Summer 2015

NCSY’s Euro ICE 2015 takes teens on a summer journey across Europe to places of rich Jewish history and culture. Euro ICE followed the footsteps of Spanish Jewry, traveling the same path that many before them had journeyed – from Spain to the Promised Land.

Dear Abba and Mom,
Tuesday we started off with dig for a day, we spent a couple of hours excavating caves and getting muddy. Then after we were all dirty we headed off to the Negev to spend a night at the Bedouin tents. The night began with a camel ride in the desert followed with a quick overview of Bedouin culture (did you know wether you keep your shoes on or not and how many cups of tea you drink indicate how long you plan to stay?). We then had a one of a kind dinner where everyone sat on cushions on the floor, and discovered that the Bedouin eat with their hands. It was a lot of fun and we decided anything can be finger food if you want. After an awesome shiur by rabbi about if the day and/or time you are born affects your “luck” we headed out to the desert for a crash course on constellations and navigation with Chanan (our tour guide) followed by some meditation under the stars and bed. We didn’t get much sleep that night as we woke up super early to hike Masada, where we watched the sun rise and davened. After Masada we went for a swim/float in the Dead Sea, the water was warm but we had a good time anyway. We then went to Ein Gedi where we went for a refreshing dip in a pool, and checked out a waterfall. After Ein Gedi we went for chaburahs at our new hotel, the Golan field school.
Love,
Dani
P.s I’m having so much fun thanks a ton.

Dear Mom and Dad,
Yom NCSY was crazy fun! When we first got there, a seminary fair was held for incoming eleventh and twelfth graders. It allowed different seminaries to show themselves off to possible applicants, like us. It was really cool to hear what all of them had to offer as well as see some of my friends from home who are on different summer programs! After, we had a barbecue where I had the chance to introduce my friends from home to my friends on Euro ICE. The food was delicious and making new friends was really cool! They gave us a chance to daven Mincha and then the party started! We were welcomed with fireworks and a concert. There was dancing, singing, and everyone joined together with such unity. In between songs, there were videos of different summer programs buses throughout the summer which all looked extremely fun! Additionally, the mother of Naftali Frankel talked about her point of view of the tragedy that happened with her son last summer. It was really inspirational to hear her talk about how we are all such a united family! Finally, it was polished off with balloons bouncing around everyone’s head, fireworks, and cheers from all. Yom NCSY was an incredible and fun experience that exceeded all my expectations! Can’t wait for the rest of this amazing summer program!
Miss you lots, Michelle

Hi Ima and Abba,
Today we went on a very inspiring and informative tour of the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament), it was so interesting. We learned about the 120 seats of the Knesset and experienced first hand what it’s like to be a part of the Israeli government. Later that day we visited the famous Shuk/ farmers market in Jerusalem. During our visit we experienced the classic life of an Israeli citizen through shopping and bargaining. Most of all I can’t forget about the amazing ice coffee!

After the Shuk we had a tour of the Holocaust museum, Yad Vashem. We started by hearing from a Holocaust survivor named Asher, who taught us first hand about his life before and after the holocaust. From there, we we went on an inspiring walk where we learned a lot about the history and struggles, for Jews during the holocaust. At the end of the day we went to Mae Hasharim, and ate some pretty yummy pizza! Over all it was a very moving and inspiring experience and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Go EuroIce!
Tirzah

Dear Mom and Dad,
Today was such an amazing day! Not only because it was our first day in the Old City, but also because I finally got the chance to swap my usual attire of gym shorts and t-shirts for normal clothes. We started off with a tour of the Rampart walls, which allowed us to see a gorgeous view of Jerusalem. Next we headed to the Aish Hatorah building for an unbeatable view of the Kotel. After much pain from all of the incredibly steep staircases, we finally stopped for lunch on Ben Yehuda street. The good news is that even though we are in the nine days I was able to eat Shawarma because we had a Siyum. Then we headed back to our hotel for a much needed and well deserved “mandatory shluffie” and later went to the Tower of David Light Show. It was such a beautiful sight. Can’t wait for all for all the fun that’s still in store.
Love,
Ari

Dear Mom and Dad,
This morning we got the opportunity to visit Kever Rachel and Maharat Hamachpeila. It was so cool to see these places for the first time, the places we had always learned about from Torah. It was so cool to now see them in person. We then went zip-lining and rock climbing, which was so cool! There were also really cute dogs along the way that we got to pet! Afterwards we watched a video about the history, war, and capture of Gush Etzion. We then came back to relax and hang out with our friends. We ended off our night with dinner and learned about the different yeshivot and seminaries. Tomorrow we are going to the Old City. I am really excited to learn about the history. I forgot to mention we are staying on top of a hotel! It’s so cool because we can run downstairs and it’s easy to get whatever we forgot. Have a great night!
Sara

