May 5: Before Shabbat

Shalom Parents and Friends of the Wonderful Class of 2017,

It is erev Shabbat and I managed to talk to Cherie right before Shabbat in Israel which was great. Cherie is now with the group in Israel and Stacy and Dr. Lasson will be returning early on Monday morning. So I expect to hear from Cherie and have regular updates from her. She tells me that the transition from Poland to Israel was amazing. In fact, the kids really understood the difference and knew how important it was to go from ashes to rebirth. We only have one piece of luggage that was lost and it is going to be delivered to the hotel tonight. Everything seems to be okay.

They went straight to the Kotel and the group had a planned exercise so that they could see the Kotel all at the same time. They were blindfolded and as they got closer to the Kotel they were told to turn around and take off the blindfold and everyone saw the Kotel, especially those first timers, all at the same time. A thrilling and emotional experience. They davened at the Kotel. Dr. Lasson led one service and the girls had a service on the women’s side of the Kotel. From there they went to the Tayelet for some breakfast. They sat there in beautiful weather and ate overlooking the city of Jerusalem. The site, if you haven’t experienced it, is quite amazing.

They then went to the hotel, changed money and chilled a little. Some went swimming, others took a nap. Then in the afternoon they had an incredible experience, hosted by the Natanzon family. They went Yavnah, a city right outside of Lod, to a catering hall that had outside entertainment and they were treated to all kinds of delicious kosher foods, including gluten free. They made use of all of the wonderful celebrations for Yom Ha’Atzmaut. And then Mr. Natanzon spoke to them of his own experiences and his family’s experience as people who come from Poland, Holocaust survivors, and people who had embraced Israel and made that their homeland. It was wonderful that Mr. Natanzon was excited to introduce all of our kids to his guests that were there and talk to them about how our kids had a connection to Poland and now to Israel.

The kids were thrilled to be met by Andrew Schwartz '16 and Jeremy Friedman '16, BT Alums. Of course when they meet up with alums that is very special.

On the way back to the hotel they stopped to pick up snacks for Shabbat, then once in their rooms showered and got dressed. When I was getting off the phone with Cherie they were ready for Shabbat, the first Shabbat of their trip in Eretz Yisrael.

Have a wonderful Shabbat and I will update this hotline motzei Shabbat when I hear from Cherie again.

All the best,

Zipora Schorr