Theme: Answers to Adversity
locations: Livnot U’Lehibanot; Arabe; Tzfat
overnight: Ruth Rimonim Hotel, Tzfat [ get map ]
Ariel Cohen:
Dear friends and loved ones of the Satell Teen Fellowship,
Today’s blog is coming from the Rimonim Hotel in Tzfat. In Tzfat we saw so many interesting things, such as services in an Israeli synagogue, a walking tour of the city’s ancient streets and alleyways, and free time to swim or just relax and reflect on the events of the trip so far. One experience in particular that stands out was our community service at Livnot U’Lehibanot, which means “to build and to be built.” Livnot is a huge community service organization which helps to strengthen the community of Tzfat its neighbors. Hundreds of teens and college-age volunteers – both foreign and Israeli – build whatever is needed to help restore parts of the city damaged by war and poverty. For nearly 30 years Livnot has repaired thousands of dilapidated homes for needy families, restored 200 bomb shelters in Northern Israel, and rebuilt scores of sites across the old city of Tzfat.
Our job at Livnot was to build a terrace along the side of a road in a JNF reserve. I don’t know how many of you reading this blog have been to Israel, but these terraces are everywhere. Having been through the country and seeing the height and the length of these terraces, I have a new appreciation for the builders and the architecture of Israel.
 | | Nathan and Robyn dig at the Livnot project. |
At first I thought the project would be a simple task. Within ten minutes I understood that I was completely mistaken. This project was physically demanding and completely exhausting, and many became dirty, tired, and sweaty within five minutes. We were split up into different groups: the rock collectors/dirt carriers, and the diggers. The rock collector/dirt carrier’s job was pretty self-explanatory: they collected rocks and carried dirt. The diggers were given shovels, pick axes, rakes, and hoes; their job was to make a flat surface to lay the stones to build the wall.
 | | These rock collectors think their job rocks. |
After an hour of digging and collecting, we began the formation of the wall. The process was to lay the stones down, then drop a layer of dirt on top of the rocks to act as mortar, and then repeat the process. By the end of our time there we had created a terrace that looked amazing and professional. At the end of this project we felt proud of our accomplishment. The teamwork that was necessary helped a tightly knit group to be even more unified.
 | | The completed product. |
 | | The tired team happily poses next to the new wall. |
Jordan Cooper:
Our next experience was, I’m sure for most of us, unforgettable. Before we embarked, we were joined by Michael Bauer, who gave us a quick tour of the Galilee on the way to a co-existence program, which he also led. Much of the Galilee is split up into villages, either Jewish or Arab. We went to the Arab village of Arabe to meet with Dr. Rahzal, a professor who specializes in Arab-Jewish relations in Israel.
 | | A view of Arabe from Michael Bauer's Peace Tent. |
Our dialogue with him, and the group discussion that followed, focused on the idea of defining “Arabs” and “Palestinians” as well as discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Of course these are complex issues with centuries of background information. However, approaching the issue with an Israeli-Palestinian Arab, who is both well-versed on the issue and has a perspective unique to our group, was eye-opening to say the least. We didn’t necessarily come away with any definitive answers, but as Michael Bauer told us, “If you think you got it, you didn’t get it. If you’re confused, you got it.”
 | | Michael Bauer leads a discussion in the Peace Tent. |
Zach Pashko:
Shalom y’all, what’s goin’ on? I’m not the first to say that over here on this side of the world there is so much happening. So far I’ve experienced something on this Israel trip that I never thought I would. After a crazy couple of days of travel and touring, Shabbat finally came our way, and take it from me, it was such a relief. As Shabbat began, I found out that we would be celebrating with a Birthright group. We got to this room where a man was jammin’ out on his guitar, and the entire group sang a niggun (wordless tune). We blended in immediately, and we all really had a blast. Then we all migrated upstairs to the balcony where we would have a perfectly gorgeous view of the sunset. We circled up and sang Shabbat songs, and I had goosebumps as we were singing and dancing with everybody. With the sound of the guitar, the beautiful sunset, the coming of Shabbat, and all of the chaverim (friends) together, life was almost perfect.
After this incredible Kabbalat Shabbat service, everybody split up and visited different shuls. I went with Brendan and a bunch of guys to visit the Carlabach shul. For us, it was similar to the Phillies’ parade, except everyone was Jewish and praying. It was really incredible – people shoulder to shoulder, dancing and singing (sometimes screaming) prayers for Shabbat. We all had a great time, and it really opened up our eyes to different ways to pray and celebrate Shabbat. We then headed back to the hotel and crashed after a very exhausting day.
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The Service Learning and Leadership Institute, a division of the Jewish Community High School of Gratz College, is committed to educating and empowering Jewish high school students to become socially responsible leaders. Institute students translate Jewish values of education, spirituality, and service into a meaningful way of life and a powerful Jewish identity. |