As I entered Scheiber Sandor for the first time ever, what sounded like a hundred muffled voices behind a tall blue wall filled my ears. Suddenly, it no longer mattered that I had not slept in almost 24 hours because the moment I awaited, for over seven months, had finally arrived. Although we prepared for this moment with several meetings, I never comprehended the reality of this trip. How would the students treat us? Would it be awkward conversing with them for the first time?How could we successfully provide the students with a deeper understanding of Judaism? Would the activities feel formal or relaxed?All these questions wandered through my mind for months and, in a matter of hours, I stood in the Hungarian school, seconds away from the answers.
Immediately after passing the last barrier that separated us, the wall, a feeling of happiness and love enveloped us. As the SSG students rushed to greet us, smiles emerged on every face in the room. The boys laughed and hugged over video games and sports. The girls spoke about their lives and attempted to learn or teach the Hungarian language. We were not meeting for the first time; we were reuniting after numerous years apart. The room burst with the most unique welcoming I have ever experienced. Conversation flowed so naturally without meaningless chat and with so much kind humor that I forgot what awkward moments even felt like.
Once we mastered each other’s names and interests, our connections only strengthened through various bonding activities and deep discussions. From visiting beautiful tourist sites and admiring the architecture of Budapest’s streets to visiting the nursing home and escaping from Escape Rooms, we built strong foundations that would flourish even more on the most memorable Shabbaton. With Ivett, I exchanged secrets and advice; with Daniel, I learned about the culture and politics of Hungary; and with the whole community, I gained a new family full of wonderful people who I felt comfortable around.
I might have met this group of students only 5 days ago, but I feel as though I have known them for years. And now, sitting back home, I’m excitingly counting down the days until my Hungarian friends arrive here in Baltimore to continue these friendships and expand our Judaism further.
