Our recent Teen Trip to Berlin was an incredible journey filled with inspiration and hope. Two of our teens and I returned home deeply moved by the experience. Throughout our time in Berlin, we delved into the city’s history and Jewish culture, which left a lasting impact on all of us.

From the moment we arrived until we departed, our teens immersed themselves in the rich tapestry of Berlin’s past. We shared in the Shabbat Service at the Neue Synagogue, explored the former Jewish quarter, reflected on the history of the Wannsee Conference, and contemplated the significance of the Holocaust memorial. These experiences opened conversations about identity and the history of reform Judaism, fostering a sense of safety for our teens to ask questions and explore their heritage.

Traveling with 28 other teens provided a supportive environment where we could work through any discomfort together, making the trip even more meaningful. It was inspiring to see our teens engage with the history and culture of Berlin, whether it was sleeping on the bus between sites or ordering dinner in German. Their willingness to share their Jewish perspectives at the Abraham Geiger Rabbinical School demonstrated their curiosity and resilience.

In today’s challenging climate, witnessing our teens transform academic challenges into opportunities for growth was truly refreshing. As we returned to New York, we couldn’t help but feel grateful to our teens and their families for entrusting us with this invaluable experience. Blending the old and modern aspects of Berlin was priceless, and the growth we witnessed speaks for itself.

We are excited to continue this journey with our teens later this year, as we have a number of upcoming immersive travel experiences planned. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to nurture their growth and understanding. If you or your teen would like to learn more about our upcoming trips to Israel, Arizona or Washington, DC, please reach out to me at . We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next!

For more information about all teen and family trips with Temple Emanu-El, please visit our immersive trips webpage: https://www.emanuelnyc.org/school/immersive-trips/