Hola Moms and Dads! We started our day at Refuot, which is a prgoram developed by Fundacion Tzedaka. This part of the organization organizes donated medicine from companies and individuals to redistribute to people who cannot afford to pay for it themselves. We were given a tour, which introduced us to the people who work for the organization, including pharmasists and volunteers. The rooms were floor to ceiling covered with donations, from diapers to heart medicine. Later, we were separated into two groups, where we sorted boxes of donations. We bonded with the other volunteers, who taught us how to sort the medicine. Despite the fact that the volunteers didn't speak English and our most of our Spanish is subpar, we were able to not only organize the medications, but also discuss the medication. After sorting hundreds of boxes, we were each presented certificates for our work with the organization.

We went back to Hillel Belgrano for lunch and then debreifed with Ieladeinu staff about our experience with volunteering with the organization and also gave suggestions as to how to improve the program for brighter future for the children and the volunteers. The discussion was so heartwarming it brought the Ieladeinu staff to tears. She told us Iladeinu is thinking not only about the present but about the future.

We then went to see what Shira calls the "central park of Buenos Aires," Parque Tres de Febrero. There was a mesmerizing view of beautiful roses, a lake, and a gazebo. We were given free time to walk around the park and explore the beauftiful sights. What a beautfiul backdrop for a rest right before we prepared for Shabbat.

After our rest, we met in the hotel lobby and looking in our Shabbat best. We were given the option to go to either a conservative or orthodox service. We all walked together to the temples and joined the Jewish Argintians in prayer. At the spirited conservative service, there was an amazing liveliness of the people, who danced and sang as the talented band played the piano, bongo drums, and flute. It was an opportunity where we were able to all come together though the common bond of the well-known Hebrew songs and prayers. The service was unique in that the community embraced the younger members and allowed babies and young children to be part of the service, instead of putting them in a daycare room. To top it all off, Jake recognized his rabbi who traveled all the way from the San Francisco bay area to attend this service. What a small world?!!!!? At the Orthdox service, it was more of a community gathering whereas in the US people feel obligated to go as of a duty. For some people who have never been to such a service, it was an eye-opener. The community was very welcoming itself, accepting people of other religions. Following services, we walked to Hillel as a group and had a Shabbat dinner. Yum!

We departed Hillel and cabbed to a tango show in Palermo. The club was filled with people from a variety of ages. They definitely proved to us that Argentinians really are FIERCE on the dance floor! Exhausted from all of the activities of the day, we returned back to the hotel. We can't wait for Saturday's Purim party! Maybe we will showcase our new tango moves on the Hillel dance floor!

THATS ALL FOR NOW! VIVA BUENOS AIRES! ADIOS!

-Addi, Sophie and Natalie