I think my most important takeaways and values from the program every year are friends and the time we spend together with really good vibes, and I feel that I can always get closer to my Jewish identity. ...
Leaving the European Union was a new thing for me. I was intrigued to see what the world outside of the EU was. I didn’t really know much about what it was going to be like, but I only knew that ...
I was extremely thrilled about the program. I told everybody that in a few days I would be in Baltimore, I couldn’t keep it in myself. I couldn’t wait to get on board and see my friends again ...
I took it on myself to fall out of my comfort zone on this trip, moreover, I was not waiting for it too much. I mean obviously I was thrilled about seeing my friends, but I was really nervous about it. I did not know how I would get on with my host person (Sarah), I did not know what would happen in the school and in the programs and I was afraid of the language barrier as well. When we arrived at BT, everybody was glad at me (of course not just at me) even those who I had not been able to contact with on their visit to Hungary in March. I felt so amazed. Sitting next to Sarah in her car I felt it would be hard for me to fight the language barrier. When we arrived at their house, her parents greeted me with love, which I absolutely had not expected, thinking that I was only a stranger to them. In school everybody was so nice to us. We gained an insight into the American teenagers’ world. It was weird to see how different they were and even so how similar. Lifestyle is so different as if it did not matter how cold it is outside or inside you drink ice cold water even then. Day by day we got closer to each other. We got increasingly more used to each other, though we were together all day long, we talked and we fooled around. To me Skyzone was the groundbreaking step, it was like we were just jumping out the stress, the barriers. And the Shabbaton? It was awesome. There I could feel that „I am here, as if I belonged to this place”. We danced, laughed, talked, enjoyed each other’s company and punchlines. The farewell was one of the hardest moments in my life and I do not exaggerate it. It felt like I was leaving my big-tiny family there. I was sitting on the bus and I felt like crying because I needed to leave. SSG Morim Limmud Program gave me a lot, I feel that I am so much more than I was when I left Budapest for Baltimore. I miss everyone so much! I think that one week puts a very strong bond between us. I would like to thank Alan Reinitz and Glynis Smith for their making this opportunity become true. And I would like to say thank our teachers for their being there for us and helping us with everything even though they were really exhausted.
I would like to thank everybody for this unforgettable experience, for the best birthday ever in my life and the friendships that we made in this program. I hope we will meet again! ~Natália B., Grade 13
As I had already been to BT for a week last year, I knew what the school was like and so had I seen most of the teachers and I knew where I could find the different places in school, so for me there ...
Before our departure I was very excited because of the unknown places I would visit and I was curious to see some new ways of teaching and get some more resources to use in my work. The transatlantic flight was also one of the reasons for being excited.
Our journey was safe and sound and our welcome was heart-warming.
The days passed faster than I thought they would due to the numerous experiences we had. We visited Baltimore, Washington DC, we had useful meetings and most of all: the school.
Being there at Beth Tfiloh was a turning point in my life as I had always wanted to know the American way of 
approaching Sciences and teaching them. Now I’ve got a huge amount of examples, methods, and ideas about it. Through this experience, I have plenty of ideas and projects to implement in my everyday practice. It can make my work more efficient and for my students, the time spent with learning will become more pleasurable and easier. It was a pleasure to see a society and an education system which believes that Sciences represented the future. They also believe that we have to prepare our students for it and provide them with the competence to use so that it can make their lives successful and make this planet a better place to live on.
The other big surprise for me was the STEM-lab and how it was involved in the curriculum. It was a big novelty for me, I had heard about it, but I didn’t know its meaning in the practice. The integrated approach to these materials is essential in this century. I feel lucky to be probably one of the first ones from Hungary to see this integrated method in everyday teaching and gave me the possibility to adapt it to our curriculum.
The Morim Limmud Program gave me new ideas to accomplish and let me see how a modern school does work, what is needed in the 21st century.
That is why I felt I had to write this blog to give thanks to Alan Reinitz, Glynis Smith and the SOS Morim Limmud Program to make my ways of teaching change and gave me the opportunity to show and explain to my colleagues all I had seen. ~Ferenc Mark, SSG Educator, Science
I’ll start with the good (everybody loves the good). The bond we made is still here and will forever always be here. I will forever love my Budapest friends (right now I’m trying to convince my parents to allow me to visit them over the summer!). The bond as I mentioned previously is everlasting. It’s the small moments that mean the most (as much as the programmed stuff helped us bond, it was when we were alone, being kids that helped strengthen the bond most). One of my favorite moments happened today (although there are so many and you are gonna hear a lot of them so…get ready). Today we had a farewell meal. During the meal, I was sitting next to my good friend (very good 
friend, because I love them all and it feels like we’ve been friends forever), Simon. I had been wearing Simons scarf (it is black and very comfy) since the Shabbaton. But today, I also had on his black beanie, his black sunglasses, and his black jeans (and fuzzy) jacket. Suffice to say, I had become Simon. And to add the cherry on top, he had on my red and black fuzzy jacket. This is just another example of us being kids. Us bonding in the way kids are meant to, by being silly and wearing each other’s clothing (I really love that scarf).
