Days 1 and 2-Howard Posting for the Group!
We are delighted to share our first “official” blogpost from Israel! We are appreciative to Sharna and Shorashim for letting you know that we arrived safely in Israel. We are so proud of your children—they are really bonding as a group, they are asking amazing questions, sharing knowledge, supporting each other and exhibiting stamina during our busy days.
It is hard to believe that only a day and a half ago, the group members were in various cities across the US—and didn’t know each others. They began to get acquainted with each other and with the staff while at JFK airport. We played get to know you games, ate snacks, watched football, and even prayed together in the JFK Jewish chapel—all before boarding the flight The group did well on the flight—despite sitting in several different regions of the plane. Many read, watch movies and slept; most enjoyed two delicious El Al meals. Before we knew it, we were clapping along with the other passengers as we landed in Israel. We passed through customs, slowly, along with passengers arriving from Russia, Greece and several Asian countries, got our luggage (no lost luggage!), and were warmly greeted by our awesome guide, Neitsan, and four Israel soldiers/peers who will be joining us for the entire trip. Participants exchanged shekels to dollars, got cell phones and headed on our big, comfortable Birthright bus.
Our first stop was a lookout point in a JF forest where we saw Jerusalem in the distance, said Shehecheyanu ad drank “L’chaim” over sweet grape juice. After settling in to our rooms, eating an amazing meat dinner at Neve Ilan, and having a short evening activity, we were off to sleep. (Most slept well and weren’t too jet lagged—a good thing given how long our Tuesday was.
Our group members arrived on time for another sumptuous meal (Neve Ilan is known for its food!) and headed for Jerusalem—first stop, the Tayelet, with its amazing view of the Old City (from the South). We had our first group davening (prayer) experience, which consisted of songs, stories, and explanations. After a short drive, we entered the Old City through the Zion Gate. Our participants really know their Bible! They know so much about King David and his connection to Jerusalem. The rest of our morning was spent exploring and learning about the Cardo, the Churva Synagogue, and the history of Jerusalem. After a bit of shopping for souvenirs (kipot, necklaces, t shirts, chamsas, scarves—even a shofar!) , we sat for a delicious lunch of rice and chicken or rice and meatballs—just enough nourishment for continuing our walk to the Kotel.
As the group later shared in our evening activity, it was a truly emotional experience. Some spoke of putting on tefillin (courtesy of Chabad outreach at the kotel), others spoke of putting the notes in the wall. Some even spoke of “hearing” and “seeing” God in this most holy place.
We spent some time unwinding and playing group bonding games at Liberty Bell Park, all before heading to Shekel, a program in Jerusalem providing housing, job training, social program and clubs for people with a range of special needs. We had a wonderful opportunity to socialize and share with Israeli counterparts with Aspergers. Our group members spoke extensively about this in the evening. Some noted it was nice to see there were people in other places like Israel with Aspergers.
As the staff processed the day (as a staff), we noted how quickly the group has gelled and grown comfortable with each others. They have raised profound questions (“Do people with Aspergers serve in the army?”), comforted each other, and helped each other.
Now, all participants and staff are asleep—looking forward to an amazing day tomorrow. We head south for camel riding, a Beduin tent dining experience, a hike up the Roman ramp to Masada and a Dead Sea experience. I can promise you happy, very tired children by this time tomorrow night. We will do our best to share some pictures very soon!
