Mesorat "Traditions" / Mesorot, «traditions»

This week I had the pleasure of watching our 5th grade sing and dance their way through the idea of mesorah, ”tradition”. They attempted to express the idea of tradition through the Jewish holiday and life cycle. Quite well , I might add. However, on a another level, the Jewish tradition does not have a mesorah, a tradition”. It has mesorot, “traditions”. The plural is important. It conveys something unique and expressive about our traditions. I am not speaking only about Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions. After all, the Jewish communities of Yemen and Morocco are as disparate in the Sephardic communities as Chabad and Mitngadmim are in the Ashkenazi tradition.

Tradition can create community or rip it apart. Judaism has been ripped apart many times in our long history. Israel from Judah in biblical times, Karaites from Rabbanites in the early middle ages, Chassids and mitngdim in the pre modern period, and of course we can just look at our own communities to see the pitfalls dividing liberal interpretations and hard liners.

Our earliest sages recognized the multi faceted nature of revelation. Rabbi Ishmael, a first century scholar, taught that G-d's voice at Sinai was "like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces. . .every single word that emanated from the Holy One was split into seventy meanings." In Pirkei Avot, Torah from Sinai literally bifurcates, dividing as it travels along the chain of tradition into two distinct schools - the followers of Hillel and Shammai. A later Talmudic passage clarifies that even though Hillel and Shammai disagreed about virtually every element of the original revelation, "both these and these are the words of the living G-d." Hillel may light one candle the first night of Hanukkah while Shammai lights eight, but somehow God commanded both practices, simultaneously.

Next week, we will celebrate Shavuot, the giving of the Torah, the first mesorah. We as a community will renew our binding to the mesorah and add onto the chain of tradition, as our 5th grade did this week. The Talmud contains a story about Hillel and Shammai as they disagreed on whether or not G-d should have created man. It was a discussion of great importance. But it was a discussion conducted with respect and honor. Perhaps as we at Talmud Torah/ Herzliah when we conduct ourselves with each other, can remember the honor of our sages, even when we disagree. Perhaps then our words will not be “ as a hammer that breaks rocks” but, as speech that creates and ennobles community. This is the type of mesorot that I hope our 5th grade is striving for.

Dr. Laurence Kutler
Head of School
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Cette semaine, j'ai eu le plaisir d’admirer nos élèves de 5e année chanter et danser sous la notion de mesorah, «tradition». Ils ont exprimé la tradition à travers les fêtes juives et le cycle de la vie et j’ajouterais qu’ils étaient très bons. Cependant, d’un autre point de vue, la tradition juive n'a pas une mesorah, une tradition, mais des mesorot, «traditions». Le pluriel est important. Il transmet quelque chose d'unique quant à nos traditions. Je ne parle pas seulement des traditions ashkénazes et séfarades. Après tout, les communautés juives du Yémen et du Maroc sont aussi disparates dans les communautés séfarades comme Chabad et Mitngadmim sont dans la tradition ashkénaze.

La tradition peut soit créer une communauté ou la déchirer. Le judaïsme fut déchiré à plusieurs reprises dans notre longue histoire. Israël de Judah dans les temps bibliques, les Karaïtes des Rabbanites au début du Moyen Âge, Hassids et mitngdim dans la période pré-moderne, et nous pouvons simplement regarder nos propres communautés pour voir les nombreux pièges nous diviser.

Nos sages d’antan ont reconnu le caractère à multiples facettes de la révélation. Rabbi Ismaël, un savant du siècle premier, a enseigné que la voix de D.ieu au Sinaï était «comme un marteau qui brise le roc ... chaque mot qui émanait du Tout-Puissant fut divisé en soixante-dix significations."Dans le Pirké Avot, la Torah du Sinaï bifurque littéralement, divisant alors qu’elle se déplace le long de la chaîne des traditions en deux écoles distinctes - les adeptes de Hillel et ceux de Shammai. Un passage du Talmud précise plus tard que même si Hillel et Shammai sont en désaccord sur presque tous les éléments de la révélation originelle, « celles-ci étant les paroles de D.ieu.» Hillel peut allumer une bougie le premier soir de Hanoucca alors que Shammaï en allume huit, mais en quelque sorte D.ieu a commandé deux pratiques simultanées.

La semaine prochaine, nous célébrerons Chavouot, le don de la Torah, soit la première mesorah. Nous, en tant que communauté, allons renouveler notre lien à la mesorah et renouer avec la les traditions, comme notre 5e année l’a fait cette semaine. Le Talmud contient une histoire de Hillel et Shammai car ils n'étaient pas d'accord sur la création de l’homme par D.ieu. C'était une discussion d'une grande importance. Mais c'était une discussion menée avec respect et honneur. Peut-être que nous à Talmud Torah | Herzliah lorsque nous discutons entre nous, nous devons également nous rappeler l'honneur de nos sages, même lorsque nous sommes en désaccord. Peut-être alors nos paroles ne seront pas «comme un marteau qui brise le roc», mais plus comme un discours qui crée et ennoblit notre communauté. C'est le genre de mesorot que nous tentons d'inculquer à nos élèves de 5e année.

