Upper School Students Create Lasting Memories During Tiyulim Week
Upper School students traveled near and far during Tiyulim week March 9-13. Students had over 10 Tiyuls to choose from, offering experiences that immersed them in different cultures. They explored ancient traditions, learned new skills, and engaged in authentic experiences through this experiential learning program. Check out some highlights from a few of these exciting trips.
China
The China Tiyul stepped back in time visiting ancient sites such as the Great Wall, where students climbed hundreds of the 1,000 plus steps; five students even reached the top. In a touching moment, two students climbed into a tower and prayed while putting on Tifillin (a pair of black leather boxes containing Hebrew parchment scrolls). They also explored the Forbidden City, a palatial complex which was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and the Summer Palace, which was the imperial garden during in the Qing Dynasty. Hanging out with children from the local elementary school, our students helped them practice their English and played with them. As part of a community service project, students paved the patio of a local family’s home. Other items on their agenda included catching a performance of the Legend of Kung Fu at the Red Theatre, taking a rickshaw ride of Beijing’s ancient Hutongs (alleyways), and going to Tiananmen Square.
“The China Tiyul was absolutely life-changing,” said Eliya Makabeh ’19. “Not only was I able to connect more with the roots and traditions in Chinese history, but I was able to learn more about myself and connect to my Jewish culture across the world.”
Amazon
Students expanded their comfort zones in the Amazon Tiyul, exploring the rainforest on a canopy walkway stretching high above the jungle, taking in spectacular views. They fished for piranhas, went hiking, and boating. Eating breakfast in the company of monkeys and tamarins that hung outside the dining hall, students were up close and personal with the creatures.
Maya Grinstein ’20 marveled at the wildlife she encountered on the trip. Counting pink dolphins, sloths, a boa constrictor, a very rare baby green anaconda, and piranhas among the animals she spied. She shared that one of the most memorable things of the trip was the bioluminescent fungus, which glows in the dark, calling it “magical.” Chaperone Thomas Moran, chair of the English department echoed the sentiment remarking, “The bioluminescent fungus was one of the most breathtaking sights of my life, it was like standing in a sea of stars.” Grinstein was impressed with the trip and some of the foods she tasted, noting, "I ate a piranha, crocodile, and alpaca. Pretty awesome trip."
Rebuilding New Orleans
This group explored the Crescent City and got to know the interesting people that call it home. Service, culture, and fun were the themes of the Tiyul. They visited such sites as the Holocaust Memorial in Woldenberg Riverside Park and observed a moment of silence on Yom Hashoah. Students toured the World War II Museum, took a sunset airboat trip on the Bayou in Des Allemands— some even had the chance to hold baby gators— and toured Tulane University, meeting with the admissions director and lunching with Milken alums. The group repaired houses damaged by Hurricane Katrina with SBP (formerly the St Bernard Project), a non-profit disaster relief organization. Other sites they visited included the levees in the 9thward that failed during Hurricane Katrina, the French Quarter, and the historic Preservation Hall where they took in in a jazz show.
Alexandra Orbach ’20 noted her favorite and most meaningful part of the Tiyul was speaking to Mrs. Watkins, the elderly owner of the house she helped repair. Hearing Watkins’ life story and how she was affected by the natural disasters that plagued the city was very powerful for Orbach. Of her time on the Tiyul and visit to New Orleans, she said, “I was so grateful to be a witness to its beauty and diversity of cultures.” Orbach created and edited a blog on the Tiyul. “The students worked hard, met interesting people, got to know New Orleans and were transformed over 5 days,” said chaperone Wendy Ordower, director of service learning.
Soul Surfing
Surfing and soulfulness were the focus of the Soul Surfing Tiyul. Spending three days on gorgeous Malibu beaches including Surfrider Beach, Carbon Beach, Latigo Beach, Leo Carillo Beach, and two days at Mondos Beach in Ventura, students learned how to ride the waves with the Malibu Surf School. They bonded over spiritual practice sessions, starting each morning with beach yoga, meditation, or tefilla/prayer. At the end of each day, they did a reflection exercise and shared highlights, challenges and exceptional moments of the day. They even took a 5-mile paddleboarding journey through Malibu one day.
Esther & Mordekhai Yadegar Medical
This Tiyul wasn’t for the squeamish. Students had front row seats in the operating room and observed a wide variety of surgical procedures such as brain tumor removal, gastric bypass, and knee replacement surgery. At Palmdale Regional Medical Center, the students observed the procedures, shadowed doctors and nurses, met with the pathology and radiology departments, and visited the emergency room. It wasn’t all work and no play for the students, though. They had the chance to socialize and bond at group dinners, go karting, and at the movies.
Tiyulim week was a great opportunity for students to broaden their experiences, learn new skills, bond with their teachers and classmates outside of the classroom, and have some amazing adventures they won’t soon forget.
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