Hello Workshop Families and Friends,
The chanichim have returned from their Poland journey and
are slowly getting back into the swing of things back here in Israel. I wanted to update you all on how their
journey went for them.
Two things can clearly be said about the journey: it was
both extremely challenging emotionally and physically (lots of travel, not a
lot of sleep), and it was extremely meaningful and bonding. One of the components of the journey which
brings meaning is that they are in charge of the different ceremonies that take
place on the journey. After every major
location, the chanichim stand together, read readings, sing songs, and light
candles in memory of those lost. The
chanichim are given weeks to put together a ceremony especially built for each
location. This proved to be an important
point for the chanichim to gather with each other and reflect, and we were all
proud of what they created.
The chanichim were also responsible for the Kabbalat
Shabbat that was done on Friday night in Warsaw. But what really brought light to their
Shabbat was all the letters from their families. I would like to take this moment to thank you
all for contributing to the journey. The
chanichim were truly surprised and moved by this. It gave them strength at a difficult time and
let them know that their loved ones are there with them, even if they are
across the ocean. Also, thanks to
chanichim learning about their family histories, some of them were able to
share stories of their families along the way, and even were able to stop at
meaningful locations. These small
additions to the trip create a connection to the content and a motivation to
learn and understand all that is around them.
As I said, it was also extremely difficult and
challenging. The chanichim face harsh
realities and descriptions of evil that are unfathomable. What can be said, though, is that even in the
darkest times of the journey - at Majdanek, for instance, one of the death
camps outside of the city of Lublin - the chanichim supported one another and
their friendships were the bonds that allowed them to continue on through. Their comfort for one another was a welcome
contrast to the barbed wire fences surrounding them.
The journey ended with the Path of Heroism, in which the
chanichim walk through the streets of what was once the Warsaw Ghetto and
understand step by step, story by story, how the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising came to
be. For those that do not know, the
uprisings that took place in the different ghettoes throughout Poland were
orchestrated by and large by youth movements.
The major movement in Warsaw was Dror – the same Dror that is now
Habonim Dror. Learning about the heroic
acts, the difficult choices, and the near mythic characters was simply
inspiring and empowering. Learning about
the roots of the youth movement they are a part of, about the values and the
actions that make up its history, gave the chanichim a sense of hope, hope
which was essential after seeing so much despair. Knowing that even in times of war and
destruction, people can choose to be good and to do what is right, people can
stand up in the face of evil and choose to shape their own lives how they see
fit, gave the chanichim guidance and courage for the future.
The journey was very meaningful and I encourage all of
you to be in touch with your children about what they experienced, as
processing the journey is in and of itself also an essential element of the
journey.
