Traveling to Israel has always been special to me. The land, the culture, the food-for a place that's so complicated, it manages to nourish my soul every time I visit. And yet, my most recent trip back was like seeing Israel for the first time--through the eyes of eighth grade students.
I
kvelled
at experiencing this unique place through their perspective, many of whom were visiting Israel for the first time. Witnessing their sheer awe and excitement over so many new moments, observing them connect with this country that is so intertwined with the Jewish narrative, and watching them bond and form strong friendships with one another over their shared experiences can be described in one word: magical.
In March, I accompanied 136 eighth grade students and 50+ staff on the IsraelNow trip. The IsraelNow Education Foundation enabled the program to expand to new cities, and this was the first joint-travel experience. Students from Chicago, Cleveland, Miami, and Rochester, N.Y. traveled together for the program, with a whopping 109 representing the Chicago area--an effort made possible through JUF.
Two years after its last trip and five canceled trips later, IsraelNow--a weeklong immersive experience--finally made it back to the promised land. In addition to visiting standard tour sites, Jerusalem and the Western Wall, Masada, and the Dead Sea, students had the opportunity to take part in some activities more off the beaten track.
A day spent at
Shvil Ha'Salat,
the Salad Trail, taught them about farming in Israel and how Israelis utilize the land to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables. Some visited the Israel Sports Center for the Disabled where they learned how the center supports and empowers those with physical challenges. And others went to Susan's Home, where they witnessed the support and care the organization provides to at-risk youth.
Shabbat met each participant at their comfort zone. Service options included traditional form, a meditative, reflective opportunity, and even a session covering why one isn't in services. The rest of the day was spent in different activities as participants had the opportunity to rejuvenate and continue connecting with their peers. After our last day at Beit Guvrin National Park, partaking in the Dig for a Day Archeological Project, it was time for us to head home.
Observing our last dinner at the hotel before departure was fascinating. These students who had spent 10 days together had truly bonded. At various tables throughout the dining hall, participants were exchanging cell numbers, Instagram and Snapchat handles, and even asking people to sign their journals. It was as though it were the last day of school or camp! With tears in their eyes, students and staff headed for the airport.
On the flight back, I sat next to one young participant. When I asked him how he liked the trip, he gushed. He told me he made new friends, explored cool sites, and hopes to come back to visit soon.
And thank goodness, IsraelNow will also be coming back to Israel soon. The program is gearing up for 2023. It may have taken some time to get back into it, but here's to next year in Jerusalem!
To learn more about JUF IsraelNow Chicago, visit israelnowtrip.org/chicago.
Esther Solooki is Account Manager for Marketing at the Jewish United Fund of Chicago.