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Truly-Alternative Spring Breaks

By Hannah Klegon, ISJL Education Fellow

It's almost time for Spring Break, and there are so many opportunities for you to spend your time away from school doing something good. Whether that is volunteering, going on vacation, or spending your spring break learning, there are many chances to do all of these wonderful activities. Here are a few ideas to make your spring break fantastic!
 
Destroying Homes
Ever heard of Habitat for Humanity? Do you want to get away from all your home-building friends for spring break? Check out this cool new opportunity! For people looking for an alternative spring break, instead of building homes, you can destroy them! With this program, you will volunteer—along with other do-gooders—to destroy perfectly sturdy homes. Strap on that tool belt, bring your hammer and nails, because you are about to get your hands dirty. From the foundation to the roof, it is all coming down.
 
ISSB: In School Spring Break
Let’s keep the school-times rolling. Why bother with a spring break, when you can have an ISSB, an In School Spring Break? Some feel like they need to come up for air and get a break from school for a week. Not you! All that practice swimming in grandma’s pool has come in handy, because you can hold your breath for so long you don’t need a break from school. Unwind? Relax? No thanks. You’re powering through! Your new spring break is spent behind your desk with your nose in the books. Bring on the school!
 
Meat Packing Factory
Ever wonder how sausage is made? Sure, it’s delicious in its collagen encasing, but what makes it so great? Why not learn about it during spring break!? Take your students to a week-long retreat at one of the most beautiful meat packing factories in America. They’ll get to see the whole process—from naming their cow, to chewing on it. Talk about a hands-on experience! They’ll use every part of their cuddly little friend to learn what farm to table truly means. For an extra cost, you can even help to feed, hunt, and kill other animals of your choosing. What could be more fun! (Bonus points if it’s a kosher factory with a certified shochet [ritual butcher].)
 
Beach getaway in the Bermuda Triangle
You know the song, “Wherever you go, there’s always someone Jewish”? That’s true about many places. But if you’re wanting an escape from your fellow congregants, plan a possible one-way ticket to the underrated and absolutely gorgeous Bermuda Triangle. Instead of the crowded Florida beaches, or the long lines at the ice cream parlor, take a different angle to your spring break! At the Triangle, you can enjoy the secluded beaches, the beautiful scenery, and learn the cryptic ways of the ocean. Sit on the beach and watch as planes and ships mysteriously disappear. It’s truly a sight to see. You’ll never want to leave, and that’s good, because you might not be able to leave. 

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