Random Thoughts: Old Friends

Zoom should definitely be the word of 2020. (Though maybe pandemic has a better shot!) Zooming has been a blessing and a curse. A friend of mine (a parent at the school I work at) has posted a lot about zooming and even said it was like Pavlov's dog because whenever she hears the word in any way "mom, I need to get on a Zoom call for school," "mom can you help me with zooming" etc., she automatically goes for the vodka bottle!!! I, however, look at it as a blessing. Without Zoom, I would not have enjoyed Pesach seder with old friends in Boston, calls with even older friends in England, and definitely would not have enjoyed an almost three-hour zoom call with five friends who spent a year in Israel together more than 35 years ago!!

I was fortunate enough to spend a year in Israel after high school on a gap year through FZY (Federation of Zionist Youth - an English, Zionist Youth Movement). This program included working in Ashkelon, spending time on both a Kibbutz (Ketura) and Moshav (Ein Iron). Still, the highlight was the first five months at the Machon L'Madrichei Chutz L'Aretz (Institute for Youth Leaders From Abroad) or as it is just known as - the Machon.

During the five months of study (Ulpan, Jewish History, Modern Israel, Leadership Training and more) young people from all over the world, Britain, USA, Mexico, Germany, France, Australia, Uruguay, Canada, Belgium and I am sure more places!!! all came together to learn and interact on what was a life-changing experience.

After spending an intense time together (most cannot remember what we studied, but all can remember the food fights, the hookups, the evening peulot (programs), the water fights, the parties, and more!), we all went our separate ways. Some of us stayed in touch with each other. Some saw each other over the years, but all dispersed to their own lives and created their own futures. And then along came social media and Zoom.

It started with one person making a Facebook page a Machon 1983-1984 and then came messenger chats and finally Zoom! And yes, a reunion on Zoom is in the works, but six of us got together on Zoom in four different countries to chat! And it was a highlight of all our weeks. After 36 plus years, we were together again, reminiscing, laughing, and catching up over three hours that felt like three minutes! So, yes, Zoom is definitely my word of 2020!

Here is to old friends reconnecting!!