Dialogue with the Dark

Dialogue with the Dark is always a highlight of the trip. Students spend over an hour in simulated darkness. They need to ride on a boat, cross the street, shop in a market and buy a snack while not seeing. Their tour guide is blind or vision impaired. Listen to what they have to say upon finishing this “eye opening” experience.

Esther Raskin – I knew that one can’t see but, I did not think about day to day activities and did not think about that perspectives I feel more confident now.

Esther Cowen – It is crazy to understand what people go through. I give Galit, our guide, so much credit for raising children and going about her life like everyone else. I appreciate people that take time to help others and understand what they are going through.

Elana Stiefel – I felt weird. I did not know where I was going and my eyes were open. Every place was a new experience, even things I already knew how to do.

Ora Attias– I felt I was doing something I’ve thought about, but never experienced. I appreciate my eyes – I did not know if I would fall or get hit by a car. I felt I knew what things would look like.

Shaina Skoglund– These people never experience the world the way I do. I appreciate the world the way I experience it. It did not feel scary since I had images and could picture them. Blind people need to figure it out on their own. Some rooms felt different and it was hard to make decisions.

Rochel Wolvovsky – I had to learn everything before I could do it. There were interesting feelings. I appreciate that I can trust my next step

Nitzan Ovadia – It surprised me how our senses are so sharp. Crossing the street made me scared even though I know how to do it.

Shmuly Gottlieb – It was strange feeling things in my hands especially food – all the apples felt different and you can’t always tell what it is.

Schneur Helfen– It was interesting and I kept my eyes open. It was weird seeing black and the sensation of darkness. Feeling allowed me to picture what it is since I can see.  I went on the bike since I could imagine myself on a bike

Meir Cohen – It was very different  and I appreciate my sight.

Ben Stein -I felt vulnerable and then became more confident. My first instinct was to touch things. I appreciate my ability to see -seeing nothing is scary.

Chanan Gesin – It was an eye-opening experience. It was challenging to move in what I thought was a hallway and I imagined things that weren’t there. I closed and opened my eyes – and there was no difference.