Dr. Laurence Kutler
Directeur Général

Leadership and humility / Orgueil et humilité

The Torah was given at Mount Sinai and we know that Sinai was not the highest of mountains.  It certainly raised an issue with our sages.  How could the giving of the Torah, perhaps the most epic moment in Jewish history be given on a mediocre mountain  For the sages and Rambam in particular, this constituted a moral lesson on humility. (Pesikta Rabbati, ch. 7, s.v. va-yehi ha-makriv):

"A man's pride will humiliate him, but a humble man will obtain honor (Prov.29:23)." A man's pride will humiliate him - as in Mount Tabor and Mount Carmel that came from the ends of the earth and boasted, saying: We are tall, and the Holy One, blessed be He, will give the Torah on us. A humble man will obtain honor - that is Mount Sinai, humiliating itself and saying: I am low. Hence the Holy One, blessed be He, raised it up by honoring it, giving the Torah on that mountain. So Sinai had the privilege of the Holy One, blessed be He, descending on it and standing there, as it is written, "The Lord came down upon Mount Sinai..."

The Rambam perceived this as the" middle way" an opportunity to search for humility even in the greatest of moments.

We at Talmud Torah/Herzliah strive to create leaders in our school.  The moral lesson of humility, "tzniut "leadership", challenges us as leaders.  How do we take leadership roles in the community while retaining our humility? This question must have confronted Moshe who is described as 'ish meod tzanua, "a very humble man". But it did not alter his course of action.  We and our students must find Rambam's middle path, the road between haughtiness and humility, between leadership and over assertiveness.

As part of leadership and humility I must bring to the readers’ attention that I have not credited bar IIan University parashahs at times in my previous blogs as I should have. I want to take this opportunity, in humility to set the record straight that I freely use Bar Ilan as a source and will in the future be more assiduous in crediting them. I apologize for not adhering more faithfully to this. I am admonished and gladly embrace the correction.

Dr. Laurence Kutler

Head of School

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La Torah a été donnée au Mont Sinaï et nous savons que le Sinaï n’est certainement pas la plus haute des montagnes. Ce qui a soulevé un questionnement de la part de nos sages. Comment le don de la Torah, probablement le moment le plus important de l'histoire juive, eut lieu sur une montagne médiocre.  Pour les sages et Rambam en particulier, cela constituait une leçon de morale sur l'humilité. (Pesikta Rabbati, ch 7, s.v. va - yehi ha - makriv) : «L'orgueil de l'homme l'abaisse, mais celui qui est humble d'esprit obtient la gloire. » (Proverbes 29 : 23). L'orgueil d'un homme l'abaisse - tels le mont Thabor et le mont Carmel qui vinrent des extrémités de la terre et se vantaient en disant: Nous sommes grands, et le Saint, béni soit-Il, nous donnera la Torah. Un homme humble obtiendra la gloire - c'est le mont Sinaï, s’humiliant qui dit: je suis faible. C'est pourquoi le Saint, béni soit-Il, l'éleva en l’honorant, en donnant la Torah sur cette montagne. Donc le mont Sinaï a été privilégié par le Saint, béni soit-Il, qui est descendu sur le mont et se tenait là, comme il est écrit : «Le Seigneur est descendu sur le mont Sinaï ... ».  Le Rambam perçut cela comme la «voie du milieu» l'occasion de rechercher l'humilité, même dans le plus grand des moments.

Nous, à Talmud Torah | Herzliah nous efforçons de façonner des leaders dans notre école. La leçon de morale de l'humilité, «tzniut» «leadership», nous interpelle en tant que leaders. Comment pouvons-nous assumer des rôles de leadership dans la communauté tout en conservant notre humilité? Cette question doit avoir confronté Moché qui est décrit comme «tzanua meod ish» «un homme très humble». Mais il n'a pas modifié son plan d'action. Nos élèves et nous-mêmes devons trouver le chemin du milieu du Rambam, la route entre l'orgueil et l'humilité, entre le leadership et ​​l'affirmation de soi.

Dans le cadre du leadership et de l'humilité, je dois attirer l'attention des lecteurs que je n'ai pas rendu justice aux parachiot de l’Université Bar IIan, tel que j’aurais dû le faire dans mes blogs précédents. Je veux profiter de cette occasion d'humilité pour remettre les pendules à l'heure alors que j'utilise librement certaines sources de l’Université Bar Ilan et je vais, à l'avenir, être plus assidu et leur donner le crédit qui leur revient. Je m'excuse de ne pas adhérer plus fidèlement à cela. Je vais m’appliquer à rectifier le tir.

Dr. Laurence Kutler

Directeur général

MOL - Happy Birthday Israel!

There is nothing quite as meaningful, memorable and festive as being in Israel on Yom Ha'Atzmaout! All delegations from around the world meet for the International March of the Living. 12,000 strong, we are entertained with Israeli folk dancing, singing, shofar blowing... We dance and sing in the square sporting our delegation t-shirts, pins and hats. The kids start trading until we can no longer distinguish who is who - one people all celebrating Israel's birthday. The atmosphere is indescribable. Pure joy and pride fills the air.  The March in Poland and the March in Israel are powerfully juxtaposed - from darkness to light. At the Kotel, music blares, horas big and small form, young Jewish adults sharing one experience and one purpose.

