By: Benjamin Sigall-Gaynor Bus 23
Despite being in Israel for only a week, I feel a spiritual connection unlike anything else that I have felt before. Throughout my life, Israel is constantly referenced, whether it be in the news, attending the High Holy Days, or studying the Torah. Israel is thought to be the homeland of the Jews, my ancestors, so getting to take just one step in this holy place is quite surreal. I have appreciated connecting with other like-minded Jewish teens and experiencing the Holy Land in a new and interesting way. In the first few days of our trip while we were staying in the desert south of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, I remember feeling awestruck at the historical and geographical immensity and scale of the environments. Learning about both how these incredible landscapes were formed, while simultaneously discovering their historical significance and the stories of those who lived there fully immersed me into the area and its people. I especially enjoyed visiting a Bedouin community and discovering their way of life. It was fascinating to be up close and personal with a way of life that is so vastly different from my own. The Kibbutz that our group stayed at was at the same time peaceful yet lively and full of a palpable sense of energy and communal love. Another moment which stands out to me was being able to touch the Western Wall as it has been referenced throughout my life. Being able to make contact with the wall was more spiritually connecting than I could have imagined. It really planted me in my Jewish roots more.
