Dear Friends,
Last week, the Diller Teen Fellows traveled to Spain for our summer seminar, embarking on an enriching journey through Andalusia. During our time there, the Fellows delved into the golden age of Jewish life in Spain and the somber history of the Spanish Inquisition. It was a profound experience, bringing hundreds of Jewish youths back to Spain, many tracing their familial roots to the very towns we visited.
Our journey included visits to iconic sites such as the Alhambra Palace, the Mezquita, and the Jewish quarter of Cordoba. These historic places provided a backdrop for learning and reflection. The Fellows also had the unique opportunity to meet peers from all over the world, broadening their perspectives and building international friendships.
Our Philly teens participated in content units that explored the impact of recent events on Jewish life. They engaged in deep discussions and heard firsthand stories from peers living in areas directly affected by the war. They grappled with questions like, “What responsibility does Israel have in supporting Jews in the diaspora?” and “Should Jews in the diaspora be able to influence the social and political realities in Israel?” These conversations were pivotal in helping the Fellows understand the complexities of global Jewish responsibility and identity.
The Spain Summer Seminar was truly memorable for our Fellows. We spent our last day reflecting on our Diller year under the beautiful Spanish setting sun. The Fellows shared that they consider their Diller friends as family, feel more confident in themselves, and never imagined that Jewish learning and exploring their Jewish identities could be so fulfilling and enjoyable.
I am incredibly proud of the 20 Philly Fellows who will be graduating in September. They are well-equipped to make a positive impact on our world.
Shabbat Shalom,
Darren
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