January 12 - Day Eight

Waking up at 6 a.m. this morning took a lot of energy but it was definitely worth it. We started off with a two hour bus ride from Bucharest to the city of Brasov. The drive's scenery was nothing less than breathtaking. We filled our cameras and eyes with pink and orange sunrises and tall mountains. 

Once in the city, we gathered at the Brasov Synagogue to hear the choir sing. They were a smaller group but you could sense their enthusiasm and passion for Jewish music. Soon after we departed for home visits to the elderly. Once again we had eye opening experiences. 

We were given the privilege of seeing a glimpse into real people's lives. The rest of our afternoon consisted of amazing sight seeing of the beautiful city of Brasov and "Dracula's" Castle. 

During our time in Eastern Europe we have had amazing food, seen amazing sights, and walked new streets. However, we have done so much more. We have made amazing personal connections with our new Bulgarian and Romanian friends. 

We have come to find our role in the global Jewish community. We can make a difference; we can make a change. We will think, feel, and act on the principle: kol yisrael arevim Zeh la Zeh...all the people of Israel are responsible for each other.

- Tori Luecking

Today was yet another incredible day. I am NOT a morning person but waking up earlier and earlier every morning has made me realize the importance of fulfilling each day. The three-hour bus ride at 7a.m. let us see the sunrise here in Eastern Europe. We were on our way to what we learned to be an enriched and growing Jewish community of Brasov, Romania. We first visited the Synagogue in Brasov and spoke with the President, Tiberiu Roth. He gave us a brief yet detailed description of the Jewish community there. They make what they have work for their community, it’s that simple. Their stability and responsibility to each of their community members and Jewish people around Brasov is an inspiration. Their choir performed (meaning we watched and participated in their practice session) a few beautiful Romanian and Hebrew songs with enthusiasm and beautiful voices that echoed through the walls of the Synagogue. Compared to other synagogues we’ve visited, Carly and I agreed this one was elegant yet simple. The white and blue color scheme with colored tiled mosaics lining the windows let the little sunshine we had today shine into the temple.

We then split up into groups of four and visited homes of elderly people in Brasov. Samantha, Bailey, Lyndsey, Pearl and I visited an 83 year-old woman who rocked a terry cloth red jumpsuit, my kind of lady. We had two community members with us to help translate. Though this kind elderly woman complained about the state that the Romanian government is in with nearly impossible healthcare reforms, her eyes were filled with tears and warmth when we listened to her speak. We asked questions like how she feels about the Jewish community here, what her family is like and what we can do to help. She was soft-spoken but is appreciative and extremely active for the Jews in Brasov, has family in Canada and would like us to send American postcards to her to show we will think about her. Meeting her and seeing her activeness with her Synagogue was phenomenal. Her Judaism means so much to her that spending time everyday surrounded by her community is enough. One of the community members says other members joke about her being around so much that she has a “prescription” to fill at the Synagogue everyday. Similar to my relationship with KU Hillel, not participating in something as simple as a Shabbat isn’t an option, it’s my responsibility. Following our visit, we had a Kosher lunch at the restaurant connected to the Synagogue called Shalom. I loved the servers’ responses to us thanking them for bringing food to our table, “my pleasure.” The community leaders gave a few gifts to us, as a token of their appreciation. At first I almost didn’t accept this small bag of keychain and chachskis, but after hearing how impactful our visit is to their community is, I realized they’re just as interested, invested and responsible for us, as we are for them.

We managed to fit in a little souvenir shopping to test the Brasov local waters. As we made it to the end of the main shopping street, we had a quick taste of McDonald’s and were almost chased by protesters onto our bus. Don’t worry, our fake European accents we have all picked up, scared them away. A short bus ride to the city of Bran, visiting the Dracula castle, gave a unique perspective of fun site seeing activities. Fortunately, on the way there, the sun was setting on the beautiful mountains of Romania. Being a Kansas native, I was in awe and took many mental pictures of the snow atop the mountains and the orange and pink reflection of the sunrise on the mountains. After a sleepy and neck-aching bus ride back to Bucharest, I woke up to the familiar city we’ve spent a few days in. Who would have thought me, the queen of being directionally challenged would recognize the streets of Bucharest. Pretty cool, ay? We closed our day with a delicious Italian dinner at Restaurante “Il Calcio.” We laughed and shared stories from the day over a carb overload but what else is new.

I think I speak for the entire group including Jay, Carly and Jen; our reflection session today, speaking about the trip in its entirety was powerful and hopeful. Each person had beautiful words to speak about both Bulgaria and Romania that brought more and more tears to my eyes. The conversations and post-trip experiences we are about to experience will be only the stem of the responsibility we all have to our Judaism around the globe.

- Stephanie “let’s just stay” Pollack

Today was the perfect way for me to end my ELM experience even though waking up at 6 a.m. sounded like a drag at the time. We took a 3 hour bus ride to Brasov where I saw the communities beautiful synagogue and heard their choir sing. 

Next, we were split up into groups to visit the elderly members of the community. I went along with 3 others to a woman's house near the synagogue. From the moment I walked in the door she reminded me of my Bubbie. She took our coats, offered us tea and coffee and insisted we kept eating the food she had placed on the table. 

She began by telling us a little about her life but mainly focused on her holocaust experience. My Bubbie is no longer living today but it was nice to feel like I had another Bubbie in my life for a day.

- Shira Levine