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Boston Mifgash – NYC, Day 2

How much of NYC can one see in one day? Apparently, a whole lot! From the Lower East Side to Midtown, our teens learned about the history of Jewish immigration to New York, competed in a challenging urban scavenger hunt, explored landmarks around Times Square, and celebrated a very special Havdallah 1,254 feet in the air. Again, no one better to share their adventures with but the teens themselves.

Yesterday was really fun because it was our second day together so we all knew each other better. It was really fun when we were all like dancing on the street and buying crazy sunglasses on Canal Street together.

Becca G

Yesterday we had so much fun going to many different places throughout the day. It was so cool going to the One World Trade Center and seeing the top of New York! I loved going to Times Square and getting even closer with everyone!

Amanda S

Yesterday we went on a scavenger hunt around time square. On the scavenger hunt we went to the M&M store and Grand Central Station. We also saw the building where SNL and the Late Night Show with Jimmy Fallon are filmed.

Alexa K

Yesterday was very fun, and I enjoyed all of the fun activities. I really felt like I bonded with others a lot more yesterday.

Eli T

I had a lot of fun. Exploring Times Square was really fun. I also found the Tenement museum Interesting and surprising because of the living conditions. I liked the scavenger hunt but it was difficult to stay engaged because of where we were.

Eli G

Yesterday was so much fun! I got to walk around with my new friends and explore Times Square and take pictures. It was also very cool to go to the Tenement Museum since I am learning about it in school.

Kate S

Saturday was an amazing experience with all the group! We learned lots of interesting stories about family’s history at the Tenement Museum! We had a fun time at Time Square along with doing a exciting scavenger hunt!

Kristina D

Yesterday was a really fun day I enjoyed going on Canal Street, going to Times Square, and the Freedom Tower which had a really beautiful view, but most of all I had a lot of fun hanging out with everyone even if we were just walking around. I feel that we have all gotten really close and I’m happy I get to interact with all of these people.

Alex S

Yesterday was cool going to the Tenement museum again. We got to go in smaller groups and spend time with each other in Time Dquare during a scavenger hunt and at night.

Ethan G
On the second day in New York, we went to the Tenement Museum, Chinatown, Times Square, and the Freedom Tower. At the Tenement Museum, we learned about the lives of first and second generation Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe living on the Lower East Side. Many of them worked very hard in factories for several hours a day with very little pay. Furthermore, we learned about the role of Jewish immigrants in the creation of labor unions, as well as how the community was affected following the immigration quotas that came during WWII. We then had lunch in Chinatown before exploring Times Square. Finally, we went to the top of the Freedom Tower, where we had a Havdallah service. It was very beautiful to be holding the service with the entire city beneath us, but it was also incredibly meaningful to be doing it in a crowded place. To be practicing my Judaism publicly gave me immense pride and confidence. Overall, it was a wonderful second day, and I cannot wait for the rest of my time with this wonderful group!

Sofia R

Yesterday was indeed a special day. Packed with activities and very tiring I had a great time and liked everything. I liked the Times Square because it is a special site and it just shows what mankind are able to achieve.

Yarin H

The Times Square was a great experience and the view of New York from 102 floors was amazing.

Danielle S

I enjoyed yesterday being at the top of the tallest building in New York and seeing all of New York and I also enjoyed walking around Times Square.

Maya A

Yesterday was really fun. We went to World Trade Center-it was very unique and special.

Goni A

Yesterday was a fun day! We played scavenger hunt in the Time Squier, my team was so good! In Skyline the view was so beautiful!

Mika G

So this day was so fun and so intense we have done so many things. So the museum was so interesting and we saw how people lived so many years ago. I also very liked the hunt I think it really bonding. Also the Times Square was super cool I wish we had more time there.

Ester S

Boston Mifgash – NYC, Day 1

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The wait is finally over. After months of anticipation, and weeks communicating online, our teens finally met in person. It is hard to believe this was only 24 hours ago, as so much has happened since. For the naked eye, watching who the teens sit next to on the bus, who they talk to when we walk the streets, who they share a meal with, it would be impossible to tell these are two groups of practically strangers.

I’ve been thinking of ways to describe our first day together in NYC, but nothing nothing could compare to the words of the teens themselves, so without further ado.