Then the most meaningful moment, for me at least. The Sefer Torah which was completed in Birkenau by Holocaust survivors- one survivor holding the hand of a sofer for each of the last 6 letter of the Torah, was brought to the Kotel and dedicated to the Kotel synagogue in a Hachnasat Torah ceremony. To me, this act encapsulates the significance of our journey from Poland to Israel, from unimaginable pain, suffering and death to incredible beauty, accomplishment, and spirituality. We have come home. We dance with the newly dedicated Torah with kavanah - intention and meaning. The kids disperse to spend time with their friends, to chat with other  delegations, to put on tefillin at the Kotel one last time, to say a prayer or simply to appreciate the moment. I have never seen so many young people at the Kotel before, or so many colours, flags, languages, or so much simcha.

The Montreal delegation continues to the southern wall for the group bat mitzvah of 22 girls who have never before been bat mitzvahed. Among them our two female survivors, Ella and Rena. We gather on the steps leading to the southern wall which Rabbi Poupko tells us were the original steps leading to the entrance to the holy temple. These were the steps Jews climbed 3 times a year to enter Beit Hamikdash on Succot, Pessach and Shavuot. What an awesome sense of continuity. Rabbi Poupko talks about women in the Jewish family as the keepers of Jewish tradition, spirit and daily life. The young ladies and women stand before the group and one by one recite the blessing and read the Shema from the Torah which we bring from Montreal. We sing and throw candies after each one is completed. Ella and Rena are quite emotional and we too share in their special moment. Rabbi Poupko addresses us all. He recounts a midrash which tells us that every person is given 3 names: the first name is the one given to us by our family, the second is the one given to us by friends (the outside world),  and the third is the name we call ourselves. This name is the most important. What we think of ourselves, how much our dreams and aspirations are in sync with ourselves. The rabbi urges us all to think hard about how we wish to think of ourselves as human beings and as Jews. We have all been given an incredible opportunity through this trip-what will we do with what we have seen, how we have felt, how we are changed in the weeks, months and years that come.

Next stop - the biggest part in all of Israel. The MOL International Yom HaAtzmaout concert at Latrune, the sight of one of Israel's most significant battles. We enter the park and walk through an enormous display of military tanks and vehicles. Next comes an elaborate buffet for 12,000 people followed by dessert. We dance to Israeli music with old friends, new friends and complete strangers. We head to the enormous outdoor amphitheater and sit on the cement steps in front of the elaborate stage. We try to keep our Montreal delegation together so that we can show our spirit to the world. The show begins and we are blown away - a real spectacle of music and dance. Everyone is on their feet. The best concert/show I have ever attended. The kids are so happy and having the time of their lives. Some of their comments on the bus following the evening are:

1. I was in the mosh pit the whole night and everyone was Jewish.

2. I can't believe how much I danced to Israeli music - I knew all the songs and the beat was incredible.

3. So many countries are here. Jews my age from all over the world.

4. So many people who share the same values.

5. Am Yisrael Chai!

6. Chag sameach has new meaning to me.

7. By far the best concert I've been to.

8. I feel like I belong to something so big and special.

9. This is the best country on earth.

10. I am so proud to be a Jew.

11. I don't want to go home tomorrow.

12. This was the best trip ever.

The kids have clearly fallen in live with Israel - that's the way it should be.

This is my last post. The last two weeks have been incredible - I have experienced profound lows and intense highs. I have experienced this journey with the next generation of the Montreal Jewish community. They made me feel proud and confident for the future of our community. There is much for me to reflect upon and process and I don't know how long that will take. I have told the kids that it may take a long time to be able to articulate your impressions, thoughts and feelings concerning the trip. In fact, I'm fairly certain that time is required. I have urged bus 1 to stay in touch since our shared experience is a unique one and we must all be available to support each other. I only hope that they know that I mean every word. I will be here for this kids as they navigate their social, educational, spiritual, religious and community lives.

Monica Mendel Bensoussan

Jerusalem - Adam Weinstock

Wake up duty (again) and its beautiful to see the morning one last time from the Kibbutz.

We get the kids out of bed and their bags on the bus. A quick breakfast, some birthday wishes / songs for our Bus 2 crew and we load the bus heading for Jerusalem.

We remind the kids to write notes for the Kotel. All the girls are dressed so beautifully, it is wonderful to see. The bus rolls out and the kids pass out!

Jules wakes up the bus as we approach the outskirts of town. Matisyahu's 'Jerusalem' plays in the background as we enter the tunnel before the city. As we exit the tunnel and look to our left the most beautiful of sights is in front of our eyes. We get see the old city in all its glory on a beautiful day.

Our first stop is a lookout where we can all see the entire city, take pictures and take in the beauty of this ancient city. Then its into town, Ben Yehuda. We arrive a few minutes before 11 and settle in at the top of the street for the siren and minute of silence for Yom Hazikaron. It is amazing to watch everything stop as the siren goes off. The entire group stands silent and in amazement for 1 minute. It was amazing to me to think, in that short time, how I was afforded that minute in Jerusalem thanks to the sacrifice of so many. My heart went out to their families.

