Andrea Freier
June 05 Seminar


The Melton seminar was my fourth trip to Israel. Each visit has been wonderful but this seminar was exceptional. Coming with the background of our classroom knowledge created a new lens through which to process information.
My perspective was totally different this time and I tried to put what we were learning into both an historic and ethical perspective. Our guide was brilliant, brimming with knowledge and passion, desperate to make us see with new eyes. Our group connected in a unique way and by the end of trip our bus was more like extended family than disjointed participants. This relationship that bloomed between us had much to do with the rich experience that we all had. I can't point to a single experience that was the most memorable because each day was in and of itself a pinnacle. At night, I had intended to journal. Unfortunately, my head was spinning by then and I never did. But my notes from the days and the conversations with participants have made much of what we learned and experienced a permanent part of my being.

During my second visit, I did some cave crawling with the college counselors
from the Kefiada camp in Kiryat Gat. In addition to the physical accomplishment, I was thrilled to be able to put the caves into historical
perspective and understand their importance. Before Melton, the Bar Kochba
revolt would have meant little to me. But, as I crawled through some of the
very caves that were used in this revolt, I couldn't help but feel transported in time.

I know that I will be a better classroom teacher because of this experience.
I have not only more knowledge to share with the students but a renewed
passion for the importance of conveying the spirit and passion of the people
and the land of Israel. I feel a responsibility to help everyone I touch
understand that Israel is our land and Israelis are our people. And, I feel
compelled to be a story teller of the Jewish Narrative.

If I am a little disjointed, I blame jet lag. If I am a lot disjointed, it must be because simple words can not do justice to so complex an experience. I have learned how much there is to learn and how little I really know. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to study with colleagues and experience the Israel seminar - it has truly changed my life.

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