On our first day in New York, we went to Ellis Island, Battery Park, and then to a Shabbat service at Romemu, a liberal synagogue on West 103rd Street. At Ellis Island, through various activities, we learned what what we have in common, both in terms of daily life as well as in regards to our histories. We then hung out at Battery Park for a while before going to a Shabbat service at Romemu. It was very interesting to see both the similarities and the differences in the ways other liberal Jews practice. Additionally, the Rabbi’s sermon was tremendously powerful; he talked about the importance of confronting truths one may be uncomfortable with, and connected it with Dr. Ford and the Kavanaugh hearings. Overall, it was a very intense and fascinating first day, and it makes me very excited for the rest of the trip.
– Sofia R

The first day was super fun, we got to spend time with our new friends at Ellis Island, and later had dinner at a cool mexican restaurant and had lots of fun.
– Ethan G

I enjoyed the first day, it was fun. I am glad that I’m happy with the person that I was put with.
– Eli T

The past day was really fun we got to meet the Israelis for the first time in person and we went to some really nice places with them, as well as getting to play pool and ping pong with them when we got back to the hostel.
– Alex S

It was so exciting to finally meet everyone yesterday! I loved going on the ferry to Ellis Island and the Mexican restaurant where they played music live! I can’t wait for the rest of the trip and to spend more time with everyone!
– Amanda S

Yesterday we went to Ellis Island and quickly passed by the Statue of Liberty. At Ellis Island we played games to get to know each other better.
– Alexa K

I had a amazing time meeting all the Israelis! We had a great time together on the bus and on Elis Island!
Kristina D

i enjoyed the first day it was really exhausting though. I’m glad I get along with Guy and I am really excited for the rest of the trip!
– Drew C

I loved meeting everyone and making a bunch of new friends on Ellis Island and going on the boat. It was also super fun to eat with everyone and celebrate Sophia’s birthday at the Mexican Restaurant that had live music.
– Julia P

We went on a ferry to Ellis Island and it was really exciting because I got to make a bunch of new friends I will have for a lifetime!
– Kate S

I enjoyed the first day. I was very tired for a little part of it because I woke up at 5. The dinner at the Mexican place was the activity I liked most. –
– Eli G

Yesterday was a fun day… I was really excited to meet my American host and had great time with him
– Nadav C

The Mexican restaurant was great. Everyone was so happy and I loved the songs and food.
– Danielle S

yesterday was very good day because we met the Amricans at the first time and it was very cool. And I really liked the statue of liberty.
– Elad A

Yesterday was a very fun day, I enjoyed going on the furry and traveling around town, liked the temple and the restaurant.
– Yarin H

My experience from yesterday was amazing. The synagogue was special. The Mexican food was good, the music was cool and all the time the customers in the other table always cheers.
– Mika G

It’s amazing. The Americans and us have a special bond, we’re all together and we’re having so much fun. This is definitely something I will never forget.
– Noam S

.I liked the food and the cold weather as well as the ferry and the walk around the city
– Guy S

We immediately connected. they’re amazing and the experiences we share together will stay with me for life.
– Noa K

2018-19 Meeting at Kerem Shalom

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On Monday, 4/30, families of current 9th graders from Kerem Shalom have gathered to hear about HiBuR and begin the application process. The families met with teens and parents who participated in this year’s program to learn first hand about the experience. It was a special honor to have Rabbi Leigh join us for the meeting, sharing his unique perspective on HiBuR, and inspiring the teens to participate in the program.

2018-19 Meeting at Beth El

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On Monday, 4/2, families of current 9th graders from Beth El and Or Atid have gathered to hear about HiBuR and begin the application process. The families met with teens and parents who participated in this year’s program to learn first hand about the experience. It was great to see that about half of the families who attended the meeting are “second-timers”, as they have already had a child (or two) participate in HiBuR in the past.

2018-19 Meeting at Congregation B’nai Torah

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On Tuesday, March 20, Rabbi Lisa Eiduson hosted a HiBuR information meeting for members of Congregation B'nai Torah in Sudbury. The seven families who attended heard about next year's plans, met with one of the founders of the program, David Strauss, as well as with the program coordinator, Shoni Aronovich. A special treat was the chance to meet with teens and their parents who participated in this year's program!

Looking forward to seeing all of you again!