After that we had about 1 hour of free time to shop on Ben Yehuda. The kids too full advantage. Shopping & Shawarma, a great combination.

We got back together and walked over to the old city. A beautiful walk through time as Jules explained the history and architecture of the old city. We slowly made our way towards the Western wall. It has been far too long, 19 years, since I laid my eyes on the Kotel. This is not something I will let happen again. She stands strong after over 2,000 years and you can't help but be amazed by that.

We went over to the Kotel and all the group of boys put on Tfillin and said the Shma together at the Kotel. We took group and individual pictures and had time to place notes and say personal prayers. I took full advantage!

We got back together as a group, took a Bus Photo at the Kotel and then headed to the bus.

We arrived at the hotel with plenty of free time to unpack, shower and change for tonight's celebrations. Each day continues to only get better and yet I know this amazing journey is nearing its end. I can't wait to celebrate Yom Ha'Atzmaout tonight in Jerusalem. We are all going dressed in white shirts and I'm sure it will be quite the sight.

More later!

MOL - Yom Haatzmaut

Arriving in Jerusalem is an experience like no other! As we climb the road toward Jerusalem, some of the kids get emotional, especially those who have never been. We drive directly to to Mount Scopus. We file out of the bus and stand in two lines, each student placing his/her hands on the shoulders of the student in front of them. Ronen asks everyone to close their eyes. We lead the kids to the Scopus look out and ask them to turn around toward Ronen, away from the view. Ronen says, for centuries Jews around the world have dreamt and prayed about Jerusalem. They have longed for Jerusalem. For Jews everywhere Israel is the centre if the universe. For Israelis, Jerusalem is the focal point of their heart. The epicentre of Jewish spirituality, religion, people hood and belonging is the Old City, specifically the Kotel. Ronen asks the kids to turn around and gaze at Yerushalayim. The view is spectacular in so many ways - the physical beauty of the Old City in the distance is breathtaking, the golden Jerusalem stone sparkling under the sun is mesmerizing, and the significance of what our eyes see is almost too much to process. We are here, we are in Jerusalem!

We walk to Jaffa gate and huddle under the arch before entering the City. Ronen recite in Hebrew, if I forget thee oh Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning."

We enter the Old City and begin walking through the narrow ancient street, making our way to the Kotel. The kids are excited, the mood is festive. We take the kids to the best view in town - the rooftop of Eshet Torah. Again we lead the kids with eyes closed and surprise them on top. WOW!

We make our way down to the Kotel and allow them private time to pray, reflect and marvel at the miracle of Israel and the Jewish people. No words are necessary.

Monica Mendel Bensoussan

MOL - Golan Heights

We head out at 8:30 am to hike the Banyas trail - one of the 3 water sources that feed the Kinneret lake, the only source of fresh water in Israel. Along the beautiful trail we learn that one of the ways to ensure that an individual receives a place in Olam Habah (the world to come), is to walk in the land of Israel. We hike with renewed energy and purpose. The nature around us - foliage, flowers, water falls - is breathtaking!

FUN FACT:

Israel is the only country in the world where there are more trees today than at the establishment of the state. Israel plants 6 million trees a year.

99% of the trees are not natural to Israel. The only ones natural to Israel are the ones mentioned in the bible, especially the 7 species - olive, date, fig,barley, grapes, wheat and pomegranate trees. We finish the hike with a new appreciation for Israel's nature since Israel has not always looked the way it does.

Golan Heights:

We drive up to the Golan Heights and learn about the strategic significance of this piece of land. The kids don't quite get it until we pile out of the bus, sit on the grass and gaze across the field to what used to be Syria. The visual tells the story. Ronen recounts the story of the Six Day War of  1967 and the Yom Kippur War of 1973. After explaining the causes of the wars, giving the number of dead, the number of casualties, the number of aircraft, the number of tanks...Ronen tells us the story of one soldier. It seems to me that it is the individual stories that tell the real story of Israel's establishment, growth, evolution, victories and challenges. Stories...just like our experience in Poland. We then watch a short movie which told the story of one particular battle in the Golan Heights. We join the other buses for a delicious pizza lunch outdoors on the Syrian Israeli border. The pizzas were made fresh on the spot with regular or gluten free dough and every topping imaginable.

Next stop Mount Bental again on the Syrian border to meet with some soldiers. The girls are gaga and the guys are in awe. We have an interesting exchange with them and an even more interesting conversation amongst ourselves back on the bus. The kids comment on how young the soldiers are, on how different their lives are, and on how similar their lived are. One young man says that the soldiers inspire him. Another says that these young men shouldn't have to bare the brunt of protecting and defending the Jewish homeland for all Jews. We enter into a conversation about how Jews living in the diaspora can help Israel. The kids get it.

