Spain: Day 11

Tonight, I write to you all with deep gratitude that we are completing our eighth Weber Spanish immersion program healthy, safe, and inspired. Our suitcases are bursting at the seams with souvenirs, we are in a bread and dairy coma, and we haven’t stopped laughing because that is what we do when not weighed down by responsibility. This trip, we remember that at the end of the day, we are human beings, not human doings.

 

Our time in Toledo today was short but wonderful. No one appreciates a day with no rain than us, and we drank in the warmth and blue skies as we took the metro and boarded a speed train for a short, 35 minute ride to Toledo. It's a stunning city with some of the most unique buildings in Europe. We boarded a bus that took us above the city for a panoramic view of the river encircling the city, and no doubt it is one of the most beatiful views in the world.

 

The ceilings, the arches, the pillars, and the sculptures of the historic buildings of Toledo all reflect every major artistic period and religion. Though it has been deeply meaningful to meet Jews in Castilla y Leon and Madrid, it felt incomplete without walking into a physical synagogue. We visited Sinagoga Santa Maria La Blanca, one of two synagogues in Toledo, and the architecture and designs showcase a fusion of Arabic, Jewish, and Christian influence. So few old synagogues remain in Spain and yet this one is so beautifully preserved. Spain's history reflects centuries of different kingdoms and religions fighting over Spanish territory, and Toledo was always in the middle of this tension. As a result, sacred symbols and cultures from monotheist traditions are everywhere.

 

My favorite picture from Toledo was our group in front of the puerta (entrance/exit) of the city. This was the same puerta Jews used when expelled out of Toledo centuries ago, and to be a Jewish group on the inside again felt hopeful and beautiful during such a challenging time.

 

We walked through the narrow streets of Toledo in awe of its beauty as we also spent time in small groups eating and doing last minute shopping. Our time in Toledo ended with a gathering in a nearby park to do a a closing activity in which we stood in a circle facing out and took turns anonymously thanking each other (through a squeeze of the shoulder) for specific contributions to the trip, such as being some who others can trust, making others laugh, and embodying individuality and generosity. The program began with us and ends with us, and maybe most of all, I am proud of the character we have built as individuals and the family we have created as a group.

 

After a train ride back to Madrid, we surprised the kids with a farewell Spain activity provided by Rabbi Harwitz: a tuk tuk ride through the city back to our hotel. As we zigzagged through roundabouts and small streets, I smiled watching the kids smile. “That was the perfect closure,” Leeya said after the ride. I totally agree.

 

Before our final dinner, we gathered at the hotel to present gifts and thank our security team Miguel, Cristina, and Jero for their outstanding work ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone on the trip. We grew especially close to them, especially Miguel, who has brought so much joy, laughter, and comfort to our group. We also thanked Jordan Romm, our trip coordinator, who without him, I would not only not have the same itinerary, but I would not be able to be the fully present, playful, and joyful teacher that I am with the kids because of all of the logistics involved in running a program all day every day. He is a dear friend who has poured his life into transformative programs for students.

 

Our blog ends with the second half of student voices about the last week of our trip:

 

Stella: “My most meaningful moment from Toledo was finally getting to see and understand the importance of the city to the Sephardic Jews. With my family’s deep Sephardic roots, I felt very connected to Toledo and it made me value my family’s history. It was also a very beautiful city with amazing views overlooking the river. Visiting Toledo meant more to me than I could have imagined and I am so happy we were able to go there.”

 

Jolie: “My favorite memory from Castilla y Leon was eating lunch in Paco Diaz’s bodega and singing together afterwards. Paco, Stella, and Daniella all played music and we all sang along. It was such a genuine, sweet moment and is 100% a lasting memory that I will forever cherish.”

 

Darren: “My favorite part of Madrid is the free time we get during the day. Eating lunch and exploring the city was a great way to bond with friends and make new ones. Forming new relationships has been the most meaningful part of my trip.”

 

Scott: “One of the best parts of the trip so far was when we were coming back from Toledo on the train. We were told we need to walk 30 minutes back to our hotel after the first train, but in reality, we had special bikes that we rode through the city.”

 

Max: “Toledo was definitely my favorite city we visited! I’m so sad we were only there for a day. The day started with a cool train ride in a speed train. I had never been on one before so it was a cool experience. Once we arrived in Toledo, we stopped at a hotel that overlooked the city and got a cafe con leche. Over the city, the sight of snowy mountains greeted us. The rest of the our time in Toledo was great because we had free time for lunch and my meal was so good. I can’t wait to hopefully go back in the future!”

 

Nathi: “The most amazing part of the past few days, in my opinion, has been the visit with Paco Diez. We were invited to his bodega for lunch and ended up staying for 4 hours sitting in a circle and singing songs with him. It was really meaningful to hear the echo of 26 high schoolers singing a combination of Jewish melodies and prayers.”

 

Aaron: “My favorite part of these last incredible days in Spain was the flamenco show. As we had a busy day of seeing and shopping in Madrid, seeing a flamenco show was the best way to wrap up the day. I loved seeing the culture and Spanish traditions live as well as learning about them in such an engaged way.”

 

Harry: “My favorite moment in Madrid was the night we spent with members of the local Jewish community. It was extremely interesting to talk to them and hear what it was like living as a Jew in Spain, as well as comparing our experiences.”

 

Ava: “Over the past few days, my most meaningful experience has been visiting Javito’s beautiful house and holding memorial ceremonies with his wife and children in their yard. I had the opportunity to meet Javito two years ago when I came on the Spain program. He was a man who was so incredibly warm and proud of his Judaism. After spending Shabbat with him, he inspired me to continue to be confident and unwavering in my Judaism. After his sudden passing late last year, it was so special to be able to do both the daffodil project and a memorial for October 7th with his family and in his yard that he planned to donate to become a Jewish synagogue. The experience was incredibly powerful and such a special way to remember a special person.”

 

Tahel: “The most meaningful experience for me was when we met some members of the Jewish community in Madrid and cooked and ate Jewish food with them. Sitting with a Jewish women and eating Israeli food in Spain was especially important because of the history of the Jews in Spain.”

 

Blake: “I enjoyed experiencing the different parts of Spain, especially Toledo. During our journey from Madrid to Toledo we took a high speed train. Once we got there we saw the gate where the Jewish people walked through when they were expelled. Once getting to walk through Toledo I realized that they were known for their metal craftsmanship. Knowing this I obviously had to buy a sword. Toledo had to be one of my favorite places we visited throughout the trip and overall it was a great experience.”

 

Mira: “I loved meeting the Jewish people in Madrid. We had a long conversation about the different cultures, and we also learned how to make falafel and got to eat it. It was so fun.”

 

Buenas noches.