Israel Days 9-10

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We could not have imagined a better day to seal our Israel journey. Between the planned and the unexpected, the nature and the people, the anticipation and the concern, Jerusalem has revealed itself to us in all its beauty, complexity, and diversity.

We did not begin the day inside the walls the Old City, but rather at the first Jewish neighborhood that was built outside of it, Mishkenot Sha’a’nanim, overlooking Gai Ben Henom, the valley which used to be the border between Israel and Jordan, the old city, as well as parts of East Jerusalem, peeking from behind a different kind of wall.

With our new and ultra-energetic guide Noam, we made our way into the Old City through Jaffa Gate, unraveling one after the other layers of history, tradition, myth, and culture. As we approached a point which provided us with the first glimpse of the heart of the city, the Kotel, Noam asked those of us who are about to see it for the first time to close our eyes, and put our trust in a friend who will safely lead us towards the view point. Seeing them open their eyes was a true awe inspiring moment. As our tradition guides us, we sat to write notes to place in the Kotel.

As we were walking down and past the security check point, we were faced with a dilemma – which Kotel do we go to? The Kotel area is divided into three sections – the men area, the women area, and the egalitarian area. This was one of the most significant moments on this trip in which our progressive set of beliefs came clashing with the ancient Jewish tradition as it appeared right before our eyes. We decided to begin together as a group at the egalitarian section, and then allow the teens to visit the separate areas as well. The conversations that were sparked by that moment began as we were walking towards the Shuk and lasted well into the night. This was what HiBuR is all about.

The plan was to return from the Old City to the guest house, have lunch, and spend the rest of the day resting, packing, and unwinding. But we are in Israel, and it is our last day, so plans don’t mean much. Together with Noam we came up with one more thing to make this day even more unforgettable.

At 8:30pm, as the city began to come to life after the Shabbat, we boarded our bus and headed to a night tour of Meah Sha’arim, an ultra-orthodox enclave right in the center of Jerusalem, home to tens of thousands of Haredi Jews. It is very difficult to describe the hour we spent inside Meah Sha’arim, as too many things, both below and above the surface took place. It is a very safe to say, however, that our teens got to face a Jewish way of life which they would not have been able to anywhere else in the world.

Before heading back to guest house we stopped at the First Station, an Ottoman train station converted into a hip dining and shopping complex for some very well needed down time. At the guest house, we came together to share some last words, thoughts, and feelings. We sat together around the candle light – Americans, Israelis, and staff, for two hours that were filled with laughter, joy, open hearted conversation, and many, many tears.

We are now over the Atlantic heading to Boston, Looking forward to reunite with our families.

“Jerusalem was amazing to be in. I felt that being at the egalitarian section of the western wall was very important for me. And that is the portion of the wall I left my note in. Rather than the traditional area. I felt that this section of the wall was very important to me since it represents the future. The traditional wall represents the past to me and I as a reform jew wasn’t comfortable with placing a note with things I want for the future, in the past, meaning the traditional part of the wall.” – Jacob Lord

“Jerusalem was really powerful, especially mea shearim because it was the first time this trip that I truly got to experience life in Israeli from an orthodox perspective. It is always so intriguing to learn about different Israeli lifestyles because the population is so diverse.”

Seth Goodman

“What I found most interesting about the last day, was the ultra orthodox community we went to. We weren’t welcomed by some, and we were welcomed by others. It was an eye opening experience, and I will definitely never forget what happened that night.”

Melody Kaye

“Visiting the ultra-Orthodox community in Jerusalem was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. Seeing the little kids swearing at us to get out seemed horrible on the outside, but once I thought about it I could kind of understand why they were taught the way they are. In addition, I am glad that we met someone as nice as Avi because it shows that not everyone in the community is like those kids.”

Justin Lewitus

“Can I do HiBuR again next year?!”

Arielle Silver

Israel Day 8

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Jerusalem has been the subject of Jewish prayers and yearnings for thousands of years. L’shanah haba’ah b’yerushalaym (next year in Jerusalem) we say. But what does one do when they finally arrive? before rejoicing, it might be a good idea to look back and reflect on how they got there.