The entire Canadian delegation (20 buses) makes their way to the Yom HaZikaron ceremony prepared by the Israeli students of the Mechina program. These young adults have decided to postpone their army service by one year in order to attend the Mechina programc focused on Jewish identity building. Our kids are surprised thinking that identity building is reserved for Jews living in the diaspora. They are interested in this phenomenon and begin to understand another similarity between the Israeli and Canadian young adults. We sit on the grass in front of the stage, all dressed in white t-shirts - a beautiful sense if unity and solidarity with our Israeli friends. We all rise as the siren rings loudly for a moment of silence. The Israeli flag is lowered to half mast. The ceremony commemorating the fallen Israeli soldiers and civilians is entirely run by the Mechina students. Once again, through song and the stories of individuals with names and lives the point is made in a moving and powerful way. Rabbi Poupko is called to the stage to address the Canadian delegation. He speaks about the unity if the Jewish people, how we feel the pain if the Israeli people on this holy day and he thanks Israel for protecting the country we all call home. He draws attention to the fact that our relationship with Israelis is not equal since Israelis are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to ensure a safe haven for Jews everywhere. We are all humbled and moved. Following the singing if Hatikvah, we break out into our buses and have a dialogue with our new Israeli friends. The kids talk about the similarities between us, the differences, what it means to have a homeland, what a sense if belonging means, and what we are prepared to do in order to defend Israel. I am amazed by what our kids say. They are clearly taken with Israel and it's people recognizing that they have a role to play in securing the future of their homeland and the Jewish people.

Monica Mendel Bensoussan

MOL - Kibbutz Shaar HaGolan

We head out together with our new Israeli friends on a tour of the Kibbutz. We start at a spot where there are three borders - Syria, Jordan, the Holam a Heights and Israel. The security fence is actually a few steps away from where we stand.We learn about the difficult life of those who established the kibbutz in 1937, on land nobody wanted, in a dangerous and hostile environment. We walk through the dairy farm and fields thinking that these are the kinbutz's source of income. Under the shade of a beautiful olive tree we gather. Ronen describes kibbutz communal living in it's purest form and how this socialist model has evolved over the years as many kibbutzim have privatized. The kibbutz we are staying at is authentic - work and contribute to communal living as much as you are able and earn as much as you need - eat together, live in a community, raise children together... Decisions are made collectively. We learn that ours is a wealthy kibbutz - not because of the dairy farm or agriculture - because of their plastic pipe factory. The kids are surprised to learn that most kibbutzim have alternate sources of income other than agriculture and many are extremely successful.

Word of the day: kibbutz coming from the word kvutzah meaning group

Israel is Number One:

1. Cows - every year there is an international competition to see which country produces the most milk. Israel wins every year.

2. Olive tree

3. Plastic pipes for hot water and irrigation pipes

Fun Fact: the biblical reference to "The Land of Milk and Honey" does not refer to cows and bees. It is symbolic. Milk symbolizes the juices coming from various fruits and honey symbolizes the sweetness coming from date trees.

After lunch, the kids enjoy a Shabbat afternoon of R and R by the pool. We spend the afternoon hydrating the kids and applying more sun screen. It is 34 degrees.

In the evening we separate into our bus groups for suedah shlishit followed by an educational program. Ronen shows the kids a photo of what he calls, the only last will and testament written by a Jew in Treblinka prior to entering the gas chamber. He reads the translation of the short Yiddish message written in blood. Ronen says that he believed that this message was intended for us - the generations after the holocaust. The author of the will basically calls for the next generations to take revenge for the Shoah. On a personal level, I immediately tense up, questioning whether this is the right message to leave the kids with. My fears disappear as Ronen describes what vengeance means for him. For him, the revenge of the Jewish people is the creation and maintenance of a strong army capable of defending the Jewish people. The kids articulate thoughtful interpretations of Jewish vengeance. Some comments include:

1. Keeping Shabbat

2. Having lots of Jewish children

3. Respecting Jewish holidays

4. Telling the stories of Rena, Sidney, Tommy, Ella, Ernest, and Teddy

5. Telling the story of our visit to Poland

6. Jewish education

I was so impressed. Each student from bus 1 shared a thought. We have become one family - comfortable sharing our feelings and thoughts with each other. Next Ronen asks, "if you could ask someone, dead or alive, one question about the Holocaust, who would you ask and what would you ask?" Again the responses are impressive. Some comments include:

1. To God: where were you?

2. To a survivor: what got you through?

3. To a German soldier: did you have an ethical dilemma with your orders?

4. To a German soldier: how could you murder innocent men, women and children?

5. To a German soldier: did you think about your own family when you were murdering Jewish families?

6. To a Jewish mother: how did you shield your child from the realities surrounding you?

7. To an Orthodox Jew: did you lose faith in God?

8. To a bystander from North America: Where was the world?

Once again all 34 students participate in a meaningful way.

Next, I ask the bus 1 chaperones to share with the kids what brought them to the March of the Living and why they chose to do it with the students instead of with other adults. We have been caring for these young adults for 10 days through devastating lows and euphoric highs. We have developed close bonds with them. Now it is our turn to share our personal stories with them, to tell them who we are. We conclude the session by declaring our faith in them, in their generation, in this journey.