The bad moments aren’t actually bad, they are just really (really, really) sad. The farewell dinner is exactly as it sounds. Saying goodbye (but not forever). After the meal, where we all talked and had our last bit of fun came the sad part. Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I had to do. Like I mentioned it an hour later and I still have tear after tear leaking down my face. But as much as it was sad, it showed everyone present the strength of our bond. Nobody wanted to be separated. There was talk of running and hiding in a closet to miss the planes so they wouldn’t have to leave (of course it was only talk). The hugs really made the tears fall. I must have hugged everybody twice. I was just standing there leaning into the hug from my newly (not so new, we were also friends in March) made friend, just crying. I was physically shaking with sobs. And even though we were hugging and trying to comfort each other it was still horribly sad. Sad that we had to leave. Sad that words weren’t enough. But that sadness is what was meant to be there. SOS is meant to make bonds like this. As much as nobody liked leaving and being the ones left, it was a necessity. The program was made for us to form the bond that made us want to hide our friends so they wouldn’t leave. The program was made for us to stay after they had left still crying (at least I was…still am actually) and talk about how we will stay connected through the time we are not together. We came up with a plan (but shhh…it’s a secret…for now) to keep us in touch (and maybe even still pray together every once in a while). So as sad as it was (and it’s heartbreakingly sad) it’s also a great opportunity to continue to share this bond (and make it stronger even though it doesn’t really need to be because it’s so strong now).
Now I told you I would share some of the little moments so after all that sad talk here is a funny one.
During the first night of dinner, I was trying to pour myself a cup of water (key word…trying), I spilled the water however. Next (same night) a new pitcher of water was placed on the table and in trying to move it I made some splash over the top. That was night one. I’ll skip the many other spills I had and go into the two most important. I had a cup of tea in the davening room. While picking it up I dropped it all into the carpet and my shoes (newish shoes). I cleaned the spill up of course but they got a little stained. Now this morning (Sunday morning) I was having a cup of passion tea. And surprise, surprise, I spilled the tea. It got all over the table and my shoes. I was so scared my shoes would stain. But thankfully they only have a little bit of color. But Glynis told me something amazing. It was along the lines of don’t worry about it, it shows you were here. And now whenever I look at my stained Tim’s I’ll know when it happened and all the feelings that were there.
My last moment was staying up until three am last night. Except I didn’t stay up. I fell asleep on one of my friends. And to show how bonded we are, they didn’t wake me up, they didn’t move me. I was allowed to sleep for a few hours on this person while they just sat there and talked with the people around us. It was a moment where everybody felt the bond. Because at three am were (really them) were all awake and just taking (I heard from a friend what happened while I was asleep). And despite being asleep, I still felt it. I felt the connection that Alan and Glynis made possible.
I cannot, and never will be able to thank them enough. They brought us together. They made out connection possible. And they encourage us to do what we want. For that, I am forever grateful for those two amazingly wonderful humans.-Lily G., Beth Tfiloh student
I’m not going to lie. After getting back from the trip there, for a few weeks was more in touch than ever before. But after a few weeks, I lost that touch. Now, however, I’m realizing how lucky I am. How lucky I am to be in America, where I can practice freely.
During this morning Shabbats praying, there was an option for an alternative prayer. In this, we talked about what the SOS program means to us. There were so many responses that showed how important this program is for all of us. My take on the program is that it breaks down barriers. In the end, we are all teenagers and it amazes me that this program allows us (teenagers from two different countries) to get along like we’ve known each other our whole lives.
The first day, it was around 8:45 pm when the buses came from the airport. The second they emerged from the bus it was like it’s hadn’t been a year. A year since we had last seen each other. Everybody was just hugging and smiling. There was no unhappy face in that crowd. It was amazing.