After visiting the Herzl museum last night, we began today with a tour of Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum and archive, and Har Herzl, Israel’s national military cemetery and the resting place of great leaders of the nation. It is the custom to begin the tour the the Holocaust memorial, and make the way up, literally and metaphorically, to the cemetery, thus following thenarrative of m’shoah l’tkuma (from destruction to revival). In an interesting interpretation we have switched these two around, allowing us to discuss the different ties that exist between the Shoah and the modern state of Israel.

Following this very emotional morning, we headed to the Mahne Yehuda Shuk (market) to join what seemed and felt like every single person in Israel for some pre-Shabbat food shopping. As of every time on this trip, our teens were all back at the meeting point exactly on time, as well as our heroic bus driver, Elias, who got us out trough some streets that were not meant for buses, back to the guest house.

With the Shabbat climbing up the eastern slopes of the Jerusalem hills, we quickly changed into our finest clothes and headed to Kol Haneshamah, a reform congregation located in the picturesque neighborhood of Baka. Just before service, we were lucky enough to have a talk with several teens from Noar Telem, the congregation’s youth group. Even though it was a brief meeting, it seemed to have had a great impact on our teens, as they have seen a “hybrid” version if you will, of both of their lives.

We concluded the day with a very peaceful and reflective 3 mile walk through the quiet streets of Jerusalem back to our guest house. With our trip being just over 24 hours before it’s end, our teens took the opportunity to have some meaningful talk with both new and old friends.

Tomorrow is our last day in Israel. It seems like everyone was too busy to realize it, but it is starting to hit. We will be spending most of

our day in the Old City, will have some time to relax, reflect, say goodbye, and will be heading to the airport very early Sunday morning. It will be a bittersweet update to write.

Shabbat Shalom

“I found the children’s memorial at Yad Vashem particularly powerful for its simplicity. Also, it was really interesting to see how similar the reform synagogue in Jerusalem is to Beth El.” – Justin

“I liked going to the market today. It was a bit less scary than the one in yaffo a few days ago. It was also interesting to go to the cemetery Har Herzl to see the where most of the important figures in the history of Zionism and Israeli history were buried.” – Jacob

“I thought the tour today was long but the hall of names and children’s memorial were really powerful and moving. I enjoyed how the service at the reform synagogue reminded me of Beth El because it was so chill and welcoming.” – Seth

“I really loved the Shuk, and having the experience of buying food, and having some independence on getting what I need in a very busy place, with people screaming to buy their food.” – Melody

“Today was great!! I had a lot of fun in the market shopping and hanging out with friends.” – Arielle

“I really liked going to the synagogue because it was interesting seeing the similarities and differences of this synagogue and Beth El.”-Hannah

Israel Day 7

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Hard to say exactly where yesterday ended and today began, as we spent the night driving south from Haifa allthe way to Masada. At Masaada, two extremely rare things occurred – first, it rained on us. Second, a group of Israelis were early. So, after waiting at the gate of Israel’s most popular National Park, we began to hike up the Roman Ramp chasing the sunrise. We caught it, but unfortunately the clouds made this event somewhat less dramatic. Meeting again with our fantastic guide, Adam, we learned about the ancient people who inhabited Masada, Jews and Romans alike, and of course the heroic-tragic story of the fall of Masada in 73 CE.

We drove from Masada through Arad to Ein Bokek, one of the more beautiful beaches of the the Dead Sea. Not threatened at all by the Israeli winter, our teens jumped (or more accurately, waded) into its salty water for about an hour of relaxing floatation. We didn’t leave before some of our teens put to the test the therapeutic qualities the Dead Sea mud. The results were unclear.

From the Dead Sea we finally began our ascend towards Jerusalem, to begin the last weekend of our Journey. After a quick lunch break we checked into our rooms at the Bayit Vagan Guest House, and continued to the Herzl Museum, where we learned via a highly interactive exhibition about Theodor Herzl, his life, vision, the the reality into which it has turned.

We are ending this rich day with dinner at the guest house, followed by some free time at the hustle and bustle of the Jerusalem promenade. After what will for sure be a very good night sleep, we will be spending Friday visiting Yad Vashem, Har Herzl, Mahne Yehuda Shuk, and have a Shabbat service at Kol Haneshama, a local reform synagogue.

“I liked hiking Masada early in the morning because I felt like I had accomplished so much before the day had even started. It was interesting learning about the different people that had been to Masada. I also liked the museum because I thought it did a good job if explaining the life of Herzl in an interesting and engaging way.”