Dear Ima and Abba,
“Breathtaking” is all I can say about the view from the top of the Rock of Gibraltar. When we arrived in Gibraltar we took a cable car up to the top of the Gibraltar rock. Rabbi taught us about the amazing D’orayta Bracha. It is the Bracha you say when you see the Mediteranian meet the Atlantic. As well as the fact that we were able to see multiple countries at once. It is a Bracha that is basically once in a lifetime as well as the only place where you can say it that is D’orayta. The rock was full of apes that are free to roam and are protected by the Queen of England. It is so cool because they are right next to you, so claose that you could put out your hand and touch them (That’s illegal though, so don’t!). We then headed back to the hotel to get ready for Shabbos. We were privileged to go to three magnificent old shuls over Shabbos. The details were exquisite.
I had never seen something like it before. The meals were full of singing, joy, and positive attitude. It felt as if we truly we’re an Ohana (family). On Shabbos afternoon we took a walk of the country. Even though it is so small it really is truly breathtaking. We ended off Shabbos with an incredible round of ebbing and an extremely powerful speech by Rabbi. Havdallah was so holy. It was as if time had stopped and there was no where else we had to be. It just felt special.
Sunday morning we woke up to a very busy day. First we crossed the border back into Spain and then traveled back to Toledo. We learned about the hardships that the Jews endured in Spain during the Spanish Inquisition. It truly gave me an appreciation of where we are today and the freedom we have as Jews. The transition into Israel made it that much more powerful. The ability to go to a land that is ours, where we know we are safe, was an experience I truly cherished.
As we boarded the plane to go to Israel, Rabbi pulled me in for a hug. He smiled at me and said to me “We are going home Papa.” It was the first time I was able to go “home” in seven years. I could not sit through the flight. All I wanted to do was be in Israel. I was full of so many mixed emotions.
When I landed in Israel I lost my grasp of what was going on. I just began to cry. I am not usually a very emotional person but when it comes to my family and Israel, that is where my heart is. I feel such an emotional connection to the land. I wish there were words to describe what I was feeling at the moment. The mixed emotions, missing my family, finally being able to declare my religion and being able to say that I am finally home, brought me to tears. My friends were there to comfort me along the way. A friend grabbed me in a hug and told me it was all okay. I felt as if he were my brother. It’s hard to describe, but I immediately knew that these people would be my family forever. That hug is a moment that I will not forget for the rest of my life. It was a moment that I will cherish forever.
We went back to the hotel and finally got some well deserved sleep. When we woke up we gathered to head out to Ir David. It was an unbelieveable experience. We traveled through tunnels with basically no sight. All you could hear was the sound of the soothing flow of the water under our feet and the beautiful singing of my Ohana around me. When one of your senses is being taken away, in this case our sight, it amplifies your other senses. It this case, our ability to hear. The sound of each word touched our hearts and created such a holy experience.
We then headed out to the Kotel. Rabbi spoke to us about the holiness of the wall. To mentally prepare myself I put my head against a wall and concentrated on Who I was about to go speak to. As we approached the Kotel, when I was still at the entrance I froze. I didn’t feel anything. I had prepared myself and couldn’t understand “lo whyrooooooo.” It was as if all left my body. I tried to prepare myself again but to unavail. We then said Mincha with our Tefillin and I thought the connection would appear. It didn’t. When Mincha ended I thought I would be that guy at the Kotel who didn’t feel anything. As I was about to take off my Tefillin, I just couldn’t. I went up to the Kotel and finally touched the wall. I put my head against the stones and I thought of my twin brother. Our song about brothers began to play in my head. I then lost it. I began to sob. All my emotions came out for 15 minutes. As Rabbi Lashak had prepared us I literally only prayed for everyone besides for myself. I thanked G-d for my family, my friends, for this amazing trip and my new Ohana. It was by far the most emotional davening I have ever had. I doubt that I will ever have anything like this again. As we left the Kotel, I called my mother. I replayed for her my entire
experience. We returned to the hotel had a delicious dinner and had an incredible shiur by our assistant director, Yisrael. We then headed to sleep. At the end of the day I felt so accomplished. It was a day I will never forget. It could never have happened without this trip and I would love to thank my advisor, Mordi Spero, and all those who helped me achieve this unforgettable summer. I can not thank them enough.
B’Ahava Raba,
Lidor

Dear Mom and Abba,

Today we began like every other day, by davening shachrit. This was  shortly followed by a delicious breakfast. Then we went to the bull fighting arena where we got to learn about the classic Spanish sport: how it was used and how it relates to Judaism. We then ate lunch by the beatiful water, followed by a tour of Christopher Columbus’s room within the royal palace. In addition, we went on a tour where we walked through the palace garden’s and were taught the history behind the palace and it’s modern day uses. Then we headed back to the hotel for a short Chaburah and a mandatory Shlufy (nap time). We then had an amazing dinner followed by an even better night boat tour. I can’t wait for an amazing Shabbos in Gibraltar, with the gorgeous weather and the large Sfardic Jewish community!

Sincerely Yosef Chamdi.

Hey fam,

This morning we got up bright and early to make our way to Córdoba. After a two and a half hour bus ride, we dove right into touring. Stepping off the bus, the heat of the city hits you so hard! But no worries, we had our hats, sunscreen, and tons of water per usual. We first stopped outside the Great Mosque of Córdoba which is now a cathedral. We talked about the history there and took in the incredible architecture. Next we made our way to Maimonides shul where Rabbi Lashak spoke to us about Maimonides life and made a special kaddish inside the shul. Next door was the Sephardic Museum, where we learned all about the history of the Jews of Spain. It was saddening to compare the way Jewish culture once dominated Spain to nowadays when there is barely any indication that there was once a thriving Jewish community here. After, we made our way back to the bus for another ride, this time to Seville. We checked into the beautiful hotel, rested up for a couple hours, then had dinner. Tonight we had a really fun night activity, and now we’re getting ready to go to bed so that we’re prepared for what will surely be a memorable day tomorrow in Seville.

Buenos Noches from Seville,

Lily