The two buses meet for Havdalah and off we go to join bus 3,4 and 5 for a BBQ and party and of course the Hockey game.

Monica Mendel Bensoussan

MOL - Northern Israel

Word of the day: Kinneret coming from the word kinor meaning violin which is the shape of the Kinmeret lake.

Israel is number one: 1. How to save water

2. Israel recycles 78 % of sewage water to make dessert bloom

Prayer of the day: Tfillat HaDerech - We ask Gid to guide us toward peace.

We head further north to Kibbutz Mizgavah on the border with Lebanon - the only place where Israel has the advantage of height over Lebanon. The kids are in disbelief at the proximity of Lebanon. Ronen takes the kids through a chronological account of Israel's wars beginning with the War of Independence. The power of his account sitting with Lebanon in front of us does not go unnoticed. I have never heard such a simple yet comprehensive Israel history lesson. The kids are smitten with his story as he peppers the history with personal stories -where he served and when, what his mission was, stories of other soldiers who he introduces. Ronen explains that Israel cannot survive without water and oil and that many of Israel's conflicts are connected to this. This kids ask intelligent questions about Russia and the United states, about the Israeli army service, about prospects for peace, about the Golam Heights. I am impressed with their knowledge and even more impressed with the open, honest dialogue. I think that the conversation was made possible in part because of the reality of where we are sitting...physically steps away from one of our surrounding enemies. Ronen spends time talking about Israeli military service but frames his talk by saying that in his view Israeli soldiers are not heroes - families, parents, wives, and kids are the heroes.

Before boarding to bus, Ronen teaches a powerful lesson relating our visit to Poland and our present week in Montreal - If you know your history you will know who you are.

Next we drive to the mystical city of Tzfat. The city reminds we of the Old City of Jerusalem - the golden stones, the numerous synagogues, the orthodox inhabitants, the narrow alleys, the stairs... We sit on the stairs and Ronen talks about the origins of Kabbalah tracing the Hassidic movement back to Poland. We remember Rav Elimelech and all the other famous rabbis of Poland who revolutionized Judaism. An orthodox man walks by and we wish him Shabbat Shalom. Ronen asks him what kind of Hassid he is. The kids are confused by the question. The man answers that he is a Breslov Hassid. Ronen explains that there are many types of Hassids - each group originates from a different rabbi and city in Poland, Ukraine... In addition each group is known for a specific quality or value. Breslov Hassids are known for their emphasis on 'happiness' We thank him for his time and sing him off with the nigun we learned in Legansk.

We head into the city winding through the alleys until we reach a beautiful courtyard. A Falafel lunch is waiting for us. Musicians are playing music and the kids are delighted. Absolutely beautiful! After lunch we tour the city and the numerous synagogues many connected to Poland. We sing and dance with pride and true joy in our hearts. We feel so much lighter than last week - physically, emotionally and spiritually.

We head back to the kibbutz after some free shopping time. Waiting for us at the kibbutz are 10 Israelis about the same age as the kids. Many are in their gap year preparing to enter elite units in the army.

The Mifgash between the kids is fabulous! We run icebreakers so that all the kids get to know each other. There are differences but so many similarities between them. They will be spending Shabbat with us. We shower and change in preparation for Shabbat. Together we all have a beautiful and meaningful

Kabbalah Shabbat service outside on the grass. Last week Shabbat was in Warsaw, this week in Israel. The significance of the moment is marked and appreciated. Last week was grey. This week is full of colour.

Monica Mendel Bensoussan

Israel - MOL

Departure from Poland was challenging with delegations from around the world all leaving for Israel. Buses 3,4 and 5 left at around 11:30. We (buses 1 and 2) sat in the plane for over 2 hours waiting for the coast to coast delegation to board. The kids were bouncing off the walls with excitement to leave Poland and leave for Israel. The emotions of the day eventually caught up with them and most were asleep before the plane took off.

We arrived in the homeland of the Jewish people at 5:30 am. Despite the 2 hours if sleep the kids are eager to touch Israeli soil and begin this part of their journey. The kids rush to the bathroom to put on their shorts and t-shirts. By the time we join the other busses who arrived earlier it is close to 7am when we exit the airport. The kids sing their way out of the airport and many kiss the ground immediately. Although there are tears, these are tears of joy. The mood us light and joyful.

Board our new bus, meet our driver and security guard/medic and off we go to Massada. On the way we stop at a kibbutz for a beautiful outdoor Israeli breakfast. Back on the bus. The kids sleep but quickly get up when we begin the descent through the Judaen Dessert. Ronen asks the kids who is in Israel for the first time. I am surprised and thrilled to see one third of bus 1 raise their hand.  I am so excited for those kids. Ronen describes the topography of Israel and the history of the Judean dessert tracing back to the bible and the tribe of Judah. We arrive at Massada and climb the Roman ramp trail to the summit. It is already 32 degrees. Each kid wears a hat and carries a large bottle of water. The kids ask questions but Ronen asks them to enjoy the hike and the scenery until we reach the top. I have no doubt that his story up top will be incredible. We sit together under an awning overlooking the dessert and the Dead Sea. Ronen asks those who have never been to Israel before to stand up. In the most moving way he reminds the group that for centuries Jews around the world have spoken, prayed and dreamt about the land of Israel for centuries. Six million Jews who had Jerusalem in their hearts, never got to witness the establishment of a Jewish state - a home for Jews everywhere. He turns to the first timers and says, "Welcome to Israel, your home. You are welcome anytime, whenever you want. This is your home." Everyone sits down and Ronen begins to talk about the historical connection of the Jewish people to the land Israel. There is no shortage of physical evidence here to help tell the story if Masada. The kids are mesmerized by the dramatic tale. I have never heard it told this way. It is incredible to see the happiness in the kids' faces. They are running on no sleep and full if energy.