The week passed so quickly. I can’t believe it’s almost over. These past two days we have been on a Shabbaton. It had been fantastic. Like I mentioned earlier, we are just teenagers. On Friday night, for example, we stayed up until like 2 am just talking and goofing around. Despite all that we all go through personally we are still in the end teenagers. At dinner, we played pranks on each other. Waters were salted. I would make a very sugary tea (because I needed the energy to stay awake) it would get passed around to be tasted. Because again (I will never be able to say this enough) we are just teenagers!! Teenagers who learn from each other. I have learned to appreciate my Judaism more. How privileged I am to be able to practice mine. I used to take it for granted. I would get bored in my Jewish classes. Now I see it in a whole new light. I feel more in touch with my Judaism than ever before.
Tonight for example. (After Shabbat ended of course) we all sat around in a rec room watching a movie. We all agree fed on the movie and relaxed on each other watching a movie. And when the movie ended some people headed to different places. But as I am typing this now, I’m sitting on a couch in a dark room watching “Pitch Perfect 2” with around 11 people. Some of us on the couch, others on the floor and some just in chairs pushed right up against each other. I couldn’t have asked for a better end to this week. We ended it like kids. Just watching TV, or listening to loud (very, very loud) music, playing ping pong, or just talking. As mentioned many times, we are just teenagers. Except we are all contracted through a sense of community that SOS brings us.
I am forever grateful for this program and for Alan and Glynis who have brought us all together. And for helping create this everlasting friendship and bond.
-Lily G.
We went to the STEM lab for the third period. Mr. Bonina held the class, as usual, I assume. He was talking about the other projects that were robotic arms in the making. After that, he introduced us to the 3D printer and printed us some little gadgets that we asked for.
As soon as we finished, we proceeded to head towards the theatre, where some of us held the Dva’r Torah, followed by the Fireside chat hosted by Ethan Traub.
I haven’t been in front of that big of an audience before, so let’s just say, I was a bit excited. I also had stage fright, but I was able to overcome it after the first question due to the cheering I received. I felt relieved. People even seemed to like the jokes I’ve made. It was a good feeling to make many people laugh.
Also, it was fascinating to see how actively the students were taking part in the school’s life, let it be the students’ government and their goals or the school clubs which made several announcements during the assembly.
After the assembly, we had a period with the student government, where they gave us a deep insight on how their system works and gave us tips & tricks on how to manage it on our own.
Then we proceeded to gather our stuff for Shabbaton.
We quickly changed into our fancy Shabbat clothes, but before the prayers, we had a game of human domino hosted by one of the SSG teachers. From there I got to know Coach Creeger. It turned out we had a lot of things in common. After Kabbalat Shabbat, we had a great conversation throughout the Shabbat dinner. Then we finished our meals and received books written by the rabbi. We had an hour to finish the assigned chapters given to us by Rabbi Soskil. We shared our thoughts about the chapters we were given. After a break, we had a tish. At the tish we ate sweets, sang songs, told stories, and had a good time. That was the last program before we went to bed.
The next morning we woke up to Rabbi Soskil and his specialty, called the Dinosaur song. We went to have breakfast, which was followed by a prayer. We participated in reading from the Torah, and for some of us, it was a new experience. Avishye Moskowitz helped with great kindness those who felt inexperienced.
We had our lunch, where we sang Shabbat songs. After that we had some free time. Before the next prayer we had games hosted some SSG kids and even Rabbi Soskil.
Unfortunately, because of the rain we had the Havdalah indoors, but it didn’t matter, because of the good vibes. The feeling of standing in a circle, singing in the dark while the only illumination was a candle.
At the end of the week, everyone was so in tune with each other that we were bringing food to each other without the other one’s having to ask. We had a lot of great conversations, some even in depth. We played jokes on each other, told each other funny stories. I felt so blessed that I was able to see my old friends I met previously in Budapest and also I got to meet some new people as well.
Simon P., Grade 13
The day started when we were woken up by Rabbi Soskil around 8 AM. We had a quick, but delicious breakfast and then the davening started. I took part in a davening like this back in March but I still enjoyed every moment of it like it had been the first one. After davening we had lunch and a little bit of free time. I didn’t really know what to do because I couldn’t use my phone, but I soon realized that I shouldn’t waste my time on social media since we don’t have that much time together. The whole day we were playing games, eating delicious food and enjoying each other’s company without any distractions and it truly felt amazing and refreshing.
As the night came around we changed into our comfortable clothes and stood in a big circle holding each other’s hand and singing songs together. As Rabbi Soskil was lighting the candles I realized that the candle had two sticks. A white one and a blue one were braided into each other. For me, it symbolized how Beth Tfiloh and Scheiber came together and made a life-long friendship even if there are almost 8000 km between us.
