As we prepared to return home, we took some time to reflect on these experiences together. Students were asked: What did you learn about yourself on this trip? And, how did the Jewish experiences on this trip have an impact on your Jewish identity? Read on to hear snippets of the discussion. We are so looking forward to see you all back at home soon, and tell you all about our adventures in person!

What did you learn about yourself on this trip?

Dylan- I learned how important it is to take in the moment. 

Gabe- I learned more about how to deal with situations when I am not in control or when I'm overwhelmed.

Sam Si.- I learned that I love to meet new people even if I may not see them again.

Ethan- When I think I'm bored or that there isn't anything to do, I can find some way to entertain myself that doesn't involve screens. Also, it was cool to see some Jewish history. It made me feel like I am part of a group and not just a religion.

Frankie- I learned to try new foods. 

Omer- I learned two things about myself on this trip. Number one, I am pretty good at blackjack. And number two, it is really important to be patient. 

Joely- I learned to be more open-minded. 

Sloane- Before the trip, coming to Europe seemed like a gamble. But I feel like it paid off and we won. We now have all of these really amazing memories. 

Zoe- I learned that I really like to be organized. Every night, I would reorganize my duffel and clean up our room. 

Jesse- I learned how to take care of myself and keep myself healthy. 

Savannah- I learned that I really need alone time sometimes. Alone time can be just as important as group time. 

Sage- I learned that I have to adapt to things around me. An eight hour bus ride doesn't seem so bad anymore. 

Evan- On the hike, I realized how important it is to take in the moment and be present.

Teddy- I can always find things in common with people. 

Ori- I learned that I can tune out annoyances and take in the moment. 

Nathan- It is important and easy to just be friendly to people. Anyone can be your friend.

Alon- Making friends here doesn't have to be hard. You can just walk right up to someone and start a conversation.

Anna- I learned what kind of services I like best. I like ones with more familiar melodies. They feel welcoming. 

Jake- After Shabbat services on Saturday, we walked around Prague and did not spend money or use our cameras. At first, I was pretty upset about this. But then I realized that if I had been using those things, then I would have missed all of the views around me. And the views were amazing. 

How did the Jewish experiences on this trip have an impact on your Jewish identity?

Sydney- The Friday night service was different than what I am used to. I learned that services don't have to be boring, that they can be different, and that they can be interpersonal. 

Eli- The memorials allowed me a deeper interest in the generations that came before us. They made me want to ask more questions about our past. 

Haley- I learned that I don't have to go to synagogue and say prayers to connect with my Judaism. I connected with the history.

Sophie S.- Being in Berlin made me think about all of the Jews who weren't able to be publicly proud of their Judaism and had to hide it. I can be proud of my Judaism and that is really lucky.

Sadie- I learned that no matter where you are, Jews can alway find each other and stay true to ourselves.

Max- Even though the melodies and styles were different in a new synagogue service, I learned that I can find elements that I understand and connect to. I was able to pick up and participate in certain melodies even in a new place.

Jack- The orthodox service I went to was so different than what I know, but I was struck by how everyone was so involved and engaged. The room was totally full and energetic.

Jonah- At the orthodox service, everyone was dancing and an old guy invited me to join in. He didn't even know me but still wanted to welcome me. It didn't matter to him that I was a complete stranger. All that he cared about was that we were both Jewish. 

Sam So.- It's one thing to learn about the Holocaust in school, but going to the camp made it seem so much bigger and real than just the numbers in class. 

Sophie A.- I learned a lot more about the Holocaust. Being in these places was so different than learning about it in a classroom.

Lauren- It was so surreal to be able to go to a concentration camp. We wouldn't have been able to do that if our Tiyul was to Israel. Seeing pictures of camps in movies and books was interesting, but it was way more intense in person. 

Ben- Before this trip, I didn't understand what the Holocaust really meant. I had a lot of numbers in my head, but I couldn't really grasp it until I visited Terezin and the train platform.

Ilai- I remember watching videos of planes flying over Auschwitz onYom HaShoah. It felt overwhelming seeing places in person. It was all so real. 

Carly- I learned about the importance of memory by seeing things that had been destroyed.

Elle- I learned that I respect and appreciate my religion more when I am sitting with other Jews. 

Lola- There are a lot of different types of Jewish, but you're always connected and you're always a family. 

Emma- I learned that Judaism is universal. Judaism is much bigger than just the U.S or Israel. You don't need to know the language of a place to know the language of Judaism. 

We are so grateful for this amazing experience that allowed us to learn so much more about our past and ourselves. Thank you so much for following along on our blog!