By Samantha Sokol

As a New Jerseyan, I consider myself an honorary New Yorker – so I was thrilled when we pulled out of Clarion, PA and headed towards the great New York City. We stopped along the way for a traditional Pennsylvania lunch at the local WaWa. The New Jersey and Pennsylvania kids exposed everyone else to the delights of Wawa sandwiches and milkshakes.

We pulled into NYC, said farewell to our bus, and rushed downtown to our meeting with the American Jewish World Service (AJWS). They described their mission of promoting human rights from a grassroots level in the developing world. I was intrigued by this strategy; I would think that governments or international bodies would support developing countries with funds. Instead, AJWS uses small grassroots organizations to confront poverty, AIDS, clean water scarcity, and a myriad of other problems in the developing world. This strategy made sense to us and we could not help but agree with their philosophy of the Jewish obligation to social justice.

We then headed out to a traditional NY chinese food dinner and to Broadway to see the play “In the Heights”. The musical described the gentrification of a Dominican and Puerto Rican neighborhood in Washington Heights. We not only enjoyed the terrific Spanish and rap music and the comedy but we really understood the theme of gentrification in city neighborhoods. After seeing the effects in Memphis and Los Angeles and in NYC, the theme of “In the Heights” was really relevant to the ideas we have been discussing.

The next day, we left our hotel early and caught the ferry to Ellis Island. Billy took the opportunity to explain to us about our immigrant past. We explored the museum and examined the history of our ancestors, many of whom passed through these doors years ago. We made sure to check out the exhibits on current immigration issues, where we recalled the immigration meetings we previously had in Las Vegas with Senator Reid’s staff. We then hopped back on the ferry and enjoyed a street performance in Battery Park.

searching the database at Ellis Island	Ellis Island museum
watching a street performer in Battery Park

We then headed to explore Wall Street where we discussed the recent economic downturn and the wealth and power that can be had on Wall Street. In contrast, we then took some time for inner reflection as we walked over to Ground Zero. We discussed our own experiences on September 11, 2001, and the effect the attacks had on the country and on our lives.

at the famous bull statue near Wall Street
the 9/11 exhibit in St. Paul's Chapel across from Ground Zero		Jonah speaking to the group at Ground Zero

We then went back to the hotel to get ready for Shabbat and walked down to Bnai Jeshurun on the Upper West Side for services. The Shabbat experience we had was definitely my favorite so far this journey. Bnai Jeshurun’s services were Conservative style but were unique in that there were beautiful musical arrangements with a cello, piano, organ, guitar, and accordion. The music truly filled the sanctuary and we enjoyed the beautiful carvings on the walls. Our experience at Bnai Jeshurun truly exemplified our journey on Etgar 36. After a busy two days, we took time to relax and enjoy Shabbat. On Etgar 36 we learn about the issues that confront our nation and world but also take time to laugh with one another. This balance of work and play really describes our experiences in NYC.