Meet Your Staff: Sammi, Leah, and Moose
Sammi Cutler
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I am from Michigan, but live in Chicago now!
What do you for a living? I work with young adults to engage them in the Jewish community through social, networking and volunteering programs at the Jewish United Fund.
When did you go to Israel for the first time? December 2010 on my Birthright Israel trip. I loved Israel so much that I studied abroad in Israel in 2011.
What's a fun fact about yourself? I am going to Europe in September for over 2 weeks with my best friend from college!!
What's your favorite Israeli food/favorite place in Israel to eat it? Stuffing my face with a marzipan rugelach as I walk around the shuk.
If you could bring one thing back to America from Israel, what would it be? Marzipan rugelach and Aroma Ice Cafe !!!!!!! <3 I am too obsessed with these items!
What's your favorite place to bring Taglit-Birthright Israel groups? The old city of Jerusalem, since it is my favorite place to be in Israel. Also Masada- some of the participants really fall in love with Israel after climbing, seeing the land and hearing the story.
What's your favorite place to visit in Israel? My favorite place to visit in Israel is the old city in Jerusalem. I know it is stereotypical but I just love the energy when I am there.
What's your spirit animal? A platypus because it was a great beanie baby!
What's the #1 reason that you recommend that your friends and family should go on Taglit-Birthright Israel with Shorashim? Where else can you be that connected to such a variety of Jewish people. You get to experience SO much in Israel for 10 days with Israelis the whole trip! Plus, you will be eating tons of Marzipan rugelach and posting great instragram pictures!
Leah Canvassar
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? I grew up in San Luis Obispo, California and am currently living in Chicago!
What do you for a living? I am currently doing Cardiology Research at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, but in a few months I'll be going to medical school!
When did you go to Israel for the first time? My first time to Israel was the summer of 2006, but my first time with going with Shorashim was the summer of 2007. This May will mark my 5th time to Israel!
What would you like to bring back to America from Israel? I wouldn't. I think Israel and Israeli culture is incredibly unique and impossible to replicate. Trying to bring a piece of it back to the US would not do it justice...instead I'll just have to visit as often as possible!
What's your favorite place to bring Taglit-Birthright Israel groups? I feel especially connected to Israel when I visit Har Hertzel, the military cemetery. It is an incredibly emotional site and has the potential to leave a lingering impact on anyone who visits. I look forward to bring my participants there for a powerful and unifying experience.
What's your favorite place to visit in Israel? I love being in Jerusalem. The juxtaposition of the Old City with modern Israel is incredible and I always feel like there is more to see and experience. I enjoy visiting spots in Jerusalem that I have been to before and building on those memories. If I could eat every meal at Mahne Yehuda Market and round it out with a box of Marzipan rugelach...I would.
What's a random fun fact about yourself? While I was abroad in South Africa, I bungee jumped at Victoria Falls, which is on the boarder of Zambia and Zimbabwe. I've officially bungee jumped in two countries at the same time!
What's your favorite Israeli food/favorite place in Israel to eat it? I want it all! Falafel, shoko b'sakit, hummus, ice cafe, white chocolate magnum ice cream bars, don't even get me started on the festive sufganiyot that were everywhere in Israel during the winter months! How can you choose?!
Why is it important to you to have Israelis for all 10 days? I am lucky enough to say that this will be my third trip to Israel with Shorashim - I've been as a high school participant, Birthright participant, and now staff. I have seen the extreme thought that Shorashim puts towards every element of the trip including planning and ordering of the itinerary, assembling a multifaceted group of participants, and staff that want to facilitate unique connections between Israel and each participant. Having Israeli participants for the duration of the trip was pivotal to my understanding of Israeli culture and I am hopeful that they felt enriched by their experience, as well. Shorashim takes every opportunity to enhance and improve upon the Birthright program and I am so excited and proud to be staffing for them.
Moshe "Moose" Jacobs
What's a fun fact about yourself? I can touch my nose with my tongue!
What's your favorite site to go to take participants to on Taglit? Former prime minister David Ben Gurion's grave. This site challenges me personally, while thinking of personal visions, as well as national visions and dreams, and what I am willing to do, or not to do to fulfill them.
What's your favorite city in Israel and why? It changes every once in a while, but for now, it is Jerusalem, beacause of what it has to offer people my age in terms of acquiring knowledge, life in community, and tons of action.
What do you love most about Shorashim? Of course - the amazing people, and environment, created by them!
What's your favorite thing about Israel? My favorite thing about Israel is its varied people. People from all around the world, living in this small place, side by side, despite the differences between them.
What is your favorite food and favorite place to eat it in Israel? Unfortunately I am addicted to Humus. My favorite place of eating it changes, because of the neverending chase of finding the best hummus. There are very good hummus shops - in Jerusalem.
If you could say one thing to future participants, what would it be? Hey guys, you got a great gift, give it a huge hug, and enjoy every second of it!
