by Alex Ascher, Rochester, NY

I write to you whilst sitting astride a tiny trampoline next to the barbeque we just used to make dinner. There were hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, buns, marshmallows, etc. As my fellow Shalemer Austin would say,”Yuuummmo!” Tomorrow is a volunteering day, which means that after Ulpan we will all go off to our prospective volunteering duties. These vary widely and there are many options. I have a roommate who takes a bus for an hour and a half to volunteer in a hospital, while a group of my friends and I will take a five minute walk to Shekel. Shekel is a not for profit organization that gives unemployable mentally handicapped adults, and also children, a place they can work. Shekel gives them easy tasks to complete and they are paid based on the money that Shekel makes from contracts and a little gift shop in the front. It also arranges community apartments for the mentally handicapped persons who work there. It’s been a rewarding experience for those of us involved, and we’ve even made good friends at Shekel. We’re celebrating three birthdays here this coming week, so a shout-out to Elyana, Menucha, and Sam. Happy Birthday! This is the only birthday present you’re getting. I don’t care if you don’t even read this blog. So there. I feel, for the sake of honesty, that I should mention that I moved from the trampoline to a bench recently. That was nagging at my conscience. To give you an idea of what life is like on a normal day of Shalem, I can’t. Today there was a barbeque and later I will be watching Lord of the Rings with some friends. Last night I walked to Ben-Yehuda with a friend and met my Uncle there. This Saturday I’m going to an Ufruf by the Kotel. I never get bored here, there is always something to do. Many people plan to go away on Shabbos. I myself am hoping to visit a family friend after this Shabbos, and after that to go to Netanyah with a friend. My point is, life here is varied and exciting and never gets boring. Finally, a shout-out to Mom from Zach Cohen,”I love you Mom, I miss you soooooooooooo much!”

By Nitai Melnick, St. Louis, MO

Two weeks or so have passed since the end of Sukkot and I am here to report that the week-long holiday was filled with excitement, adventure, and a whole lot of fun for the small tribe of Shalem.  Free of classes for a week and a half, we took the opportunity to explore different parts of theLandofIsraelin groups, according to interest.  We visited family and met up with friends, organized day trips and participated in the many celebrations taking place inJerusalem.  Three brave souls decided to take after our ancestors and shepherd their flocks in the scorching desert of theNegev.  And the answers to today’s game of two truths and a lie: Three brave souls did travel to the Negev for a five-day camping trip at Ein Gedi, and the desert was scorching hot, but to my knowledge (and great disappointment) they befriended approximately zero sheep.  I took a bus to Ein Gedi with a nice group of fellow Shalemers and, after hiking to what I’d like to think was somewhere close to the top of a mountain, met Austin, Alex, and Sam (brave souls, to be sure) across the street at the Dead Sea.  I looked around.  Sheep count: zero!  Maybe next time…

Anyway, all that traveling and camping and hanging out inJerusalemwas fine (and dandy), and really quite fun; but the highlight of Sukkot occurred on one Thursday I will not soon forget.

Rav Ote had announced earlier that week that he was throwing a sukkah party at his house for all his Shalemites.  We chose Thursday as the “day-that-worked-best” for us as a group…We chose wrong.  Rav Ote’s invitation said 4-6.  In the end, our little Simchat Beit Hasho’eva only started at six.  There was a march—the Jerusalem March I believe they called it—that took place that day and began at three, right around the time we were preparing to leave for the greatly anticipated gathering at Rav Ote’s sukkah.  Never before have I spent so long traveling such a relatively short distance.  Streets were closed because of the march, and buses were re-routed.  It took us about three hours to travel the ten kilometers (6.2 miles, for those like me who don’t quite understand kilometers yet and why the whole world would choose to use such a logical measurement), by bus and then train!  I could have flown from my home inSt. LouistoNew York, and most of the way back, in that time!  And on top of that, the train was packed.  Forget about sitting; there wasn’t even room to move.  Any concept of personal space was thrown out the window.

But, rest assured, the toils of a long and at times uncomfortable journey proved worth it when we finally reached Rav Ote’s house.  He greeted us with his big, warm smile (nothing new, but still worth noting) and invited us into his sukkah, were we happily helped him devour the pizza and refreshments that appeared before our eyes.  Food was aplenty, and delicious!  We told stories and laughed together.  When we grew tired of stories we sang together, and when we grew tired of singing we went back to telling stories.  Our music and laughter filled the sukkah and spilled out through the less-than-soundproof walls to the world beyond.  The air was ripe with all sorts of merriment.

