For the last four weeks these teens have been living in an environment where the dominant culture is Jewish. Israel is a unique country because the national language is a Jewish language – Hebrew. The overall rhythm of time is Jewish because each day of the week is named according to its relationship with Shabbat.

Last week in the Chavaya, Gadna, I spent 4 days learning what it meant to be part of the IDF. Every Israeli teenager has to join the IDF when they turn 18, and as a 16 year old I was given a small taste of their reality.

I want to cry and be sad, but part of me doesn’t feel that way. When I think of home some piece of me, a piece I don’t want to admit, is happy. I love many things about NYC and I don’t feel wrong to miss it, but I don’t want to. I would stay with the Eisner people here until the end of time, creating new stories and memories each and every day, but I know that can’t happen.

By Morgan Gitlitz, Sci-Tech Israel Participant, Bus 12 There are so many places to visit, both historical, informational and beautiful. You can travel with a group and make memories with friends from all different backgrounds There is REALLY good food to try all over!...