By Ali Meisel
This is the third in a series of posts by participants in NFTY in Israel’s new Shlichut Noar NFTY program.
NFTY in Israel’s Shlichut Noar NFTY program (Young NFTY Ambassadors) is a unique fellowship that trains participants to be effective communicators and advocates for Israel programming upon returning to North America. During the summer, the shlichim participated in a four-day extension of their NFTY in Israel trip, where they met with Israelis who were shlichim themselves in North America, explored the notion of transformative moments, and took part in hands-on workshops on learning styles, group dynamics, leadership, and program writing skills. Following the summer trip, shlichim have monthly follow up sessions and ongoing learning opportunities to further increase their Jewish identity and connection to Israel. Teens who complete the program will earn certification as a peer Israel educator for NFTY and the URJ, and each teen will have multiple opportunities to share their programs and stories with their NFTY Region, Regional Camp and synagogue.
During the first part of my NFTY in Israel journey, I celebrated Shabbat with my group. We would return to the hostel in the early afternoon, get dressed up, and take pictures in front of a gorgeous backdrop. This Shabbat, however, I had the more authentic and memorable experience. First, we spent our Friday afternoon lunch at the Shuk. I had gone once before, but the vibe this afternoon was new to me. Religious men pushed through the crowded food section and little kids dodged a man carrying dozens of loaves of challah above his head. As we bought S’eudah Shlishit (afternoon meal) for the next day, I began to feel the Shabbat spirit in the air.
After eating lunch and working on our programs, the girls in the group got dressed in our modest skirts and tops and prepared to welcome Shabbat at the Kotel. As we walked over, I was taken aback by Chassidic men running through the streets to get home before sundown. There was a long line to pass through security and our group was next to members of NCSY, the orthodox youth movement. They began to loudly sing ‘Am Yisrael Chai,’ which shocked me. Why would religious people be so loud, and seemingly disrespectful, at the Western Wall during the beginning of Shabbat? My past experience with the Kotel had been groups of girls praying silently or crying together, never speaking past a certain point, and definitely not singing. When I entered the women’s section, though, I understood that the NCSY kids were not far off base. The section was packed with different groups singing, dancing and socializing. On the men’s side, I saw the birthright kids lifting a religious man into the air on a chair as they danced around him. I did not feel the same personal connection to this place as I have in the past, but a community vibe took its place, and both experiences helped me appreciate the holiness of the Kotel.
Before we headed back to our hostel, we stopped by the Hurva Synagogue (literally “the ruined synagogue” – it got its name before it was rebuilt a few years ago) to experience an orthodox Shabbat service. As a woman, I sat in the balcony behind large pillars and a gate that we could not fully approach. All of their prayers were done to a different tune, but I was able to understand the Sh’ma, which helped me make a connection. I did enjoy watching the men praying below and fully investing themselves in prayer, but I felt very left out of a powerful religious experience because of the gender divide.
I am glad that our group took a step outside the typical Reform Shabbat service to observe the ceremonies of others. Though I love the prayers and vibe of Reform services, I can now go home to my synagogue and know that there are groups of teens dancing at the Western Wall near religious men intensely praying half a world away.
No comments yet.