week 2 | venice
Ending an amazing Shabbat in Venice, we sang together as Shabbat ebbed away. As we headed to the square of the ghetto for havdala, everyone was arm in arm. The beautiful moment was shared with many local Jews and tourists who joined us, along with the Chabad of Venice, as we sang and cheered for the return of shabbat in just 6 more days.
We ended our Venice adventures with gondola rides through the canal, and a boat tour to the islands of Burano and Murano, known for their lace and blown glass. Up next, we’re traveling to Slovenia for more great memories as the NCSY Euro ICE 2018 family.
week 1 | reflections of NCSYers
Nathan Magid sharing about his first week on an NCSY summer program and how he’s been enjoying Euro ICE so far:
Everything has been really exciting and new for me because I’m coming from a place that’s not super religious and I want to become more religious so it’s a huge learning experience for me. NCSY Euro ICE has been taking me every step of the way so I can see and experience my traditions and history. The trip so far has incorporated Jewish practices and Jewish learning in a way that I can connect to, even with less background. Davening has been the best part for me so far because its not something I’m usually encouraged to do or exposed to. My favorite activity was the boat tour in Amsterdam on our first day. While the scenery was beautiful, I specifically enjoyed the audio tour given by the “fresh water pirates”. I’m super excited to spend the rest of this month with everyone. Shabbat shalom.
– Nathan and friends on the barge canal tour.
week 1| Review
Tuesday morning we arrived in Amsterdam and were off touring right away. We started off by foot, walking around the beautiful city and then continued on the amazing canal barge boat tour.
Wednesday we visited historical sights including the Jewish historical museum of Amsterdam, the Portuguese shul, and the Anne Frank house. We learned about the history of Jews in the Netherlands and discussed the significance of these locations and the history that took place here. We had to acknowledge the famous local artist, Vincent Van Gough, at the Van Gough museum as well.
Thursday we enjoyed a biking tour, as is the most common form of transportation around Amsterdam, known as the “bike town” and saw amazing wind mills.
After a long drive from Amsterdam, we’ve finally made it to Italy and spent the day touring Verona and visiting the shuls in the Jewish ghetto in Venice, where we will be spending Shabbos. We’re so excited for what’s in store!
Euro18 | Arrival
We’ve officially begun the BEST.SUMMER.EVER and can’t wait to keep the adventures rolling. From New York to the Netherlands, Ncsy Euro ICE is made for you and me!! We walked, talked, boated, and ate, in the beautiful city of Amsterdam, while getting to know each other on the first day of our exciting trip. More to come!
JFK, NY AMS, NL