Israel Pilgrimage,
Group #2

Tuesday, June 20th:
An energetic Group 2 landed safely in Warsaw, picked up their luggage, and drove directly to Lublin. There they visited Yeshivat Chochmei Lublin. It was in this yeshiva that Rabbi Shapira established the 7-year cycle by which some Jews learn one page of Talmud a day. The group had a study session in the Beit Midrash (main room) of the yeshiva and sang Jewish songs, and even though the room does not look the same as it did before World War II, the USYers were able to get a feel for the tremendous learning that went on there. As it turns out, the grandfather of one of the USYers in Group 2 was ordained as a rabbi in this yeshiva prior to World War II. From there, the group checked into their hotel, ate dinner, and met in their sub-groups. These sub-groups will remain the same throughout the summer, and are a way for the USYers to debrief and discuss their days together in a more intimate setting. The group went to sleep in anticipation of a very moving week in Poland.

Wednesday, June 21st:
This morning, Group 2 woke up, davened Shacharit (the morning service) together, and drove to the Majdanek Concentration Camp, where they had detailed explanations of what remains of the camp. It was a moving experience and the USYers had time to reflect with each other and by themselves. They then visited the synagogue in Woldowa and finished the day of touring at the Sobibor Concentration Camp. They returned to Lublin in the evening for dinner and to debrief in their sub-groups about the day.

    

    

    

Thursday, June 22nd:
Group 2 woke up this morning in Lublin and headed to Lancut, where they visited the palace which was built in the mid-17th century. After lunch they continued towards Krakow, where they will spend the next few days. In the afternoon, the group visited some of the Jewish sites in the Old City of Krakow. The group then checked into their hotel, ate, and met in their sub-groups.

Friday, June 23rd:
Group 2 spent a long and moving day at Auschwitz-Birkenau. They were given a formal tour of the camps, with opportunities to go into various barracks and other structures that have remained for over 60 years. The group was given time to reflect individually as well as participate in a memorial service. In the afternoon, they returned to Krakow to prepare for Shabbat. They are having Friday night dinner with a large delegation of Israeli soldiers that are in town, and doing an activity with them tomorrow.