Magical Mystery Tour

Shalom from Israel! This is Sean, one of the staff with Bus 547. This trip so far has been incredible!

I've been to Israel over a dozen times, but this group that I'm traveling with is among the best I've known. Every day has been filled with new challenges - opening new perspectives of Jewish identity, Israel appreciation, history, and Israeli-Diaspora dialogue. There have been many nights whose conversations have often been as long as the long days' touring.

We have an insightful group of amazing participants, ranging from all over the country from Los Angeles to Boston, and also all over from Israel from the Negev to the Galilee. I think the cross-cultural dialague from Americans to Israelis, and from Israelis to Americans has opened many eyes and new perspectives.

Last night, we had over 2 hours of group conversation that debated the inner essence of the participants' Jewish identities - Israelis and Americans alike were both passionate and enthusiastic about the spectrum of opinion. Many expressed how much their opinions had been influenced by this time in Israel.

Coming to Israel for the first time (and every time) changes your life. It is a constant reminder of the shared collective memory that we all share as Jewish people.

I am honored to be working with this group, and find myself constantly impressed and humbled by their ability to balance introspection, fun, and new bonds with new lifetime friends.

L'hitraot (see you soon),
Sean