We descend Masada, board the bus and head to the Dead Sea. Fun, fun, fun! The kids cover themselves in mud, float in the sea, laugh and enjoy an incredible lunch by the sea.

Next stop, Kibbutz HaGolan near Tiberias. The excitement of the day catches up with them and they sleep for most of the ride up north.

Day 9 - We are home - Adam Weinstock

After a long night at the airport I crashed on the plane to Israel. We were delayed over an hour but I fell asleep so fast after getting to my seat that the whole flight was only 15 minutes in my mind!

We got off the plane, cleared passport control, picked up our luggage and found Jules waiting, smiling from ear to ear, outside. His energy was contagious and the kids were beyond thrilled to see him. They cheered as he came on the bus.

We got everything loaded up and headed out for breakfast. A delicious spread awaited us at our destination. We fuelled up and then headed out to climb Masada.

Our bus reached the ancient fort first and we set out. The climb was long and at times tiring but the kids overcame all this and we had a wonderful tour and history lesson at the same time. We took the cable cars down and set out to the dead sea.

Another amazing lunch and then time to play. The kids got "down and dirty" in the mud and floated in the waters of the dead sea. They enjoyed the relaxation and time to unwind after a long week and a busy morning.

We debriefed on the road to our Kibbutz and the kids all had incredible insightful things to say about the transition from Poland to Israel. The feeling was almost unanimous, leaving behind the death, destruction and despair that came our of Poland and coming into our homeland just felt right. The enthusiasm on the bus was easily felt.

We arrived at our home for the next 4 night, Kibbutz Sha'ar Ha Golan. We had some time to check-in, relax, shower off Poland and then had another great meal. Schnitzel again but today it tasted so much better, maybe it was the recipe or maybe it was just the country but I enjoyed it greatly! The salads were amazing and the fresh produce was a welcome change to the potatoes of Poland!

We had a good amount of free time tonight and tomorrow head out to T'zfat!

We are home and ready to explore!

Lublin and Madjanek - MOL

Last day in Poland. I can't wait to get out of here. The kids are so excited to go to Israel but they know they have to get through another day in Poland.

We arrived in Lublin late last night. It was already dark and we were exhausted.

This morning the kids are thrilled to board the bus with Rena. They all want to sit with her on the bus. We decide to make a schedule and rotate the kids. Four of the boys individually come up to me and offer to carry Rena's travelling chair. The bus ride to the famous Lublin Yeshiva is short. Only 4 boys have time to put on teffilin. I guess teffilin on the bus has become a bus 1 tradition.

Yeshivat Lublin: All five buses arrive at the Yeshiva and enter the main study hall. Rabbi Poupko gives us a brief overview of the 600 year history of the Jewish community in Lublin. He talks about Rabbi Shapiro who built the Yeshiva for the sole purpose of Talmud study, obtaining donations so that students could dedicate their lives to study and not have to worry about making a living. The Rabbi also developed the idea of Daf Yomi which continues to this day - the study of one page of Talmud a day. It takes seven and a half years to read the entire Talmud by reading one pGe a day. Jews around the world study the same page of Talmud each day. The kids are surprised to learn that Daf Yomi study occurs over lunch in high power law offices, on commuter trains, in court houses...  The rabbi talks about the power of ideas and values. The Germans tried to destroy the Jews by burning their precious books but Jews invest in education, in continuity, in ideas, in values - not in material things. Although the Yeshiva represents the empty shell of what was, it is proof that the Jews survived with their ideas and values intact. Our ideas continue and we continue to flourish. Again the kids are fired up and begin to sing and dance. They are proud and excited - empowered to take up their place in ensuring Jewish continuity.

Majdanek:

We leave the Yeshiva and 10 minutes later arrive at Majdenek Labor Camp. OMG It is practically right in the city! We learn that Majdenek is the name of a suburb of Lublin. The Germans did not feel the need to hide the camp because it was built as a labor camp. The mood among the kids has dramatically changed and we have not even gotten off the bus. We gather at a white house in front of the camp. Ronen explains that the German Commander of Majdenek and his family lived here.  20 steps away lies the entrance to the camp! Before entering the camp, Ronen introduces us the Helena Birenbaum whose story will be following just like we followed the story of the Tikuchin community at Treblinka. The kids have questions. They are angry - angry about the location of the camp in a city neighbourhood, angry about the commanders pretty white house, angry about the blue sky, angry about the chirping birds. They wrap their Israeli flags tightly around their shoulders. They hold Rena's hands. She is surrounded by the kids as they move forward as a group. Ronen declares. "No questions for the next hour. Jews arriving at Majdanek had questions too. They we confused, afraid, angry. There was no one to answer their questions or address their fear." Perspective. The kids understand that this visit is significant. I am terrified of what lays ahead and how the kids will react. What do I say to them? What do I do with my questions, my anger, my fear?

