Shabbat at Congress!

This Friday was simply incredible. We started the day with the normal selections for breakfast, salads, cheese, yogurt, cereal, divinely inspired chocolate spread, and an excessive amount of eggs. After cutting approximately three lines each in the process of eating and disposing of breakfast, we ventured to the auditorium to hear from a panel of Diller alumni to discuss ways for us to manifest the lessons we learned from Diller and apply them to our lives after we graduate. This unit, however, was divided into two parts. The first part was the panel and the second part was a "throwback" Kennes. We divided into our color groups from Kennes to brainstorm ways to incorporate Diller lessons and Judaism into our lives at home. Once we finished the unit and the Israelis finished theirs in Hebrew, we made our way to what the schedule referred to as "alumni open space". Each fellow received the name of an alumnus who shared his or her story to a smaller group of about 15 people to show how Diller affected him or her. Some of us from JC mentors, while others heard from lone soldiers. All of the stories were informative and inspirational. Like most of Congress, it was very thought-provoking. In fact, it felt like lunchtime arrived to soon because we just wanted to hear more. Nevertheless, the time came again to strategize the most efficient way to stay below the radar and get food first. The specialty today from the diverse menu of Givat Haviva was hotdogs. They were no Hebrew National, but they didn't offend American food culture. Next were the Diller Olympics. From soccer games to karaoke, these pluralistic Olympics included everyone. This sense of community continued in full force in the next activity. After much preparation we gathered for Shabbat, creating a sea of white so meaningful that it will be featured in a music video of a song written by a Diller alumnus. When we were all gathered as one, before the dancing, before the singing, we wished each other Shabbat shalom. Everyone received a postcard with the name of someone from another cohort and we all wrote and received special messages. Only after that did the party begin. It started as simple singing among the individual cohorts, escalated to a circle of 500 people in white and climaxed when everyone ran into the middle of the field to share the Shabbat joy with everyone, Jews representing communities from all around the world. Shabbat services followed with an array of options from orthodox to artistic (led by LJ, Jack, Sarah, and Hannah), each person found a place found the right match. With no voices and a ton of spirit, we then made it to dinner. We were seated by partnership which was nice because it had been a while since we had all been together. Sharing Shabbat together was the perfect way to reconnect. A very meaningful maagal followed this vibrant and spirited meal filled with schnitzel and group cheers, some better than others. Although we were ready to fall asleep forever by this point, we went to and hour of white tent free time afterwards before returning to our rooms. Overall, the day was introspective and rewarding.
By: Daniel Goldman