The presence of Rav Ote’s adorable children only enhanced the experience for us.  They came over, said hi, and then plopped themselves down on our laps, where they remained for most of the night.  They only really got up when they spotted dessert on the table, which they happily brought to us to enjoy as well.  Two cookies and a brownie later, one of them decided it was story time.  That’s how I met Rav Ote’s “man-cub,” Meishar.  After a good hour in which we exhausted his entire library, book by book, Meishar and I were well on our way to becoming best friends.  I must admit, I had a great time reliving my early childhood through various versions of the same stories I read when I was six.  Meishar cemented our friendship when my kippah fell off my head for what must have been the hundredth time that night and, after picking it up for me, he ran to his room and returned with two clips and insisted I take them.  He also suggested I get a bigger kippah if my troubles with losing clips persisted, pointing at his and demonstrating the clear advantages in head-covering-retention of the larger versions.  He’s awesome!

Of course, what would a Simchat Beit Hasho’eva be without some words of Torah?  Before we left, Rav Ote shared pieces of wisdom regarding the significance of a sukkah—how it forces us to sharpen our own awareness of our words and actions right after Yom Kippur, when Hashem gives us a clean slate and a chance to improve in these departments in the new year ahead of us.  Very cool stuff!

With this in mind, let us all strive to behave more honorably this year so we may all honestly say to ourselves on Yom Kippur, “There is still room to improve, but I am proud of who I have become in the past year.”  Shanah Tovah to all!

And a huge thank you to Rav Ote and his family for the party!  It was worth the long trip, without a doubt.  You da man, Rabbi!

 Shavuah Tov Shalem

Why did you decide to come to Israel?

I went to the American Hebrew Academy for high school.  Junior year, our entire class spent 3 months on the Alexander Muss High School in Israel program.  It was the first time I came to Israel and it changed my life. I experienced the land of my ancestors with my 35 closest friends by my side. Nothing could have been better. I fell in love with this country and knew that I had to come back as soon as I possibly could. When it came time to plan for the year after high school, I started looking for seminaries or programs and found Shalem.

How did you decide to choose Shalem?

Because I am a Ba’alat Tshuva (someone who has “found” Orthodox Judaism), I thought that going to a seminary would be too intense for me. I wanted to learn Torah and be in Israel but was afraid that I wouldn’t fit in. I also wanted to be in a co-ed program.

When I spoke with one of my high school teachers last year, she told me that her sister came on Shalem and volunteered at a veterinarian’s office. This was the answer I was looking for, as I hope to go to vet school one day. She told me about the classes and that Shalem is a Modern Orthodox co-ed program.  I was sold.

What have you done so far this year on the program? 

I spent the first 6 months living in apartments in Jerusalem. We studied Hebrew and many topics in Judaism including medical ethics, Tanach, issues in Modern Orthodoxy, women in Judaism, the Holocaust, Zionism and more. I also volunteered at the Lone Soldier Center and The Jerusalem Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) Vet Office. After two trimesters, in Jerusalem I moved to Kibbutz Yavne.  I worked in the olive fields, the chadar ochel (dining room), and in various other jobs. The work is hard but I feel like I have accomplished something by the end of the day.

Do you feel like you’re immersed in Israeli society?

I feel like living in Jerusalem for 6 months in my apartment, grocery shopping, and finding my way around the city has certainly helped me feel like I really live here.  Being here while Gilad Shalit was brought home, sharing in the controversy and joy that the country felt, volunteering to give back to the country that has given me so much, and making friends with all kinds of people who live here have all brought me closer to feeling immersed in Israeli society.

As I begin life on Kibbutz Yavne, I learn of a new side to this country. I have spent two weeks working in the olive fields, cleaning the dining hall for Pesach and learning how life works on kibbutz.  I feel like this is an essential part of my immersion into Israeli society because I have spent so much more time here talking to the people who live in this country. Now when someone tells me that they were born on a kibbutz but moved to a city, I am able to better understand why they did that, where they came from, and what both worlds have to offer.

What is the most meaningful volunteer work you’ve done this year?

I volunteered at the Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin.  I worked in the office most of the time, doing whatever needed to be done: writing thank-you notes to donors, creating blog posts, making phone calls, and helping organize paperwork. I loved that part of my work because of the people who worked in the office and some of the soldiers who came needing help. I was able to help the Center by doing the office work and at the same time learn about Israel through the eyes of lone soldiers.

When the Center had events, I was recruited to photograph them. I loved doing this because it gave me a reason to see everything that was going on and talk to many people I wouldn’t have otherwise. Many soldiers would tell me how much they appreciated the center and the ways we have been able to help make their service easier. At the end of the day, my photographs were posted on our blog, in the Center calendar, and in a few newsletters. Many times these publications would reach parents of lone soldiers and give them an idea of how their kids were doing.

