.195 Pauline Kelif Scheiner

I met Pauline at the very end of 2014, in Israel on my Birthright trip with a bunch of other students from college. Pauline was introduced as the guide for our trip, but right away I could tell that she was going to do much more than point out interesting sites. Within minutes, she was connecting with us on a deep and empathetic level while seemingly crafting up ways to make the trip one I’d remember forever.

Over the course of those 10 days, I asked Pauline a lot of questions. She fielded them all graciously and kindly and was always honest and open with me. She has an incredibly unique personality and leadership style that is welcoming, encouraging, and leaves room for laughter, growth and friendship. She has a wonderful sense of humor and was always firing back jokes at me whenever I threw a joke at her, which I adored. Pauline is so intelligent and at every turn she was helping us learn about the landscape, the people, the culture, everything. I always felt comfortable with her as our guide and I knew we were positioned with one of the absolute best in the business. She challenged me in so many ways, too, which I will always appreciate.

Pauline, thank you for playing such an important role in my life during that Israel trip. Thank you for your guidance and expertise, and for your contagious smile and positive energy. Thank you for being honest with me and for always making me laugh. Thank you for seeing us after the trip was over when some of us stayed for a few extra days in Tel Aviv! Thank you for being such a strong, resilient and patient woman - you must be an incredible mother to your kids. Thank you, Pauline, for being you.

-BD