Hello!
We woke up today and went down for a breakfast of a mixture of everything we had the last few days, plus some new donuts, too.
The first thing we did was get on the bus and go to Times Square to shop and tour around. My group and I had a good time going to a bunch of stores and everyone got featured on the American Eagle billboard. After Times Square, we went to lunch at Schnitzi, where we had salads and sandwiches and schnitzel and all that good stuff.
Since we all loved it so much on Friday, most of the group went back to Pomegranate Kosher Grocery Store, then back to the bus with our pomegranate seeds. We then went to Hatzalah where we heard a presentation on what they do to help the people of New York and went inside one of the emergency vehicles.
After that, we went to Yad Leah which was the third service project. There, some made boxes, some sorted clothes, others wrote notes, or some, like my group, danced to the Jewish music and put clothes into boxes to be sent to those in Israel who need it.
Back at the hotel after a break, we had a nice dinner and got set for the trip reflections. The most touching part of the trip was when a few prominent members of the trip were recognized, and then we all got into a circle to reflect on the experiences we had around some candles. A few shared their experiences and how they were changed, which brought some to tears because of all the meaning and sharing that was done in the safe space and tight community we had created over this trip.
The day ended with some songs that we had learned over Shabbat, over the weekend, and some new songs. It was a touching and fun day overall, and tomorrow I am looking forward to seeing the Globetrotters, spending the last day with all my new and old friends (and great advisors!), and of course, seeing my family again.
Abby Sokol, 9th Grade, Stevenson High School
Abby is second from left in the photo.