I loved volunteering there and still try to make my way to Jerusalem for their Friday night dinners that they hold once a month. I hope that I will be able to find time next year and for many years after that to continue to contribute to the Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin. 

What do you do on weekends and free time?

Free time in Jerusalem, I spent exploring the city. No matter where I turned, I could always find something new to see and learn about.

Weekends I spent either with family friends or in my apartment.  We had many many potluck dinners together for Shabbat.  These were some of my favorite times with Shalem because we were able to hang out in a big group of random people, whoever was home for Shabbat.  These meals were always really lighthearted and warm.  Nothing better in the world.

What are the best parts about the program?

My favorite parts of the program have been the religious backing and opportunities. The discussions we had with our madrich (counselor) almost always had a Jewish base and through them over the course of the year, we could see how we had learned and grown.  I also have loved the different opportunities we were given, like living on a religious Kibbutz for example.

As part of that theme, being on the program with other kids with similar backgrounds and/or ideas about Judaism has enhanced every experience we had together because we were seeing it through similar eyes. 

How has your connection to Israel changed since arriving?

My connection to Israel has not changed, but rather grown.  I have learned more and gained a fuller awareness of what this country is really about. I have lived in the city and on a kibbutz and learned what each of those is like and the challenges facing the residents of both. I have heard the news of everything going on here and really seen its effect on the people.

How has your Jewish identity or observance changed?

My Jewish identity has not changed, but I have definitely increased in my observance and understanding in a lot of ways from learning both in and out of the classroom.

What do you plan to do after Shalem ends?

Coming into the year, I was deferred at Virginia Tech.  A few months into the year, I met with Nefesh B’Nefesh to look at my options for staying in Israel.  I came to the point where I had no idea what I would do in Israel but that I had to stay.  I finally decided to enroll at Bar Ilan University-Mechina and will be making aliyah.

בס”ד

A couple of months ago, a few Shalem participants and I were chosen to take part in the Building Future Leaders Seminar (BFL),  a seminar designed to provide today’s youth with the tools and skills in becoming a leader in their community. This seminar taught me a lot about my potential, the importance of a community, and has helped me develop skills to help guide others.  Through this experience we had the opportunity to network with people from all over the world and to discuss different relevant topics with students who will be attending schools that are similar to ours.  This learning process was further broadened through specialized seminar tracks where everyone had the chance to build leadership skills through accessing our individual areas of strength.

In BFL, I was part of the “Educating for Change” track. This group was mostly made up of students who wanted to become leaders on college campus either through teaching or advocacy.  We learned a lot about different methods of teaching, educating, planning and communicating with others.  During the seminar, we had the opportunity to visit Mount Herzl. This visit was different than the usual tourist site-seeing experience. It was a visit built by ideas.  We spent our visit focusing on the concept of building a vision, and that with one idea and one vision one can properly educate an audience.

During our visit to Mount Herzl, I could not help but make a parallel to our very own Jewish history; to the revelation at Mount Sinai. On this mountain I see a modern version of that revelation. Herzl had a vision of a place where all Jews would be free to be Jews. This vision was sparked by a singular idea; Zionism.

As one descends the mountain, we observe the transformation of this vision culminating with the establishment of the State of Israel.  As the torch gets passed down, this transformation becomes relevant to us.  The idea of Zionism survived through the Holocaust, and continues to thrive as we endure wars and terrorism.  Perhaps, we realize that Herzl’s vision and dream did not end with the establishment of the State of Israel. It is our responsibility to continue to promote Zionism, to defend our country and to secure in it an even greater future.

At Mt. Sinai, 3,000 years ago, a vision of ethics was introduced to our ancestors. This vision has endured throughout history and continues to find relevance as we recently celebrated 64 years of renewed national independence.

As Jewish youth and future leaders, we have the chance in the Diaspora to make a difference and continue this mission. Just like the leaders of our past.  We must make Israel the center of our identity.

בס”ד

by Ariella Daniels, Toronto, Canada

Two Shabbatot ago, a fellow Shalemer took a couple of us to a synagogue in Jerusalem, called Yakar. Through my Sephardic upbringing, I am most comfortable in a kehilla where the services incorporate the vocal participation of the entire congregation. In the shul I attend in Toronto, the chazzan has an incredible voice, and he carries with him the symbolism of being a “messenger” of the people to Hashem.

