It has always been my dream to visit Israel. And when my parents decided they would…
My name is Jordy Goldstein, and I am a junior at Kent State University with a major in human development and family studies. I have loved traveling ever since I can remember. Throughout high school, I took every opportunity to travel, which was amazing. Everything always felt like a vacation. I honestly never knew one trip could change my life so much until I went on Birthright Israel.
Arriving Home
The second I stepped off the plane in Israel, it didn’t feel like I was on vacation. It felt like I had just arrived home. I honestly didn’t think I would go on Birthright Israel until one of my best friends convinced me to sign up. One day she was telling me about how she was going, and there were not many spots left, and on a whim, I decided to sign up too.
I grew up hearing about Birthright, and I knew a ton of people who went on it, yet since I did not grow up super religious, I didn’t know if the experience was for me. My Jewish upbringing was made full by my summer camp, Beber. I loved going there, it felt like my second home, and it really connected me to my Judaism, so I was hoping Birthright Israel would do the same for me since I would be surrounded by more Jewish people my age.
What It Means to Be Jewish
Before going to Israel, I didn’t have many preconceived notions about the country other than being told I would fall in love with the Jewish homeland. It was an amazing place to be, and this couldn’t be more true. Since coming home from the trip, I have been more involved in my Jewish life. I have attended Kent State’s Hillel more and have been figuring out more about what being Jewish means to me.
My Biggest Takeaway from Birthright Israel
My biggest takeaway from this trip was that everyone can be Jewish in many different ways. All that matters is what it means to them. I truly cannot thank the people who make Birthright Israel happen enough. It has truly changed my life to the point where I have been considering making Aliyah after hopefully studying abroad in Israel.
Thank you, Birthright Israel Foundation, and thank you, Israel — you have truly changed my life for the better.
