Paige
Peace at the Rabin Square 

I felt like I connected more with the Rabin Square when we saw it because I had learned about it and, when we got there, it felt like it came more to life because I was standing exactly where it happened. I really enjoyed speaking and learning about it because I think it’s really important to know what Rabin stood for and what his legacy is, and that is peace. 

Fabi
Museum of the Jewish People 

My favorite part of the ANU museum of the Jewish people was the Mosaic floor. I loved learning about the different stories of the families and the diverse, Jewish population. It made me feel represented and the different people and traditions were really interesting. 

I will always remember the feeling of being represented. To see so many different backgrounds represented in one room. Everyone was acknowledged, seen.

Mr. Sosa
Tiyul Chaperone

תְּקַע בְּשׁוֹפָר גָּדוֹל לְחֵרוּתֵֽנוּ וְשָׂא נֵס לְקַבֵּץ גָּלֻיּוֹתֵֽינוּ וְקַבְּ֒צֵֽנוּ יַֽחַד מֵאַרְבַּע כַּנְפוֹת הָאָֽרֶץ: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה מְקַבֵּץ נִדְחֵי עַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל: 

“Sound the great shofar for our liberty, and raise a banner to gather our exiles, and gather us together from the four corners of the earth. Blessed are You, Lord, Gatherer of the dispersed of His people Israel.”

This morning, 8th graders gathered in a circle after hearing the shofar. It was a powerful moment that reminded them of their roots and heritage. They reflected on how, seventy-five years ago, the area they stood in was a desertic place, but now it has transformed into a vibrant and dynamic city. This transformation was possible because Jews around the world came back to Israel and made aliyah, which has helped to shape the country into what it is today.

One of the places that highlights the diverse and rich history of the Jewish people is the Anu Museum - Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv. The museum showcases how the Jewish people have influenced art, music, literature, and movies, but it also highlights how we have absorbed cultures from all the places we have been. The 8th graders had the opportunity to explore and learn about this diversity, which was an eye-opening experience for them.