Taglit Birthright Winter 2012 - Day 3
Posted on 12/18/2012 @ 10:00 AM
So far our group is having a fantastic time and everyone is getting really close already. We are all very different and bring something unique to the table. Nothing is forced here; we are all open and excited to get to know each other. Our guide, Ido, is amazing. His knowledge of this land is incredible, as is his sense of humor.
Yesterday, our group went to Tzfat to walk the ancient cobblestone streets and learn about Kabbalah, or Jewish mysticism. Walking inside the tiny temple and underneath the archways, I could feel the history all around me. We met an incredible man named Abraham (originally Robert) who spoke to us about Kabbalah and his journey as a Jewish American kid growing up in Detroit to an artist living in Tzfat and studying Kabbalah. I have never met anyone who seemed to have so genuinely given himself to his religion. It was a spiritual experience for all of us and hits close to home because he was American-born.
In the evening, we went to a Taglit event at the Tel Aviv University. We saw some musical guests and heroic Israeli soldiers being honored for their service. Just recently having learned Sheldon Adelson was the main sponsor of the birthright program, I was very excited to hear him speak. His investment in American politics and Birthright is fascinating to me. He and his Israeli wife talked of their extremely successful "mixed marriage" and offered us the advice to try the same. Thank you Sheldon Adelson!
We then went to an amazing family-style meal where we all ate a traditional "Shaksouka" dinner. It was very saucy and delicious. Ido described Taglit as a gift and I think we are all trying to treat it as such. Everything has been incredible so far and I have no doubt it will continue.
Julie Kramer
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