The Power of Shared Experience

By Bailey Pollack

Coming to Israel I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve always heard stories about the constant warfare in and around Israel but I never worried too much because I’ve never personally been seriously affected by the conflict. However, now that I’ve come here during reasonably quiet but still unsettling times, I was honestly more than a little nervous. I’ve been lucky enough to experience many of the wonders of this amazing country while still feeling secure and safe. My friendships I made before this trip have strengthened as well as making many new friends which I would never have expected to happen, but now I couldn’t live without. Having this shared experience with a roller coaster of ups and downs have made this group even closer and more connected than ever before. It’s a little bittersweet knowing I have to say goodbye in only a week. Unfortunately, many of us are at the end of our high school years and will be moving on to college and other pathways making it harder to connect. But, hopefully after this experience we will continue to stay in touch and stay close for the years to come.

The Blessing over the Children of Israel on Shabbat. 

The Blessing over the Children of Israel on Shabbat.  יְבָרֶכְךָ יְיָ וְיִשְׁמְרֶֽךָ. יָאֵר יְיָ פָּנָיו אֵלֶֽיךָ וִיחֻנֶּֽךָּ. יִשָּׂא יְיָ פָּנָיו אֵלֶֽיךָ, וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם. Y'varechecha Adonai v'yish'm'recha. Ya-er Adonai panav eilecha vichuneka. Yisa Adonai panav...

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Last Shabbat in Israel

Last Shabbat in Israel

Dear Families of Yallah! Israel, As we arrive at our last Shabbat in Israel, it feels like time has flown by. On the one hand, it seems like the days have sped past, while on the other, even last Sunday feels far away given the wealth of experiences we've packed into...

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A Journey of Heart and History

A Journey of Heart and History

Written by Ben Plancey, Yallah! 2024 Participant The past couple of days have been both serious and fun. Yesterday, we visited a hospital home called “Save a Child’s Heart,” where we learned about the help the organization provides to children from all over the world...

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