As a 98.9% Ashkenazi Jewish individual growing up in Los Angeles, I always felt a connection to my culture and religion. From attending reform Jewish ceremonies within my family to spending summers at a Jewish sleepaway camp in Malibu, my exposure to Israel was limited to what I learned from others. However, as life got busier with sports and college, I lost touch with my religion. That’s when I remembered the incredible opportunity my dad, brother, and sister had already experienced: Israel.

From the moment I set foot in Israel, I knew my Birthright Israel trip would be a life-changing experience. For ten days, I stepped away from my everyday reality of an 8-to-5 job and immersed myself in the country I had dreamt of visiting for as long as I could remember. The journey began with three days in a Kibbutz, where I not only got to know my fellow participants but also explored the ancient city of Tel Dan and enjoyed an exhilarating river rafting experience by Kfar Blum.

Tzfat

Next, we made our way to the enchanting city of Tzfat. Here, I had the opportunity to reconnect with my brother, who had chosen to make Israel his home. Seeing him flourish in this environment, fully embracing our religion and forming new connections, deepened my understanding of his decision. Witnessing the abundance of vegan and kosher options available and the joy he radiated while living in Israel made me appreciate the reasons behind his choice on a whole new level.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem, the heart of Israel, awaited us with its rich history and vibrant energy. Meeting Israeli soldiers and making friends who shared our interests and were close to our age added an extraordinary dimension to our Birthright Israel experience. Learning about their upbringings and the similarities and differences between our cultures was an eye-opening experience, and I left with a group of friends I hope to meet again someday.

Western Wall

Visiting the Western Wall for the first time was nothing short of surreal. The sheer power and overwhelming emotions emanating from this ancient structure were indescribable. Hearing stories from my grandmother about her own visit to the wall, where she wrote her prayers on paper and placed them within its cracks, added a personal connection to the history and significance of this place. Observing the diverse ways in which individuals prayed, sang, and engaged with the wall was a mesmerizing sight that further deepened my appreciation for this sacred site.

Yad Vashem

One of the most impactful and emotional moments of the trip was our visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. In the limited time we had, our guide managed to convey the enormity of the Holocaust and the countless lives that were affected. The museum’s ability to humanize the victims and survivors through personal stories left a lasting impression on me. It made me realize the profound impact that even a single individual or family can have on history. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have witnessed and absorbed the weight of this tragic chapter in human history.

Shabbat

Experiencing Shabbat in Jerusalem was a revelation. The bustling atmosphere leading up to sundown on Friday transformed into a tranquil and peaceful city as families gathered to observe this sacred time. The contrast between the lively streets and the silent, empty roads during our walk back from the Western Wall to the hotel perfectly encapsulated the value of Shabbat. As someone who hadn’t regularly celebrated Shabbat at home, this experience provided me with a new perspective and appreciation for the tradition.

More Breathtaking Experiences

The remaining days of our journey were filled with a multitude of breathtaking experiences. From exploring Mount Herzl and its significance in Israeli history to immersing ourselves in Bedouin culture at a desert campsite, every moment was filled with wonder and discovery. Jeep tours through rugged terrain, floating in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, and ascending the legendary Masada Mountain all contributed to a deepening connection with the land of Israel.

As our journey concluded in vibrant Tel Aviv, I couldn’t help but reflect on the whirlwind of experiences and emotions that Birthright Israel had brought into my life. From the captivating history and spirituality of Jerusalem to the modern and bustling city of Tel Aviv, Israel has shown me its many facets.

At the closing session, surrounded by newfound friends and fellow travelers, I realized that Birthright Israel had provided me with so much more than just a chance to explore a foreign land. It had rekindled my connection to my Jewish roots, offered a deeper understanding of Israel’s history and significance, and opened my eyes to the incredible diversity of Jewish experiences around the world.

As I pen down this post, I am filled with gratitude for the unforgettable journey I embarked upon through Birthright Israel. The memories I made have shaped my perspective on Israel, my Jewish heritage, and the world around me. Birthright Israel has not only given me a sense of belonging to a larger community but has also ignited a desire to further explore my roots and contribute to the ongoing narrative of the Jewish people.

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