The Plan

When I was 14, my sister took a trip with the March of the Living to Poland, visiting what remains there of the crimes against Jews, Gypsies, Homosexuals, disabled people, and political opponents. It was a genocide that took place nearly 70 years ago, and yet one in which I, as a young Jewish woman am still deeply connected with. At the time, I remember wanting so badly to join my sister, whose experiences I believe ultimately changed her as an individual. Her time spent in Poland (and then in Israel) opened her eyes to the materialism that overtakes our day-to-day lives, and the true importance of faith and family. After returning to the trip, my sister (as I remember it) became crotchety and seemingly distant, and it was probably for that reason that I never had my chance to go on the March of the Living in high school.

Now, older, more mature and hopefully better prepared to experience such a trip, my chance has arrived. This coming August, I will visit Poland and Prague as part of the Holocaust Mini Masters trip hosted by the Jewish Enrichment Center(JEC). Before the trip, I will participate in 8 classes taught by some of New York City's leading rabbis, professors and experts in the subjects of WWII, Holocaust and Film studies. It is an opportunity that I am extremely excited about... and it's one that I don't want to let go to waste.

I already know that my trip will be fun and exciting, yet at times difficult and probably unbearable. But I also know that I will see some things that some of my friends, relatives, and peers might never be able to see in their lives. My goal, before my journey even begins, is to make this trip more than just a trip; I'm looking to bring back to other young people my age the things I learned, and help young adults (of all faiths) find meaning and understanding of themselves, their communities and their futures through the pasts of those who were lost.

(PS - get it? Journey to Remember?)... ha, i knew you guys were smart.

So... alas, The Plan. Upon my return to the States in mid-August, I plan on holding a fundraiser, where I hope to have a panel of speakers, to benefit The Shoah Foundation Inc. (of Steven Spielberg fame). Most people know this organization (founded by Spielberg after the movie Schindler's List) for it's recording of over 52,000 interviews of Holocaust survivors. However, after doing some simple research, I've discovered that the Shoah Foundation is also dedicated to Holocaust education, providing access to a slew of online exhibits, documentaries, classroom tools and other educational services. Their mission seems to go hand in hand with my initiative - to take what I learn on my trip and share it with other young adults in the New York City area.

And there you have it -- that's the plan. Before I head out (and to my first class of 8 I go!), I want to preface this with the fact that I don't know what my classes or trip will be like - the people I will meet, the things I will learn. I'm writing this literally 45 minutes before the class begins, and I'll meet my new trip mates. I'm also writing this all excited and idealistic about my plan to educate my peers on my experiences, and somehow better this world through contributions to a worthy organization.

Upon reading this, you sign my virtual disclaimer! But... for now I'm enjoying the ignorance.

So with that... I officially embark on my Journey to Remember!