Date: July 7, 2016
Author: Josh Arbess
Theme: Leadership

Learning, experiencing, having fun: the list could go on. Today was an epic day. Diller Toronto Cohort 4 learned about our place in the past, present and future.

We started off the day with a visit to Beit Hatfutsot, The Museum of Jewish Peoplehood. Here, we engaged in a leadership seminar where we had the chance to identify ourselves as Jews. We began with watching a viral video called "I Am That Jew", discussing the wide spectrum of attributes that make us Jewish. It was an amazing workshop!

Following this, Ellinore, our Museum Guide took us around the museum. We examined models of famous synagogues, watched videos on the pluralism found in Jewish life, and looked at trends in Jewish History.
After the museum, we boarded the bus for Shuk HaCarmel, also known as the Carmel Market. We were given an hour and a half to roam, experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling market. From all of the delicious food to bargaining for classic Israeli clothing, The Shuk is a central component of Israeli culture and lifestyle.

Next on our schedule came the Rabin Centre. We were guided through the museum, which focused on the history of the State of Israel through the lens of Yitzchak Rabin's life. This was an amazing view of Israeli History. We also had the opportunity to participate in a leadership workshop at this museum as well, in which we discussed conflict points in Israeli society. It was so interesting to discover these cultural and political rifts. This reminds me of the classic Israeli folk song "Al Kol Eleh", which reminds us to look at both the sweet and bitter parts of Israel together.

Following the Rabin Centre, we visited the site of Rabin's murder. Our guide, Maor, told us the story of Rabin's death in 1995, and the aftershock it left on Israeli society. Continuing with the theme of narratives, we sat and discussed the politics of polarization - incitement which lead up to the murder of Rabin. We discussed what it meant to "cross a line", and what is considered an appropriate protest. Everyone was flush with emotions, and we worked to develop opinions on acceptable protest and freedom of speech.

We then retuned to the hotel, ate dinner and then had a meaningful Ma'agal Lilah. All in all, it was an amazing day! I can't wait for tomorrow.