By Charlie Schulman

This summer, I went to Costa Rica on a B’nai Brith Youth Organization summer adventure trip. I am grateful to the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond for giving me a scholarship toward the program costs. 

I met fellow Jewish teens from across the U.S. and Israel. 

We did almost everything the country had to offer, from zip-lining through mountains to surfing off of Pacific Coast islands. 

We started our journey in the capital city, San José, which we returned to later in the week for Shabbat services at San Jose’s Orthodox synagogue.  We drove from coast to coast, doing activities such as snorkeling, exploring local communities, and doing volunteer service at indigenous communities.

It was an opportunity for me to strengthen my Jewish identity, create lasting friendships, and learn more about Jewish and Costa Rican culture.