Meet Your Staff: Molly, Tovah, and Itay
Molly Bloom
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? Originally from Northbrook and I now live in Buffalo Grove.
What do you for a living? I am a travel agent and I am also finishing up my Masters Degree in Tourism & Hospitality.
When did you go to Israel for the first time? I was 16 when I first went to Israel.
What's your favorite Israeli food to eat and favorite place to eat it at? My favorite Israeli food is shawarama! Just thinking about stuffing my face with it makes me happy. I love eating amazing Israeli food in Tel Aviv while looking out at the most gorgeous boardwalk in the world.
What's a fun fact about you? I can touch my tongue to my nose and raise one eyebrow at the same time.
What's one thing about Israel that you wish you could bring back to America with you? I love how Israelis treat one another like family. I feel safer in Israel than I do anywhere else because I truly feel that Israelis look out for one another, even if they have never met.
What's your favorite place to bring groups? My favorite place for groups is the Dead Sea. It is impossible to not have fun and be amazed by the scenery and water!
What's your favorite place to visit in Israel? My favorite place is Haifa! While I was a participant on a Shorashim trip in high school I became great friends with the Israeli participants from there. I love the beauty of the beach and Baha'i Gardens. I feel that the city does a great job at showing Israel's hospitality and hominess.
What's the #1 reason that you recommend that your friends and family should go on Birthright Israel with Shorashim?T he number one reason that everyone should go on a Shorashim trip is because it is the only Birthright trip that has Israelis on the trip the entire time. Exploring Israel with Israelis is the best way to experience the country!
What is your spirit animal and why? My spirit animal is the Canaan dog, Israel's national dog breed. I love Israel and I love dogs so the Canaan dog fits me perfectly!
Anything else you want to share? This summer will be my 7th trip to Israel and I am beyond excited. Going to Israel is life changing and I can't wait to see Shorashim participants experience it!
Tovah Goodman
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? Originally from Pasadena, Ca and now living in Chicago.
What do you do for a living? I am the Engagement Associate, Israel Initiatives for the Jewish United Fund. Pretty much I help anyone who wants to go back to Israel get there!
When did you go to Israel for the first time? I went on Birthright Summer of 2013.
What's your favorite place to visit in Israel? My favorite place to visit in Israel is Tzvat. As a yoga loving, guitar playing free spirit, the mystical and artistic energy of Tzvat always speaks to me.
What's a fun fact about yourself? I am a comedy musician and releasing my first EP this summer titled "Cause You Said Hi"
What's your favorite Israeli food/favorite place in Israel to eat it? Any hummus place in Jaffa. They are known for having the best hummus and they load it with toppings, YUM!
Where is your favorite place to take groups? I love bringing groups to Kiryat Gat. It is so special to see them build personal connections with local Israelis away from the tourist locations.
If there was one aspect of Israel that you could bring back to America with you, what would it be? The Shuk! Having all the fresh food so close by, plus you can't really bargain in America.
What's the #1 reason that you recommend that your friends and family should go on Birthright Israel with Shorashim? The trip opened my eyes to different cultures, languages and new friends. It is the best way to see the country and experience the many sides to Israel.
What's your spirit animal and why? My spirit animal is a camel. Although we are slow and sometimes smell, we are resilient, can make something out of nothing and are sweet at heart. Plus I need cold nights to sleep so the desert works out!
Itay Rotem
How long have you been a tour educator for? Five years.
What's your favorite Shorashim memory? Getting to know everybody,
What's a fun fact about yourself? I love trees.
What's your favorite food in Israel and favorite place to eat it? Falafel, the Lebanese restaurant.
What's your favorite site to take participants to on Birthright? I can't choose one. It's like asking a mother which child is her favorite.
What's your favorite city in Israel and why? Jerusalem - it's never ever boring... ever!
What do you love most about Shorashim? The depth of the conversation about what we do and how to make it better,
Why is it important to you to have Israelis on the trip for all 10 days? The best way to know Israel is through Israelis :) Without them, a trip to Israel can be a bit like a bubble moving around. Israelis on the trip for 10 days brings a real depth to the experience of Israel and what its all about.
If you could say one thing to future Birthright Israel participants, what would it be? Breathe deeply, let go, come with an open mind.
Anything else you want to share? One love!
