The Morim Limmud program is a rich journey between students at two Jewish schools across the world. This first step, our faculty visit to Budapest, is laying the groundwork of connection and community building. Each day, I see the future fruit of the student exchange being developed as introductions are made and interest in knowing one another
It was my joy to return to the ninth grade ESL class this morning. Over the night (daytime in Las Vegas) eager students from the Adelson Campus contributed individual responses to the question posed by the Lauder students about life for ninth graders in Las Vegas.
Not surprising — the questions regarding clothing and uniforms — elicited the most responses from students at Adelson, including a detailed video from one student, Eden, showing the Lauder students what is worn each day. There were smiles on the Lauder student faces as they read the rich responses from the students.
Nikol’s question about Hungarian ancestry was a highlight of our class conversation. Several of the students in Las Vegas shared family connections to Hungary through grandparents. It was an interesting moment for the Lauder students to consider not only the manner in which they were connected as teenagers through clothing, sports, and activities and a broader Jewish connection but that they may actually be directly connected through ancestral connections to Hungary.
In addition to responding to questions, the Adelson students posed their own. Such as:
• What languages do you know? Are you fluent in Hebrew? Mai
• What is your favorite part of the school day? Ellah
• What sports are popular for teens in Hungary? Coby
• What have you heard about America / American teenagers? Liahm
The Lauder Javne students were asked to record video responses to their questions in English. These questions will be sent back to the Adelson students to continue building the bonds of connections between one another. Again, while some of the students may tell you that they are shy in speaking English, it was evident, from their wide grins, that this opportunity to connect with other students across the world was one they enjoyed.
