It has always been my dream to visit Israel. And when my parents decided they would…
Growing up, my family practiced Reform Judaism. I went to Sunday school and Hebrew school, attended high holiday services and observed other Jewish traditions. I have fond memories of dropping ping pong balls from the top of the staircase with my cousins. At the same time, we acted out the ten plagues during the Passover seder, going apple picking to get the freshest apples to pair with honey for Rosh Hashanah and lighting the Hanukkah candles each year on a little glitter-dusted wooden menorah I painted back in preschool.
Judaism has always been an important part of my identity, family, and values. I didn’t realize quite how much until I left home.
I was lucky to attend a high school with a significant Jewish population, so a strong community surrounded me. We had school off for Jewish holidays, and I could connect with many of my classmates easily because of our shared values.
When I came to college, things were different. I wasn’t surrounded by that community by default anymore; I had to seek it out. The way I expressed and engaged with my Jewish identity transformed. In this transition, I was so grateful to find warmth in the Jewish community at Hillel. When I heard about the opportunity to go on Birthright Israel, I immediately signed up.
I had been to Israel before with my family when I was 12, but going at age 20 with a new perspective was amazing. I was filled with appreciation and gratitude for everything: for the old limestone of Jerusalem, the colorful chaos of the shuk, and the straightforward yet open-hearted personalities of the Israelis. Exploring the country with other young people who were also experiencing it without their families was extremely meaningful. Even though we came from different hometowns, varying levels of religious observance, and unique life experiences, we had a common desire to immerse ourselves in our Jewish culture, bringing us deeply together.
A Favorite Moment on Birthright Israel
One of my favorite moments, one that made me feel like, “this is what I came here for; this is why I signed up for Birthright Israel,” happened while we were at the Bedouin tents.
It had been a long day: we had struggled through a tough hike up and down Masada, immersing ourselves in the history and taking in the incredible views. We joyfully discovered the magic of the Dead Sea, collecting crystallized salt rocks and floating in circles. By the time we arrived at the Bedouin tents to ride the camels, we were exhausted. This day was full of adventure and excitement, but for me, the moment came when we gathered around the campfire.
Growing up, sitting around the campfire has always been associated with familiar music, the beautiful outdoors, and the people I love. I’d spent years around them at my overnight camp and with my family in our backyard. The setting symbolizes comfort, reflection, gratitude, and warm feelings.
This night was no different— and it amplified those feelings even more.
Hearing everyone’s voices come together to sing the Hanukkah blessings and dreidel song made me realize how wonderful of a community I’d become a part of through this Birthright Israel trip. Watching the Hanukkah candles glimmering behind the crackling fire, I was awed by the Jewish connection we all shared that led us to that moment and brought us so close together. I will never forget the deep feelings of connectedness, spirituality, and warmth I felt.
It was a privilege (and a blast) to go on Birthright Israel, and I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything. The people I met and the places we went to will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope every young Jewish adult has the opportunity to experience it as well.
More About Ariana
My name is Ariana Goldstein, and I was born and raised in Highland Park, Illinois. I am currently a junior at the University of Southern California, where I’m studying Computer Engineering and Computer Science with a minor in Mobile App Development. Outside of school, I go on backpacking and hiking trips with SC Outfitters and lead incoming freshmen at Hillel. I am also a TA and play on the club field hockey team.
Inspired by my experiences with the gender gap in STEM, I organize an annual tech conference called GirlCon to empower girls to pursue technology. I love long-distance running, weightlifting, cooking new recipes, hanging out with family and friends, art, and music.
