[Written by Chani Kaminetzky, Boca Raton, FL]
Today on GIVE WEST was a jam-packed day filled with chesed, bonding, and fun. Following davening, breakfast, and chabburah, we headed to the Desert Mission Food Bank, where we split up into groups and assembly lines. Some girls packaged animal food, some unpacked and repacked Oreos, and some broke down all the boxes for recycling. In front of the warehouse was a mini shop for people to come to who could not afford food for themselves or their families. All different types of people were guided around the shop and filled their carts with food that they would otherwise be lacking. I was walking around with a couple and distributing food to them. The older man complimented us on how modestly we were dressed and how incredible it was to see. We responded by explaining that as part of our religion we dress modestly and then we went on to explain GIVE WEST and our mission. He became extremely interested when we told them that we were Jewish. He went on to explain how his family was in the Spanish Inquisition and had lost their connection to Judaism. They are slowly retracing their roots of their religion. These are the types of extraordinary conversations we encounter on GIVE WEST while interacting with a diverse group of people. Thank you, Mom and Abba for giving me this amazing opportunity to give back while gaining a tremendous amount.
[Written by Emma Freiden, Boca Raton, Florida]
This afternoon on GIVE WEST we went to hike Butcher Jones. We saw views that will stay with us forever. After a long and exciting hike around the Saguaro Lake, we all ran and jumped straight into the refreshing lake water, disregarding the dirt around us 🙂 Even when we were drying off we would find ways to have fun. On our long bus ride back we shared together meaningful thoughts of our day, watched movies, and just hang out. Once we arrived back at the hotel we had time to chill, swim, and shower. Then we went to Mincha, dinner and a fun night activity. We played Minute to Win It, with just one minute to complete each fun task. We were split into two teams and competed with one another. After the game, we enjoyed a delicious ice cream party for Tamar Erlbaum’s Hebrew Birthday! And with some time left we prepared for the next amazing day to come. As our heads hit the pillow, we each feel great satisfaction from another accomplished day on GIVE WEST!