Reflections from Participants

Shabbat Evening with Cincinnati Families Last night the group had the privilege of spending the evening with seven Jewish Cincinnati families traveling throughout Israel. The group was divided amongst tables with different couples who identified themselves as prominent leaders in the Jewish community. I had the opportunity of sitting at a table with David and Stacy Fisher, David being the new CEO of Birthright. My friends at the table and myself spent the evening asking the Fisher's questions about their Jewish sense of community and the community that Cincinnati provides. David shared with us the importance of dining together and what a great experience it was that in Israel over 70 Jewish community leaders and growing leaders could share such a special Shabbat evening in Jerusalem. Next to our table was a children's table filled with the kids of the traveling couples. David was explaining the special aspect of the Cincinnati community and that in twenty years he would love us to do the same for his children, while they are traveling in Israel. These kind words brought tears to our eyes. It was such a special evening filled with many kind words while educating the room about many of opportunities Cincinnati provides. Last night's Shabbat evening truly enhanced our trip experience. -Arielle Ingber Mom we are alive.  -Matt and Ryan  The day at the winery was a day well spent.  We had the opportunity to try all the locally made wines and had a nice Mediterranean lunch outside in the valley of Ella. It was such a change of scenery for us yet an amazing way for us to take in yet another cultural aspect this wonderful country has to offer. It was complimentary to our experience in it's entirety, and a beautiful way to spend our shabbat.- Sammy  We've learned a lot on this trip, in interesting ways.  Elliot Chodof's tour of the seamline was a great overview of how horribly, hilariously messed up Israel's borders are.  The Night Spectacular gave us a quick but beautiful look at the Old City through the ages.  And we had a surprisingly introspective Shabbat with a discussion at a wine tasting about what it means to be a Jewish leader.  I still don't have much of a taste for wine, though. --Ben Lee