At first, the service at Yakar was confusing for me; the reciting of the prayers was silent. Where were the over-the-top tunes? How am I suppose to focus on my prayers if I am stuck in a situation where all is silent and my thoughts are able to roam free. It was like this up until the point that I realized I was completely consumed by my prayers, focusing on nothing else. It was almost like I absorbed the kavanah that surrounded me. It was when the community began to sing as one, “Nishmat Kol Chai”, that it became clear to me that it is, in fact, each individual that makes up a community. The kavanah given by each individual is so powerful, that it can even bring tears to a person’s eyes. Until now, I had known this feeling through the inspiring melodies of my father who serves as the chazzan in my synagogue at home, but this time this connection was brought on independently. There is a kind of humility and holiness that the Yakar community portrays, providing power to the most simple of melodies, bringing the atmosphere to another level, to an enlightened state of mind and heart. Instead of relying on the Chazan to inspire us through his kavanah, and through the power of his vocal cords, at Yakar it is the entire kehilla that provides both the intention and the emotion.

בס”ד

by David Jacobowitz, Los Angeles, CA

With Pesach around the corner,  I have started to think about the amazing opportunities I have had this year being able to celebrate all the Jewish holidays in Israel. Beginning with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Shavuot covers all the major holidays of Judaism, and I have been in Israel to experience them all. Yom Kippur was something that I hadn’t expected being from Los Angeles. Witnessing one of the busiest streets in Jerusalem completely empty sent shivers down my spine, for it was inexplicably different than the norm. Five years ago, I was in Jerusalem for Sukkot during my Bar Mitzvah trip, but for some reason this time around it felt more meaningful. Being here without my family made it more of a spiritual holiday for I was able to be in my own sukkah with a new “family” and shake the lulav and etrog not just facing east, but directly towards the kotel.  For the little bit of Chanukah that I was present for in Jerusalem it was on a different level. Watching the capital of Israel transform itself into on of the most joyous areas in the world for an entire week was a tremendous sight to see. Unfortunately I was only here for two days of Chanukah for I took advantage of winter break and went to see the wonders of Paris.

Purim here was insane! Ephraim and I dressed up as Jessie and James from Team Rocket of Pokemon, which may have been my best costume ever. Had an amazing party with Shalem after megilla reading, followed by getting tipsy with the Rabbis. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Pesach!

Six months in Jerusalem gave me this wonderful opportunity to experience these holidays, but it’s time to move on to Sar-El and then off to Marva. Can’t Wait!

by Sam Spencer, Woodbridge, CT

Every day, twice, with love, a Jew proclaims “Hear O Israel, Hashem is our God, Hashem is One.” Believing in the oneness of the Creator, trusting the omnipresence of the divine, is the cornerstone of our faith. Shalem’s tiyul to Emek Ha’elah last week has led me to a deeper understanding of my Creator as the source of all life. As we simultaneously learned about the trials of Israel in former days and became more familiar with the physical landscape, explored the dark caves where Jews hid from persecution, and hiked the fields where David ran, I realized how our history as a people is intrinsically connected to the land itself. When I looked from a high vantage point north, south, east, and west, the land seemed to speak. From the fields below soaked in the blood of my ancestors to the distant Judean hills upon which Jerusalem still stood, the voices of those who have passed on encouraged me. The blue of the Mediterranean, the refreshing breeze, all the high places and low places, every blue, yellow, red, and purple flower, every olive tree and carob tree, the footsteps of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – everything testified to one Creator, a common source of form and inspiration. Standing from that high point, looking out at the vast landscape and thinking about the Jews who had carried on and fought there, I understood the meaning of “Hashem is One.”

Now I have been thinking, what is the next step? Inspiration must lead to action, faith is only the first step, the ingredient to something greater: what is the meaning and purpose of realizing the oneness of God, how should understanding the unity of God’s creation improve my ability to live, improve my interactions with fellow men and women?

Because God is the Creator of all flesh, every person I encounter in daily life deserves my respect, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. In every human being there is a common breath of life, in each of us there is an element of all of us. Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere because as the one Judge, the Holy One Blessed is He considers the dignity and fair treatment of every one of his creations. Sometimes it is hard to believe in the ideal of oneness in a world so torn by war, hate, and indifference. Believing in one God provides for me a sense of hope for a day of harmony and cooperation; faith in one God drives me with a sense of purpose to do my part in bringing the world closer to the day where men and women of every type and color exalt in living together.

bs”d

by Ariella Daniels, Toronto, Canada

This past siyur, Shalem traveled back in time, to the time of the great battle between David and Goliath.  We were able to look upon the places described in the Tanach in Sefer Shmuel 1, when the Israelites were preparing to battle the Philistines.

“Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Sokoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Sokoh and Azekah.  Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines.  The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them.” (1 Samuel 17)

It was an incredible feeling to be able to stand on the same ground as such a powerful man as David just as it is a wonderful feeling to be living in Israel, the home of our forefathers.  David, the youngest of his brothers, the son of a slave, a simple shepherd, defeated the champion of the enemy with a simple tool and a true unconditional faith and love for G-d.  It is no wonder why David, the then later king of Israel is spoken in the same sentence as Avraham Avinu and Moshe Rabainu.  There is something about the journey of these three great men that exposes a parallel between the qualities and progress of the leaders of Israel.  A comparison must be made to help us further understand the true battle that occurred at The Valley of Elah.     

Just like Avraham, the father of monotheism and Judaism, and Moshe, a humble servant of G-d who brought us out of Egypt, David risked his life as a minority in proclaiming his faith.  All three of these righteous men fought in the name of the one and only G-d.  Avraham Avinu established the monotheistic belief in a time of idol worship.  Moshe Rabainu rehabilitated the nation in this belief after freely leaving his idol worshiping household.  And David Hamelech preserved the belief by standing up to an army of idol worshipers.  From all three individuals we learn what it really takes to be a monotheistic Jew, full of complete love, fear, and respect of Hashem.

That is the true battle that David fought in.  David proved the power of the Lord in public and exposed “that the Lord saves not with sword and spear” (1 Samuel 17.47.) because the battle is in His control.  Only a nation filled with belief will triumph.  This is why David was the king of Israel and why the coming of the Messiah is from his blood line.

by David Jacobowitz, Los Angeles, CA

Before this year the most elaborate thing I could make was an omelet and place it in a bagel, but now I am able to make a whole new arrangement of dishes. Now that I’m living in my own apartment I have worry about what I’m going to be eating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I don’t have my mother anymore to pack my lunches and make my dinner while I lazy around the house. In fact it’s just the opposite; now I’m packing my lunches and cooking dinner for the apartment. Want to hear something that sounds unbelievably weird but at the same time delicious? Deli Dogs. Something I came up with one night on the spot while thinking what my apartment should have for dinner. It’s basically a hot dog wrapped in deli meat lathered in ketchup and barbeque sauce, and then tossed on the frying pan. These have become a favorite in Apartment 2, of 80 Derech Chevron. I recall people doubting Shalem for the sole reason that they “didn’t know how to cook”. Well I was never one who really cooked for himself in L.A, but now that I’m here I have embraced cooking and am now making dishes that I could only watch my mom make in the past. I have made dishes ranging from schnitzel and barbeque chicken to the likes of chicken fried rice, stuffed peppers, and chili. Recently I’ve also taken up baking, which is as easy as it looks. Following instructions off a sheet of paper isn’t the toughest thing in the world. Using my mom’s banana chocolate chip muffins recipe and turning it into cake didn’t really come out the way I planned the first time to say the least, but now I am able to make it the way it’s supposed to come out.
One of the best feelings in the world is when someone tells you that what you cooked is delicious; I’m physically unable to prevent the smile that shows up on my face every time I hear that. I’m glad I didn’t let my inexperience in the kitchen prevent me from coming on Shalem, because it’s just one more thing that I’ve learned from this program.

by Ariella Daniels, Toronto, Canada

This past Shabbat, Shalem had the opportunity to stay at the home of Rabbi Trugman and his wife at Moshav Mevo Modiin.  Our stay was an incredible experience, full of song, prayer and unity.  When entering the Moshav it was very evident that the people of Mevo Modiin are very unique, warm, spiritual, and family oriented.

Rabbi Trugman shared his very strong ideology on life with us through song and words.  He and his community have a very optimistic look on life through what they view as existential experiences.  They value every given moment in life and live it in the most spiritual way possible; through song.  When told we would be spending Shabbat at the moshav of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, it was expected that everyone would be singing happily.  But this community’s musical prowess is beyond past the norm, taking us through time and space to worlds one can only imagine.  It is no coincidence that we spent Shabbat Shira at such a place!

For me personally, my parents connect me to Judaism through song and dance.  I will always remember my father singing Z’mirot Shabbat and my mother trying to get me to dance with her.  Shabbat in Israel has been a challenging time for me as I am constantly measuring my Shabbat experience to my Shabbat experience back in Toronto, of my father’s voice teaching me the tunes to every song in the bencher.  Our stay at Rabbi Trugman’s house was the Shabbat I was looking for to feel truly at home.

Moshav Mevo Modiin is filled with nature and the love of an open community.  Their doors are clearly open to all.  Everyone should learn from them and their knowledge on life and their relationship with G-d.  It was truly one of my favourite Shabbatot B’yachad so far!