found interesting, although I did know a lot of the terms from previous knowledge.  After the game was completed the two teens shared their own experiences in discovering that they were homosexual and coming out to their respective families, as well as a bit about the gay community in Tel Aviv. This provided for a very insightful experience as I had never heard firsthand someone’s experience with this.

Our last major event of the day took place at night with a dinner and tour of Old Yaffo, otherwise called Jaffa, or, as I personally pronounce it Jay Fay (hehe). I found this to be the most amazing part of our day. Jaffa was really beautiful and the tour we took of it was very insightful. This experience was something I will not forget.

To wrap up, after we returned to our hotel, the Chicago group sat down and discussed what we got from the day parts of the day. This was a really nice way of wrapping up the day. When this was completed we all went to our rooms, and despite how tired we all were, played an Israeli game that is incredibly fun.

By: Talius Chickering

Cohort 1 Day 1 in Israel

 Our plane landed around ten in the morning Israel time. After we got through customs and began the walk to the outdoors, our Israeli counterparts jumped up from behind a sign and screamed, greeted us, “Welcome to Israel!” (Which gave me quite the scare and I almost screamed in the airport…) 

KaShLash headed straight for the Land of Israel Museum and began our ice-breaking activities. We

 spent time talking to one another, reconnecting after our eight-month separation period. Our chatting time was ended by the beginning of lunch. Our first meal in Israel was the classic falafel in a pita (which unfortunately we had for dinner that night, too). Once that was completed, the energy-encouraging activities began and the Chicagoans' tired eyes began to droop even more as we found out we would be staying up until two in the morning for the Mega Evening coordinated by Diller alumni. This event consisted of all the cohorts from 19 Diller communities coming together. Our topic was family, and, correspondingly, what the definition of family is and whom our families consist of. My group was enthusiastic about the topic and they engaged in discussions that kept everyone active.

Once we left the event, we were driven to our hotel in Tel Aviv. Our rooms were assigned to us and we all departed to our floors and either showered or fell asleep. The rest was much needed as we were looking forward to the next day – to be spent touring Tel Aviv!

By: Lizzy Katz

Cohort 1: The time has come!

Finally the day is here - well not quite, we still have a week to go, but nonetheless, it’s almost time for us to travel to Israel! Next Monday we will be sitting on a plane on our way to Israel, with suitcases filled with gifts, clothes, and Diller logos everywhere (although I have a feeling that the majority of the suitcases and bags will not be packed until the day before)!

Once we get board the flight, we will talk about just how excited we are to see our family again, but slowly one by one we will start to fall sleep.  Those who can’t sleep will most likely just take pictures of everyone else sleeping. Hopefully the flight will be “quick.”

After having to communicate with the Israelis for the past couple of months through a vast variety of social media, we are finally reunited with our family across “the little pond.”  I can only imagine what the reunion will look like. We are all going to be exhausted from the flight, but as soon as we see them that will magically disappear. 

This trip will be a time to make new memories and new traditions with the Israelis. It is also a time to grow a stronger bond with the Israeli culture, Judaism, and the land itself. Although we may look like tourists with our Diller caps, we will get to experience Israel through a different perspective. 

I think I speak for everyone when I say that we are stoked about finally leaving for Israel. This only leaves me to say one thing: Let the countdown begin and see you all at O’Hare.

By: Liel Emilie Hagen 

Cohort 2: Sunday at Shabbaton 1

 Sunday was an amazing and bittersweet wrap-up of our phenomenal Shabbaton. We started off the morning bright and early with breakfast and then transitioned into yoga. Yoga was led by Eden, Spencer, Josh, and Brian. Together we breathed deeply, reflected on our weekend, showed our flexibility, and were sprayed with water and perfume.

Next we designed our cohort two T-shirt! We were put in small groups to create and brainstorm. Then we met all together and decided on a final design. After this, we had a feedback 101 session. Jessica explained to us the importance of giving effective and successful feedback. We identified with what type of feedback we give and how we react to it. We met in small groups to discuss this topic and gave each other feedback, and then met as a large group to communicate results.

Lastly, we were joined by Cohort 1! We met with them and ate a delicious sushi lunch. Then, we were paired with a Cohort 1 member to make videos to send to the Israelis!

Overall, Sunday was a perfect wrap up to a fantastic weekend. See you all December 7th!

By: Spencer Schwartz

Cohort 2: Saturday at Shabbaton 1

 

After a great night on our first Shabbaton we awoke to a optional breakfast. Most of us chose to sleep in. We began with (Shnayim Ochazin) the weekly Torah portion that Jessica had planned for us. We acquired text sheets and were split into separate groups, for which we fought over which person deserved the sale of the birthright. One group was for Jacob and the other was for Esau. After that enjoyable game we had an alternative morning service lead by Robby.

After lunch, we started our next activity. Jessica had set up an activity to explore our Jewish identity. We were each given a pack of cards with different Jewish values. After picking the ones we thought were most important, we split into small groups and had to choose as a group. Then after narrowing it down, we got back together as a whole group and were suppose to decide on only five. After a long debate we ended up compromising to six value cards.

We then had a long break which people chose to spend swimming or to chat and rest. We came back and started Shabbat singing that was led by the singing group. After, we did the Havdallah blessing using candles, juice, spices, and matches. Then we took a short break to get ready for dinner. We sang songs and talked about movies we all enjoyed. Lion King seemed to be a fan favorite. After dinner we had a guest from Comedy Sportz come to talk about improvisation and communication. We started off playing basic games to familiarize ourselves for what we had in store. Once we figured out the key to the game, we were able to master the games easily. The game we enjoyed the most was the car activity, where Jared made the courageous move to face plant into the ground showing the resemblance of an Angry Bird. 

After the fun improv workshop we had time as a group to eat snacks and hang out while waiting for our final activity (Ma’agal Lailah) of the night led by Jessica. We were instructed by Robby to bring blindfolds and warm clothing down to the lobby. We were blindfolded and escorted in a single file line to what appeared to be out of the hotel, into the parking lot, and back in. We were taken into our meeting room and placed in a circle holding two glow sticks. Our next instruction was to remove the blindfolds and answer the following questions--share something about yourself and what do you wish for the group. The summary of all of the responses were very deep and gave us a better understanding of everyone. We ended by choosing our group song (after a full day of debate) and sang it to end the great night.

By: Brian Schneiderman