Diller 8 Self-Management Shabbaton

 

After weeks or hard work and planning, Diller 8 embarked on our first self-management experience. The weekend began with the content committee leading us in an activity coloring puzzle pieces and writing about ourselves on flowers before Shabbat began. Then, the Shabbat spirit committee took over and led a wonderful service before leading us in some fun Shabbat games. Later that night, we had a discussion about leadership and it was really interesting to see how each of my fellow Dillers saw the same leader. The next day was filled with meaningful activities about community, which was the narrative for the weekend. In the afternoon, we had a self-defense class led by Ben! After Ma'agal, we had a neon party in the conference room-fog machines were involved.

We were all completely exhausted by the end of the night, but our final day had more in store. The next morning, we added more to our puzzle pieces as a way to reflect on our weekend. Then, we had to put them together to reveal the hidden image:

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We then had a yoga class where we made Hebrew letters using our bodies before giving feedback about the weekend. Then came NAS planning! We got into our new committees and got even more excited for the Israelis to come. Overall, it was a great weekend and it made me so much more excited to move along in our journey.

 

-Rachel Malaga

 

Celebrating Tu B'shevat and Dropping some beats!

            The latest Diller 8 workshop can best be summarized by one word: Swag. The morning started out with an intimate Tu B’Shevat Seder. The Dillers feasted on an array of different foods from a tree, ranging from pineapples to chocolate covered pomegranate. Amanda recommended trying dried dates to the courageous Dillers, and those who tried it were rewarded with a delicious taste. As the Seder progressed, each Diller shared new ideas as to how to protect the environment. The theme of preserving the environment is very important to Diller 8, dating back to Tikun Olam committee’s first water bottle challenge. As the Seder drew to a close, the birthday committee began preparing their activity. The committee brought out a piñata with the intention of picking candy up off the ground just as one should pick trash up off the ground.

            Lunch followed soon after. During lunch a few of the Dillers may have noticed two men unknown to them before today poke their head through the door. Unknown at the time, but these two men were Matt and Emmanuel from “Bible Raps” here to inspire the Dillers to write their very own rap song. Sitting in a circle, the Dillers were skeptical at first that they would actually be able to create their own rap. All doubt went away when Matt showed off his demo, ushering in the new phrase, “I’m not white I’m Jewish!” Inspired by this line of poetic masterpiece, the Dillers broke off in different groups to begin writing the rap. Emmanuel took a group of five to create the beat while the rest broke into teams of four to brainstorm lyrics. All of the groups started off slow at first but once the first line was written, there was no stopping. It felt like it had just started when Matt called everyone saying it was time to record the rap. Gathered back together as one, Emmanuel began to lay down the beat as all stars Lilly, Lex, and company began spitting out their lyrics. With Ethan filming for the music video, the remaining Dillers formed a mob around the rappers bobbing their heads, pumping their fists, and occasionally breaking out into a little YMCA action. After the rappers finished spitting their fire, it was time for the entire group to record the chorus. Everyone sang out a repetition of “Diller Teens… Diller Teens,” with the occasional out bust of federation and pluralism. With all parts of the rap finished, the day finally began to wind down. Noticing the clock for the first time all day, the Dillers realized that their time together was just about over. They said their goodbyes and left with a feeling of excitement to hear the final product of the rap, which can be heard in the link below.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdesPyvuCaQ

 

-Adam Lorimer