It has always been my dream to visit Israel. And when my parents decided they would…
It was 5:30 AM on May 24, 2022, when I waited for my first Birthright Israel group to arrive. It was going to be my first experience as a tour educator. As the young American Jews arrived, I approached each one, shook their hand, and welcomed them with “naim me’od,” Hebrew for “pleased to meet you.” Little did I know then that this was going to be one of the most rewarding ten days of my life.
Our journey of connection to our Jewish identity and to Israel began in Tel Aviv, Israel’s high-tech center but also its first modern-day city (referred to by some as the “first Hebrew city”). On bustling Rothschild Boulevard, amid skyscrapers and renovated Bauhaus buildings, we stood across the Hall of Independence where David Ben Gurion declared Israel’s independence, and we sang the “Hatikvah” Israel’s national anthem — with passers-byers joining in. The vision of a free people in the Jewish State comes alive there.
Our deep dive into our Jewish history and roots began as we continued to Jerusalem, where we walked through the Jewish Quarter, discussed the Jewish people’s 2000-year yearning for Zion, and heard the blowing of the shofar at the Kotel. This was followed by each of us approaching the ancient wall with a note and a prayer. We learned that we live in a special era where we can walk in the paths of our forefathers, and this comes after many years of persecution. At the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, we paid tribute to the six million Jews who perished during the Shoah, and at Mount Herzl we heard the stories of IDF soldiers who fell defending our country. We learned about Jewish bravery and sacrifice in modern times.
During our trip to Masada, atop the breathtaking views of the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert, we re-enacted Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies which drew us closer to feeling part of our great Jewish nation.
But the most special part of all was that in the course of visiting Jewish historical places, deep group discussions of shared experiences, and fun nights out (let’s not forget the delicious shawarma and smoothies), we became a family sharing memories that would last a lifetime. We called ourselves “mispachomies” (an adaptation of “mishpacha,” the Hebrew word for family). Participants from the United States and Canada, Israeli soldiers, madrichim, and myself bonded together in our discovery, re-discovery, and strengthening of our Jewish identity.
Through the camaraderie we built, we came to experience an important Jewish value: the responsibility one Jew has for another — “kol Yisrael areivim zeh la’zeh.” We are all part of one large global community, sharing a great heritage, regardless of where we live, our age, occupation, or the language we speak.
It was truly a privilege and one of the most meaningful times in my life to lead a Birthright Israel trip. It was a wonderful group of young Jewish adults who developed a love for our common heritage that continued to grow side by side with strong bonds formed with one another. If any of my participants are reading this, I thank you my “mishpachomies” for this wonderful opportunity.
