January 7th - Day Three

Throughout the past two days we have experienced the strength and prosperity of the Bulgarian Jewish community first hand. As a group, we have been participating in different programs funded by the Kansas City Jewish Federation that provide assistance and support for the elderly. 

Today we all split into partners and met with a senior citizen who receives benefits from the Shalom Organization funded by the JCC of Sofia and the JDC.  During our home visits, I had the opportunity to meet Eshua Almalech – a 90-year-old double survivor of the Holocaust and the Communist Regime.  He told Pearl and I his story and explained how the Bulgarian community saved his life during World War II. 

While almost every other European country allied with the Germans and sent their Jewish communities to the concentration camps, the Bulgarian government and church refused to take part in the mass extermination of the Jewish people.  Eshua explained to us how his family was on the train to go to the concentration camps when they were told to go home – the Bulgarian government had defended the Jewish people, who were first and foremost Bulgarian citizens.  

This experience was not only heart warming and life changing, but it also allowed me to view the holocaust from another perspective.

-Leah Swartz

We concluded our day by enjoying a traditional Bulgarian dinner, full of lamb, chicken, veal, trout and lots of wine! The meal was nothing short of a feast, and our new Bulgarian friends joined us as well. 

During the appetizers, we got to watch live music and Bulgarian dancing – which we learned earlier today at the JCC Elderly Day Care Center! It was so fun watching our new moves come to life! Dinner was full of laughter, shared stories and yummy dessert (Turkish Delight/Benitza). 

The highlight of my day was when we all came together and reflected on the work we’ve done the past 48-ish hours. We talked about our obligation as Jewish people to give back to those less fortunate than us, and although we are all ready to change the world, it’s the small steps that will make the biggest impact. 

Something that I’ve learned on this trip so far is that “the heart can’t feel what the eyes can’t see.” I have truly been touched by the individuals we’ve met, and the stories we’ve heard. I am so excited to see what the rest of the trip will bring!

-Alex Null

Though our time here as been short, today might have been my favorite day. We started off by visiting a market in the Sofia Mall where we grocery shopped for a small gift/treat to bring with us to our home visits. Stephanie and I decided to get some delicious looking pastries for our hosts. 

We then spent some time at the JCC dancing, eating, and cooking. From here, we split off into our pairs and were off to our home visits. I was fairly nervous at first because I had absolutely no idea what to expect. The couple welcomed us into their home with such a warm approach, and I could feel their genuine happiness in having us there with them. Stephanie, and our Bulgarian translator Natalie, spent over an hour talking with the couple about their Jewish roots. 

A common thread that we were able to find was the idea of "it is never too late." This concept is one that we discuss with Hillel - in that it is never too late to get involved within the Jewish community, Jewish culture, and your Jewish identity. 

Talking with the couple about how during communism they were unable to practice or learn about Judaism and how it wasn't until after WWII when they were able to return to school that they were able to connect with Judaism. 

The couple told us that being Jewish is not about being religious, and that it is rather about making a choice to identify and develop a personal identity and connection to Jewish culture. 

Finally, our day concluded with a great dinner at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant. I have been anticipating a meal like this for weeks - and it didn't disappoint. It was nice to have this time to relax, eat, and laugh. 

- Lyndsey Havens

Today I learned that the Jewish community, no matter where you are, makes the large world a very small place. 

In 2010, I attended a bbyo international summer program called Kallah, held in Pennsylvania. There, I remembered that I had met and became friends with a Bulgarian named Denis. Although we lost touch over the years, I decided to Facebook message him before the trip telling him what we were coming to Bulgaria to do, and told him that it would be great to see him if I had the chance. 

He told me that unfortunately he would be in Italy studying architecture , but nonetheless it was still awesome to hear from him. 

The small Jewish world became alive before my eyes today as I was walking with Tori and a Bulgarian named Daria towards our home visit. As we were walking, Daria stopped because she saw some friends ahead, and of course, guess who it was: Denis! 

The moment was truly amazing; I gave him a hug, and we caught up and I talked to him about his studies and our experiences in Bulgaria so far. 

After we left, I couldn't stop smiling. This is why I love being Jewish; no matter where you go, it seems, you always can find a meaningful Jewish connection.

-Samantha Levine