The Mandel JCC Playmakers Youth Theatre trip to Israel was four years in the making. The idea was to give young performers the unique opportunity to see theater, music and dance through an Israeli lens in order to inspire a brand new connection to Israel and to Judaism for our Jewish teens who share a love for the performing arts.
Sheri Gross
The sights, sounds and smells of Israel have been lingering in the back of my mind since my first trip 25 years ago. Every time I return to Israel, those sights, sounds and smells jump to the forefront and carry me through each visit. This trip was different. I wasn’t experiencing Israel through my own senses, but through the eyes of 12 teenagers on a trip of a lifetime.
The Mandel JCC Playmakers Youth Theatre trip to Israel was four years in the making. The idea was to give young performers the unique opportunity to see theater, music and dance through an Israeli lens in order to inspire a brand new connection to Israel and to Judaism for our Jewish teens who share a love for the performing arts.
During the trip, our Jewish teens would immerse themselves in Israeli cultural and performing arts by touring the country while attending plays, musicals, and concerts. In addition, they would participate in tours and workshops with artists, igniting a spark within themselves to take their own performing to a new level. They would also meet and form bonds with Israeli teens who share a common love of performing which will further connect them to Israel.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Ido Medan and JCC Maccabi Israel, this “idea” became a reality. Ido managed to create the most innovative and impactful itinerary, and he always made it clear that he was just an e-mail or phone call away during the entire process. Ido and the staff were incredibly hospitable throughout our trip! We were greeted with pastries and other treats when we arrived. They joined us at many of our events and always checked in which made us feel safe and welcome. I can’t say enough about working with them and the entire JCC Israel Center.
It was a lofty mission, but after years of analyzing dates, age groups, fundraising options, partners in Israel and types of itinerary, we were ready! We were lucky to have JCC Maccabi Israel and JCC Israel Center staff to work so closely with us, creating a very special trip. We spent several months discussing packing lists, itinerary changes, security issues, and engaging in team building and Israel education pre-trip activities. But even with all of this preparation, we could never have predicted how successful this trip would be. And for nine days we kept saying that words on paper and two-dimensional pictures will never come close to bringing those sights, sounds and smells of Israel to life.
Here is what some of our teens have to say:
“Not only has this trip changed my views about Israel, but it has enhanced my theatre experiences, friendships, and connection to Judaism. I gained closer or new connections with theatre-loving teens, from Cleveland or Israel. I learned more about the history and future of Israel. But most importantly, I had the time of my life on a trip that I hope will continue throughout Playmakers history.” –Zachary Nosanchuk, 10th grade.
“We met the Beit Shean teens and instantly hit it off. You would have thought that we had all been friends for several years. It is amazing how much we had in common and how we instantly connected and bonded. The language and cultural barriers melted away, and by the end of our time together, we became a family.” Jennifer Stovsky, 10th grade.
“Out of the Wind was a completely silent show. The actors were either blind, or both deaf and blind! One of the most powerful moments was a meet-and-greet with the cast, and I got the chance to sign a little bit in American Sign Language with one of the actors. This was truly a once in a lifetime experience.” Eliza Kammer, 12th grade.
“Hair was the most amazing musical I’ve ever seen… and it was in Hebrew! It was the coolest opportunity a theater teen from Cleveland could experience. It was amazing to see how theater works in a different country!” Sami Zawatsky, 10th grade.
“We got to explore the world of theater in a whole new way in a whole new country. This trip is something I won’t forget. I learned so much about theater and the fact that I got to share the experience with some of my closest friends who share that same passion really made it so much more special.” Kayla Soclof, 9th grade.
“I have had two incredible trips to Israel, both completely different, showing me totally different aspects of the country and the culture. This trip meant so much to me that it solidified my desire to spend a gap year in Israel. I can’t wait to go back!” Alexis Gross, 10th grade.
“How lucky and blessed I am to have gotten to travel the world with my best friends and learn so much. The feeling of being in Israel, knowing you’re surrounded by the love of the people you’re with, and the beauty of the country, is truly incredible. The instant connection we made with the Beit Shean kids was one of the most amazing things that I’ve ever experienced. This was a once in a lifetime experience I will never ever forget.” Suzanne Berman, 11th grade.
At the lowest end of the spectrum, this amazing trip was unforgettable. At the highest end, the Playmakers Youth Theatre trip to Israel was life changing.
*Hebrew for great, cool, all right. A general expression of thumbs-up all around.
Sheri Gross is director of the Beachwood Mandel JCC’s Playmakers Youth Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio. For more photos from the trip, check out the Playmakers Facebook page. For more information about creating a special interest trip for your JCC’s teens contact Ido Medan-David.
Reader Interactions