Thank you so much that I was able to participate in the program for the second time. It was good to see how our students had a special time, too. The programs were very well organized and useful. Besides a pleasant time, we were able to learn about Judaism and Jewish tradition. The days passed by very fast, the organizers and our hosts had a very good schedule for us. There was enough time to visit classes of personal interest beyond the joint programs of excursions, visits to classes, Shabbaton.
Taking the opportunity of such personal visits, I ended up in the Jewish studies class by Mrs. Friedman. I wanted to see the Religious Education class of an elementary class because for the rest of my time I was visiting Hebrew classes.
I was warmly greeted by the teacher, who told me she had been teaching in the school for over four decades. I had learned from the students that she was one of their favorite teachers, they loved her classes. Before the class began, I told herself a little about myself, about my vocation and how important it was to me to be able to visit their school with our students.
She told me in her answer that her best friend lived in Montreal and she had heard from this friend about a program, in which some Jewish girls from Budapest had been able to study in Montreal 25 years earlier. „Although – she finished – I have never met any of these girls.” My heart was beating fast as I responded, with eyes full of glitter and joy:
” I am one of these girls! „– I said. – „After the study program I was even able to teach as a kindergarten teacher along with two wonderful experts in the field of kindergarten pedagogy.”
It is hard to describe the face of Mrs. Friedman, when she heard this. She was not able to say a word for a few seconds and then she immediately shared this with her students in the classroom.
Those moments and that conversation give me goosebumps ever since!
„Mi kol hashamayim ”- the Almighty is directing our steps.
So often, we do not understand why things happen the way they do. But we must believe and walk the path that HaShem sets before us.
Thank you, Alan and Glynis, for making me part of such a wonderful program. I am sure that similarly to my experience in Montreal 25 years ago, which had had an impact on my whole life, there will be students who – after 25 years – will remember this week in Baltimore for the rest of their lives and who stay faithful to the Jewish tradition and religion.~ Dr. Andrea Tóth, Teacher