At night we were planning to have a campfire, but unfortunately, it was raining. But that didn’t stop us from having fun. We gathered together in a big room, made smores in the microwave and watched a movie together. As I was sitting there I was so sad that this week is going to end soon but still so happy that I got to be part of this program and that I could meet some of my best friends. This one week has honestly been one of the best experiences of my life.
Brigitta B., Grade 13
We have finally had our opportunity to have our workshop, with all of our educators involved in it. Sincere thanks to the awesome MLP members for their collaborative work to create the questions and answers. This quiz wanted to show the history of Jews in Hungary through a funny quiz show hosted by one of us, involving the tenth graders and with the participation of my outstanding colleagues who showed some significant moments of the story of the Jews in an extremely funny way. Without the enthusiasm of my colleagues or the excellent sense of humor of them all, we could not reach the kids out the way we could. Hopefully, kids from BT could take advantage of the things they heard and we sincerely hope that they became interested in Morim Limmud Program as well and this way they also might apply for this excellent program in the very near future.
The assembly was the other wonderful part of our day. Some kids of SSG made the Dvar Torah and we are proud of them as some of them had their first time in front of such a big audience, not telling about the fact that English is their second language. The Fireside Chat was really cool for our kids, as well as some of them, have a very good sense of humor. We love how organized it always is and we are happy to know that in Budapest we can welcome Eli Creeger, the head of this amazing event.
After the assembly, I personally could have a meeting with Karen Kaufman, responsible for the Department of Spanish as a foreign language. We could have a very useful talk about the work of departments and talked about the possible changes we could do to improve the efficiency of language teaching. We agreed on keeping in touch in the future to improve our professional development.
After the last period, we are ready to leave for Shabbaton, which every one of us has been looking forward since the moment we arrived here in Baltimore.
Violetta Varga, SSG
It has been a very rich day in varieties as we have done some charity in a place called Art with a Heart. We very much like the idea of doing some charity annually together with BT kids, it feels so good to give. Kids and teachers altogether prepared some handcraft so that little kids can play with them in the future.
Our evening program was the Skyzone, where our kids could have so much fun playing sports together. After this active day, we are looking forward to Friday and SSG teachers’ workshop. Hopefully, BT kids will enjoy having it together. ~Violetta Varga
Today’s program was very packed. In the morning we had the chance to visit the STEM lab. It was very exciting to learn how the 3D printers work as well as to see what the BT kids usually do in this class. I wish we had a class like that at home. I would like to design my phone case just like the students in BT do. When the class ended we spent a period talking with the 12th graders. They asked us some questions about Hungary and also they were interested in our opinion and knowledge about Israel. I was happy to see how curious they were about our country and everyday life. During lunchtime, we had the opportunity to see the rocket club launching their rockets. I was so lucky that they let me push the button. I was literally jumping because I was so happy.
During the afternoon we went to do community service with the organization called Art With A Heart. They try to help the Community by doing art programs with kids and teaching the kids to respect and love themselves. We helped to make samples that they will give the kids when they have classes with them so that the kids can do art. I enjoyed it so much. We had a meeting a few days ago about community service with the BT kids which made me want to do more for my community. I got a lot of motivation from that talk.
We left the best for the end of the day. We went to Skyzone and jumped at the trampolins for two hours. It was so amazing. I think I can say that in the name of the whole group that we had a fantastic time there. I can’t wait to see what the next few days are having for me. ~ Alexandra D., Grade 13
After we taught the 9th and 10th graders, we had a talking session about charity, which inspired us in many ways. First, the BT students told us about their impressions about helping others and also told us about the non-profit “company” they had started. After that, some of the SSG students shared their personal experiences and at the end of the session, it became a highly interesting discussion, which gave us a tremendous amount of ideas to make similar changes at home. These changes might be small for us but we can make a big difference and impact on the people who are in need. In my humble opinion, there is huge potential in every idea we have heard today and since we stay in touch we will be able to help and encourage each other.For us, another outstanding part of our day was the Art session (again). I’m really interested in art, like painting, drawing, dancing, writing so I had a hard time deciding which class I would like to visit. We chose dance class and we had such a good time. We were dancing, fooling around, we laughed a lot and by that, we got even closer to each other. We were so excited about it and on the other hand very envious that they had this awesome art session. But now I’m/ we are determined to create a similar activity, class for the whole highschool at home, to make art an everyday thing in our school life, for example, arts and crafts, dance, photography, maybe plays/theatre, so everyone can find at least one thing that they are interested in. I know it will be a big work, because of the differences in space, schedule, teachers, but I believe that it’s worth it, because we have so many talented people in SSG too, but I feel like a lot of them don’t have the opportunity or time to show it. And I’m also sure that we can get help if we ask for it.