-Hannah

“My favorite thing today, was seeing Masada and being with my friends watching the sky change color.”

– Melody

“I really enjoyed watching the sunrise on the Masada and I also liked the Dead Sea a lot that was super cool”

– Olivia

Israel Day 6

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On our last day in Haifa, our teens finally got the chance to join their Israeli peers in class, attending the first two periods of their school day. Most of our teens started the day with PE, followed by History, Hebrew, or Tanach. The Hugim teachers were very accommodating, providing explanations in English and making our teens feel comfortable.

While the teens were in class, our staff met with Dalia, the head of school, and representatives from the Israeli side of the Boston-Haifa Partnership. All parties involved are very excited about HiBuR, and it is important for us the strengthen the relationship, especially with the departure of Rabbi Thomas at the end of the year.

After school, our teens had the rare privilege to tour the Elbit Systems facility in Haifa. Elbit is one of the top 30 Hi-Tech security companies, manufacturing electronic systems for fighter jets, as well as other military and commercial products. We had a conversation with one of their senior engineers, and even tried out some of their equipment ourselves! From Elbit we continued on for a short dip and a stroll at one of the beautiful beaches in Haifa, before heading to the mall for lunch and some essential shopping.

The teens took advantage of their evening off by going to the movies, relaxing, and even a girls night out! We will be leaving to Masada at 1am tonight, arriving for a scenery view of the sunrise over the Jordan mountains. view the sunrise! From Masada we will continue to the Dead Sea, and on to Jerusalem for the concluding weekend of our HiBuR journey in Israel.

“It was super fun being in school with the Israelis because it is pretty different. At least the two classes I went to were almost all lecturing, but it wasn’t a boring lecture because the classes were also more energetic in general. Also it was pretty fun to try to understand what was happening with my very broken Hebrew.” – Lev

“It was really interesting to see how different the Israeli School was compared to our school.”

– Justin

“Elbit was a really cool experience. I’ve always wondered how pilots operate and the presentation really gave me an immersive experience and deeper understanding of what goes on behind the scenes. Wearing the helmets was really cool and learning about the different technologies and how they’ve progressed throughout the years was very interesting as well”.

– Jesse

Israel Day 5

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Peace or security? Freedom or equality? Which of these values are more important to us, as humans and as Jews, both in the States and in Israel? This is one of the questions our teens discussed this morning in a fascinating workshop dealing with their Jewish identity.

From the workshop we proceeded to the Carmel Forests and paid a visit the memorial for the 43 victims who lost their lives in the horrific fire of 2010. We met with a guide from the Jewish National Fund, and after learning about the fire, its causes and its affects both on people and on the environment, we rolled-up our sleeves and got to work by help protect young pine trees from dehydration by spreading mulch around them.

From the Carmel Forests we drove up to Isfiya, a Druze village nestled on the highest point of the Carmel mountain ridge. We were greeted by a local family who taught us about the brave and historic connection between the Druze and the Jewish people, and invited for a rich traditional Druze lunch.

Our activities ended relatively early today due to the fact that Tuesday is the day many of the Israeli teens go to the Scouts, a widely popular youth movement in which our Israeli teens take great pride in. The day was concluded with a BBQ hosted by the grandparents of Yonatan Cohen, one of our Israeli participants.

Tomorrow our teens will go to classes with their Israeli hosts in the morning, they will visit Elbit Systems, check out the Haifa beach and mall, say goodbye to their host families, and be on their way to Masada…!

“Today I went to basketball practice for Jonathan Cohen’s team. It was probably the scariest thing ever because he wasn’t there and only 2 people spoke English well. It was really fun though because basketball can be played with any language. It was probably the coolest thing to bond with people I legitimately don’t know about a sport we all love.”

– Aaron

“It was amazing seeing the Carmel mountain with amazing views, and helping rebuild the forest from the terrible fire 7 years ago was a great experience. Using your bare hands to make a difference is something I will take for the rest of my life.”

-Simeon

“I especially liked doing the foresting in the Carmel. It not only made me feel some kind of satisfaction that I was helping fix something but also it was just a general fun experience to do work together with all my friends on the trip.”

-Lev

“I liked learning about the Druze and learning about their culture. The food was also good. Best hummus I’ve had so far!”

– Arielle