Rabbi’s First Impressions

B"H

Well my strongest first impression is “Josh”. He is awesome. I am so excited that he will be leading this trip with me. He is enthusiastic, organized, responsible, in control, inspired and down to earth. I can see that all of the participants feel the same way. This is such an awesome group. My first impression is that the general attitude is seriously laid back - which is perfect for New Paltz – but everyone is ready to be active and have a great time.

I can’t believe they made me check my carry on – Thank you Aislyn for taking my laptop on the plane.
There’s already a “Shabbat all the way” group assembling. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for students to experience a totally disconnected Shabbat where we are totally living in the moment – without being creative or trying to accomplish anything or worrying about anything that isn’t here and now. There aren’t that many other opportunities to try something like that. But because doing that requires refraining from using our cell phones, and computers, or writing, etc. and because Birthright does not require anyone to do that. So many of the students are not going to try it (or they may try it part of the way). But there is already a group of students forming that’ll be doing “Shabbat all the way”. We may even wake up early for a hike to the great synagogue if our tour guide lets.