Saturday/Shabbat–Some people woke up earlier than others but we all somehow made our way back to the synagogue, Rabbi Dave gave a great class on Free Will and then we ate an amazing lunch in the courtyard, where a lot of us were introduced to chullent- the delicious Jewish meat and potatoes stew. We then walked back to the hotel where most of us lay by the pool, tanned, played frisbee, and just enjoyed each others company. We then obviously ate again and then had the Havdallah ceremony where we all danced and sang and it was amazing. We then went back to our rooms and got dressed for the gala dinner!!! The gala dinner was held in our favorite fancy synagogue where we ate, took group pictures and were merry! We then went back to the hotel for our final picture slideshow and sentimental speeches from those who wished to speak. It was beautiful, everyone spoke how the trip inspired them in ways they never expected and how they were all left with an entirely new realization and image about what Judaism is all about. Then after that I heard some rumors about a toga party but I had passed out….

Thursday*-aka the coolest day so far! SOOOOOOOOOO today we went zip lining and as our dear Zahava wrote in our fabulous itinerary we were Tarzan-ing. This was no ordinary zip lining this was over 4000 feet and had 8 levels it was through the jungle in the most literal sense and was by far the most incredible experience. We were FLYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! flying with a lot of ropes and gadgets hanging from different areas on our bodies but none the less we were flying ON TOP of the jungle. We came back to an incredible lunch and then had free time again! The Rabbis and a bunch of guys started a game of tackle football while others went ATVing for the second time, horseback riding or lazed by the pool …we then came back and had the class we heard so much about THE DISCOVERY SEMINAR, and let me tell you it was everything they said it would be and more , we learned the secrets of the Torah, Bible Codes, a bit of Kabalah and sooo much more, , Rabbi Gavin gave all of us goosebumps!!!OH would you look at the time, I’m sorry I have to go to the hot springs/bar with our awesome group of the coolest 80 new york college students ever.. I know I have a rough life.

Wednesday was off to a great start after a hearty breakfast we loaded the bus and went WHITE WATER RAFTING!!!! Our instructors name was Moses, and he did lead us to the promise land or just another end of the Costa Rican River but we paddled through 8 miles of level three rapids it was really amazing. Barely any of us had water shoes and so when we were done we went squish squish in our sneakers alllllll the way home. We had an awesome lunch of Shepperd’s pie, chicken, guacamole, salad, french fries….and then we had free time, some people went ATVing, some horse back riding, others sat by the pool/bar and enjoyed the Costa Rican rays. We then had a class given by Rabbi Feldhiem on Judaism 101 number 2 where we learned how to have Jew pride followed by dinner and a VERY interesting class given by Rabbi Gavin on The Birds and the Bees and let me tell you this was no nature lecture, we talked about sex, dating, relationships, marriage, and no one was too shy to ask questions. After that everyone ran back to their rooms got decked out and we all went into town and danced/chilled at a bar/club it was quite the party being 93 New York Jews and ten not shy Costa Ricans, the night was a success and you should have seen the looks on the Locals faces when our bus pulled up and their bar went from 100% capacity to 2.
It was a great day and the party did not stop.

When we got back………….

Tuesday– Breakfast was amazing–french toast, fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt, cheeses,..so glad no one missed out. Then Rabbi Z gave a great class on the four misconceptions of Judaism, then we split up into two groups, group COSTA went white water rafting, and group RICA went on hanging bridges through the Tropical Rain forest. The Rain Forest was so beautiful it had just rained and we saw sooo many snakes and monkeys..okay fine, we saw a bird and a monkey but it was pretty cool. Then half the group decided to hide in trees and jump out on the rest of the group giving them minor heart attacks.
We came back to a huge lunch and then had siesta where everyone either napped, went to the pool, sat by the bar/restaurant or went jogging. No one went jogging. Tonight we have the option to climb the volcano, go to the hot springs, or go to a club………stay tunedddddddd

Guess what I’m going to do?

So after our flight was canceled due to a very weak snow storm and a very annoying Laugardia Airport we finally met at three in the morning to begin our journey to COSTA RICA!!!! The long awaited trip we have all been preparing for is finally here! Everyone was surprisingly upbeat for 3 in the AM and even though we got to the airport three hours in advance we barely made our flight. The flights were great we all slept, hung out, got to know who sleeps with their mouths open and who snores, drools and misses their mommy. Then the greatest thing happened!!! WE LANDED IN COSTA RICA. The weather was a perfect 82 degrees and we all made our way to the Hotel Arenal Manoa to meet up with the rest of our group!! As soon as we got to the hotel we were greeted warmly by the rest of the Aish trip and were served fresh fruit, smoothies and other refreshing desserts. We had an hour to unpack, find our rooms and then we had dinner! It was sooo awesome having all 80 students finally together in Costa Rica, the hotel is gorgeous, surrounded by tropical trees, flowers, and mountains. After dinner we had a great quick class and movie on the worlds awareness of how many Jews there are today and then we had the most non akward icebreaker ever which turned into a talent show which turned into an all-out party and we all lived happily ever after until Tuesday…

Sooooooooo we have exactly 83 hours, 14 minutes and 6 seconds until the first flight goes to Costa Ricaaaa… so exciting! As for packing I will probably not start until Saturday night at 2AM.  A few things not to forget: PASSPORT, camera, camera charger, a BIG Memory card 16G’s baby, toothbrush, superawesomeshort socks to wear with my sneakers, bandanna, snack for airplane, Walkman (KIDDING ipod), and a new high-tech poncho, and a fanny pack to match my poncho (kidding again)

This trip is going to be amazing…I never thought I would be traveling to Costa Rica with 80 NY College students and a bunch of cool Rabbis–the best part of the trip is that when it is over I don’t have to say bye to all my new found best friends cuz we are all in New YORK!