We walk through the gates and into the showers - half the space was disinfection showers and the other half death showers. One of the kids reads Helena's account of undressing with her family before entering the disinfection showers, seeing her father naked for the first time, seeing her modest mother naked and ashamed. The kids huddle closer to Rena. They touch the shower nozzles in the cement ceiling. She writes about the pain of having her long hair shaved off. In the next room there are no shower nozzles, just little square openings in the ceiling from where the canisters of Zyclon B was dropped killing all in the room. The kids are sobbing. We hug them in groups. We talk to some privately. Rena is incredible. She comforts each child by wrapping her arms around them and squeezing tight. I can barely watch her embraces with the kids. My heart breaks for her. To return to a place like this after witnessing and surviving the atrocities - hard to process. She is so strong!

Next we enter the first wooden barrack in a long row, flanked by barbed wire and imposing guard towers. Helena Birenbaum was assigned a barrack after her disinfection shower. She slept on the top bunk with her sister and 14 others. Under her, another row and beneath that still another row. Over 100 girls/women in the barrack. Rena softly interrupts Ronen's explanations and confirms that getting a spot on the upper deck was a gift since at least there was a little air on the top. She says that in general only the young girls got the top bunks since they had the strength to climb up. The girls move closer to Rena. We leave the barrack and form a large circle in front of the next barrack. Ronen asks us to look at our shoes. "When did you get your shoes? When do you wear them? Were they a gift?" Rena talks about the last pair of shoes she owned before the war. It is hard for her to share this simple story and hard for us to listen. Nothing prepares us for what comes next. We walk into an identically barrack as the one before to find steel crate after crate of shoes piled up to the ceiling. The kids are in shock. Some cry with such intensity, it is painful to watch. We want to touch the precious shoes. Is it disrespectful or appropriate? Some kids want out of the barrack while others linger in disbelief, anger and profound sadness. The tears run down my face constantly but I must focus on the kids. It is about the kids. Hug them tight, stroke their hair, hold their hand - all in silence. There are no words exchanged.

Next the crematorium. One building containing a changing room, a gas shower room and a crematorium. We listen to the Shema. The ovens are lined up down the center of the room one after another. We read Helena's description of the smokestacks burning human bodies 24 hours a day. I can't describe the reaction, the looks on the faces of the kids, the crying... Again Rena is there to comfort and the kids are there to comfort her. It is beautiful yet painful to watch. It is unnatural. We hold the children tight and ease them out of the room. Some find it almost impossible to leave.

Outside, it takes a long while to calm everyone down. We join hands and sing Ani Maamin.

We continue down a path and up the steps to a massive dome covering the ashes of the murdered of Majdanek. The Germans kept and sold the human ashes to local farmers - ashes made good fertilizer. The kids are disgusted. From the top of the steps it is clear that the camp is located right in the city. Backyards, balconies and windows face the camp on all sides - disgusting, shameful, unimaginable. Ronen finishes the story of Helena Birenbaum. Helena spent her time at Majdanek doing forced labour - it was meaningless and cruel labour. Move rocks from one side if the field to the other and then back again. She was sent to Auschwitz after 1 month and later liberated. She returned to Majdanek fourth years after her liberation. When asked by her children why she insisted on returning, she simply replied that she had never said good bye to her mother. Complete stunned silence. I distribute yizkor candles to those who want to light a candle. Everyone wants a candle. Some go off to light their candle privately, some light in groups, some say a prayer, some weep in silence, some place their candle on the ledge of the pit if ashes, some place it on the ground... We join hands and read the poem "Everyone has a Name." The other buses make their way to the dome if ashes. The kids see their friends and the weeping continues. Now all the 7 survivors are present and they all do what Rena had been doing for bus 1 all day. They are an inspiration.

We join together on the platform for a Shoah ceremony. Rabbi Pouko speaks again of the power if hope. From the deepest sorrow, he addresses hope urging the students to harness their anger and confusion and turn it into hope. We sing Hatikvah and walk in silent sadness to the busses. It is time to leave Poland. We have seen enough. We have learned. We are effected. We are changed.

The bus ride to Warsaw is quiet. We stop after two hours in a rest stop for a late lunch followed by a debrief session. The kids spoke about the highlights of their trip, the issues they were struggling with and the expectations they had for the trip. It is amazing to hear how reflective the are. Each person was moved by something different, had different takeaways, expressed different emotions. I guess that is a good thing. For me, I'm not sure I can express my thoughts quite yet. The one thing I know us that I made the right decision - to go on the March as a chaperone. I am so grateful to have experienced this part of my journey with these special young adults and I share this feeling with them. Seeing Poland through their eyes has changed me.

Next stop Warsaw Airport for a midnight departure. Israel here we come.