Theme: Shabbat
locations: Tzfat
overnight: Ruth Rimonim Hotel, Tzfat [ get map ]
Zach Pashko:
On Saturday, we had a lot of time to relax and enjoy the day of rest. We also had a fruitful discussion about ritual, personal comfort level, and the challenges and strengths of our diverse group, which we followed with Torah study in small groups. In the early evening, Yuval, Naomi and I led a slow Shabbat ruach (spirit) session. We all watched the sunset as Shabbat came to a close while we were singing and dancing to great Hebrew songs.
 | | The Fellows make their way through ancient Tzfat. |
After dinner and a great Havdalah service, our evening activity was to see David Friedman. On our walk over to his house, we came upon a techno rave in the street that Orthodox Jews had organized. There was a giant van with huge speakers, people on top dancing, and then hordes of people dancing wildly in the street and having so much fun. Before a second thought, me and all of the guys were in the core of the dancing, having a great time with everyone. The music was loud and everyone was partying. At one point, a giant 300-pound man gave a chest bump to his buddy, and I then called for one. Little did I know I would be annihilated by this man’s intensity. The street rave rocked, and everyone came out safe and alive. Overall, this was the best Shabbatot I have ever experienced – and one that will be known by my children and grandchildren.
Ariel Cohen:
As of right now, I am experiencing an illness which has me disappointed. I was hoping to come to Israel to experience every part of this group, but this illness has me in bed, and away from the activities. We called a doctor, but he was not able to give us a specific diagnosis, so I am going to the hospital in Tzfat just as a precaution. However, even though I am sick, the group has shown me a huge amount of loving-kindness, which made me feel well taken care of. Everyone came to check up on me, and asked me how I was feeling. All of the Fellows and adults here are wonderful and caring, and they are the best of friends. I will get better soon, and begin to participate in the activities once again. So parents, if you were wondering if your child might get sick on this trip, you have no need to worry.
Jordan Cooper:
After a relaxing Shabbat, we jumped straight into our next program. We walked from our lovely hotel to the house and studio of David Friedman, a Kabbalist artist. He is a RISD-educated American expatriate who has lived in Tzfat for 30 years, studying Kabbalism. He welcomed us into his home to introduce us to his beliefs, present his art and explain the significance of the Kabbalist motifs in his paintings. Each of his works contains a complex web of interconnected symbols involving color, words, geometric shapes, etc. I personally was astounded by what he showed us; the connections all seemed to really click and it was an amazing experience. To finish it off, David and two of his friends performed a few folk songs for us, ending with “The Flatbush Waltz,” to which of course we all got up and danced, to their undoubted amusement. Some of us also purchased reproductions of his paintings in greeting cards (so expect something awesome in the mail soon, at least from me!)
 | | David Friedman and friends play folk and klezmer music. |
 | | Jordan, Danielle, Nathan and Robyn waltz in Tzfat. |
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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. |