This trip is going to be the greatest trip anyone has ever experienced in the history of 80 people going on a group Jew trip to Costa RICAAAAAAAAAAAA!

-Z

Whoever said something is too good to be true, has not experienced an Aish connections trip. Whether it’s the people you meet, the places you see, or just the lectures you listen to, there is definitely something for everybody. Every day is filled with a new adventure of inspiration. Whether you are trying to get in touch with your Judaism, or just have fun, Aish is the place to be.

Friday:

Friday morning was quiet in anticipation for Shabbat to come. The bus ride to the (Western Wall) Kotel before sundown was a suspenseful one. The pre-shabbat concert by Yom Tov Glaser created a very powerful atmosphere. As we walked down the cobbled stone steps toward the Kotel, the intensity became monumental. The sun set and hundreds of our brothers and sisters began to pray, sing, and dance. The electric environment is likely to affect the most hard spirited of people. After the prayer ceremony, everyone left in high spirits, knowing that for that hour or couple of hours they connected with the Infinite in the holiest place in Israel.

Saturday (Shabbat):

Ever wonder what a typical Jewish family in Israel was like? On Saturday everybody from the trip was split into groups and sent off to eat lunch with a family already picked out for them. What was interesting to discover is how people live their lives in Israel on a day to day basis. The family I went to lived a very practical life. One might assume that they live in a constant state of fear, but you would be wrong. They are utterly happy and proud to live in the state of Israel. In fact one of the biggest complaints I got from our hosts during the meal was that they wish Israelis would be less apathetic to the state of Israel.
The day continued with the group gathering together and enjoying another concert followed by Havdalah- A spiritual conclusion to Shabbos. A Diverse group of people from many different programs danced side by side in the celebration of saying farewell to the Shabbos. Saturday night everyone from Aish Connections went out together to town.
Club Constantine was exactly the spot we needed after a highly successful religious experience. Israeli Trans and Techno kept it pumping all night as the Aish group danced until we were physically exhausted. Aish New York took over the club that night as we danced on the stage, on the corridors, and of course the dance floor. A “sick night” by any standards as we drank, partied, laughed, and grew closer and closer. It was a night that will definitely not be forgotten any time soon and could only happen with Aish Connections- New York.

-Rafael Borukhov

I cannot believe it is time to say goodbye. After so many new friendships, memories and good times, it should be illegal to just pick up and go back to our every day usual lives. It just doesn’t feel right to leave!

Slowly, slowly the house is emptying. The madrichot are off shuttling girls to the airport (and yes, there are actual vans this time!) and everyone else is trying fit their stuff back into their suitcases. How did we get it all here to begin with??

Though it is very hard to leave we all know we will keep in touch. To be sure we do so, Donna asked us to write down one of the madrichot we connected with so we can stay in touch and if we’re open to it, even learn together at least once a week!

Thank you Aish Connections for providing each of us Fab Fem girls with such a wonderful, once in a lifetime opportunity! No words can describe how incredible this journey has been for both our personal and spiritual growth. We are forever greatful!

Until the next trip girls…stay fabulous!!

xoxo

Our second Shabbat of the trip was approaching so it was time to teach us women how to bake! Jamie Geller, celebrated author of Quick and Kosher arrived with ingredients and tools in hand, ready to show us how to put together a strawberry shortcake truffle, ambrosia, and chocolate peanut butter pie! We still can’t believe how quick and easy all these desserts were to make and of course how absolutely scrumptious they were!! Jamie was very impressive herself having been a top TV producer at HBO for many shows such as Sex and the City!

After we polished off all of our desserts (did we really?!?) it was time to braid our challahs and bake them! Zahava taught some of us how to do a 6 braided challah while the rest of us stuck to the easier 3 braids or simple roll. Then it was time to bake them and I think in the “prepare for Shabbat state” the Challahs kinda got forgotten in the oven…so lets just say we enjoyed the dough making and braiding part of the experience!

All ready for Shabbat we made our way to our very own Kabbalat Shabbat right here in our Passaic home and sang and danced as we welcomed in Shabbat. Then it was off to the Shachter residence where we enjoyed a delicious Friday night meal! Oneg was next at the home of Devora Kigel and that’s when the fun began! First up were the improv skits. Random girls were selected and given a topic to act out without being able to discuss it beforehand. I must say, we have some VERY funny girls on this trip! Next up was Dating 101 with Devorah which involved many interesting questions and discussions. We all felt so comfortable with Devorah! As midnight approached we packed out and made our way home.

More rested than usual, we awoke to an absolutely gorgeous Shabbat day! The sun was out as we separetly went in groups of 2, 3, and 4’s to family hosts in the Passaic area. We were warmly welcomed with an abudance of delicous home cooked meals. Just as lunch was over it was time to make our way to the Third meal of Shabbat at the home of R’ Greenman. We had a special Q and A with Rabbis Greenman and Goldhar and somehow ended up speaking about such topics as hell, demons, and resurrection of the dead…inspiring indeed!

After a beautiful Havdalah service it was off to prepare for our final banquet. A few hours later we arrived at Aish NY to find the main room beautifully set up for us in black and pink colors with lit candles everywhere. We enjoyed a delicous Thanksgiving dinner (thanks Hilly!), watched a slideshow of our trip (thanks Farah and Rochelle!) and took turns sharing parting words (thanks everyone!) It was a beautiful night filled with many good memories from the trip.

You could tell on the bus ride home that we were all feeling the trip coming to a close. This is our last night together and no one is looking forward to it. Well it’s time to pack but I think we are all managing to do everything else BUT pack. Last minute photos, hugs and stories are making their way around our homes…we don’t wanna go home!!