Lillu A., Grade 13, Gabor B., Grade 13
In the first period, we had davening. Most of us chose the alternative praying classes where after we said some of the basic prayers, we bonded with BT students. This was followed by a tour of the school. We learned a lot about the school and the system. It was really good to see that voluntary work and charity was such a big part of their everyday life at BT. Currently, students are being asked to bring their old shoes to school which will be given to kids in need.
We continued with a meditation lesson with Ms. Rochelle Sullivan, where we learned about stress, the impact that it has on our brain and we talked about how we can manage it. We also did different techniques for meditation and relaxation.
Our first period was with the students in fourth grade where we taught them different things about Hungary. We used different methods like board games and making origami. The kids were surprisingly clever, engaged and cooperative.
After lunch, we took a school bus and headed to downtown Baltimore where we visited the Jewish museum. We 
learned a lot about the history and we heard personal stories and experiences about the community. It was followed by a bus tour around the city.
We had a debriefing about the day which was followed by sports games.
After dinner we went home and basically fell into bed after this eventful and exhausting day.
Emese V., SSG, Grade 13 and Zita S., SSG, Grade 12
‘Welcome Hungarians.’ We were amazed and touched.
As to begin the day Dr. Rubin showed us around the school and told us about many interesting facts that we had not known so far about BT. We were informed about the history of the school, heard about the remarkable rabbis, we were fascinated by the artwork that is almost finished. Students were shown the famous library we teachers always stand at for a moment and we all wish if we could have such a beautiful collection of books. We visited the Student Lounge which was worth a visit and the thought of creating something similar for our kids. It was interesting to see the ceiling paintings on the corridor as a relaxing thing to watch whenever a student starts staring around. We heard about the charity of collecting shoes which we consider as a wonderful idea to help those in need.
Our next program was with Rochelle Sullivan, who created a wonderful 45 minutes in helping us release stress. Kids were shown some stress releasing techniques and taught each other them. We laughed a lot, we enjoyed ourselves very much.
After lunch we were taken to Lloyd Street Synagogue and then to B’nai Israel. Due to guide, Helene Waranch, we got all the possible information about the history of the Baltimore Jewish Congregation and synagogues and she also took us to the Jewish Museum of Maryland where our kids could see the story of some old Jewish families.
Luckily we were honored to meet Dr. Schorr while having dinner, which was a great opportunity to share our first experiences with her and tell her about our kids’ teaching experiences in Grade 4. We were very proud of our students who could have a memorable lesson and BT teachers were all impressed and what is more, kids enjoyed themselves a lot.
The last thing we did was watch the basketball match. It was amazing how passionately Warriors were playing, both girls and boys. Coaches Ari Braun and Jack Warnick are doing a great job with these kids training them to be there for each other during the whole match. Whenever one falls all the rest are there for them to support. Those who sit and wait to play are focusing on the ones who are playing a hundred percent. Mental support is as important an issue as the physical one if not more. So disciplined the kids were during the whole game. It was the best ever finishing for the evening.
We enjoyed our first day in The House of Prayer. What a welcome it was.~ Violetta Varga
After a long flight we were welcomed by our lovely hosts, Glynis Smith and Alan Reinitz – we are grateful for the heart-warming attitude that they always show towards us and we cannot express our gratitude. Our two lovely 
colleagues, Neil and Vince we were soon after touching down taken to the school where the host kids welcomed SSG students with warm hugs. It was so nice to see them feel so happy about each other. Due to the long and exhausting flight our host took us home soon so that everyone can relax before the week starts.
We can hardly wait the week to begin. We are full of joy and are looking forward to all the challenges and experiences we are going to have together. Great thanks to our partner colleagues from BT who have planned all the week for us.
We cannot express our gratitude in words to SOS International: Enriching Jewish Identities for creating the idea of bridging these two communities and for supporting the program with all their heart. We also thank all participating members of Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School for their kind welcoming us and caring for our kids while we are here.
And last but not least we would like to thank Dr. Schorr for the opportunity to be here again. ~ Violetta Varga , Educator, SSG
Natalia B, Grade 13, SSG
