NFTY in Israel alum Marlana Fireman writes about the incredible journey that a rock from Auschwitz took with her as she traveled from Europe to Israel and back to her home in Ohio. Read about the awe she discovered while contemplating the meaning her experiences this past summer, and find out why she says that “in my travels, no matter where I go or what I learn, I will do for those who couldn’t.”
The Chaperone’s Tale | Day 4: Journey Into the Abyss
on July 4, 2011
By Rabbi Marla Feldman
As expected, today was a challenging one. It seemed inevitable that clouds and rain dampened our journey throughout the day. The foreboding of the prior day was ever present. Visiting one of the ancient cemeteries we glanced up at the surrounding wall only to find that it was made from headstones. So began the difficult journey.
The Chaperone’s Tale | Day 3: Could that have been us?
on July 2, 2011
By Rabbi Marla Feldman
As we walked along the pathways of our history we were very aware that our past was not our present. We walked along the bridges where young Jews met and romanced 70 years ago, imagined ourselves in that magical time and charming place. But now they are filled with Jewish tourists from the U.S. and Israel who wander these streets amidst the street vendors hawking history. At each step along the way the counselors encourage the teens to imagine themselves here, at each place and time, living their history through the stories of their ancestors.
The Chaperone’s Tale | Day 2: Intertwining History
on June 30, 2011
By Rabbi Marla Feldman
The day was like a roller-coaster through history, driving from modern Prague back to the Medieval Period and forward in time to the Inquisition; fast-forwarding to pizza parlors and then traveling back in time to the Holocaust, and back further to the reign of King Charles.
The Chaperone’s Tale | Day 1: Heroic Efforts
on
By Rabbi Marla Feldman
These young adults who had met only a few hours earlier had bonded into a tight-knit functioning group that helped and looked out for each other. They stepped up in a really big way.
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The Chaperone’s Tale | Day 1: Heroic Efforts
June 30, 2011
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The Chaperone’s Tale | Day 2: Intertwining History
June 30, 2011
- The Chaperone’s Tale | Day 5: Continuing the Journey into the Abyss July 7, 2011
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