Jillian Blumberg

So I have been home from Israel for over 2 weeks now, and I miss it just as much as I did when we landed in America. I can't stop looking through the pictures from the trip, and I really cannot stop talking about it either. I got a ring at a jewelry store called Hadaya, in Jerusalem that says "Follow your heart and you will go far" around it in hebrew. I put it on as soon as I got it and have not taken it off since. I also still keep in touch with all of the amazing people I met on this trip. I also have realized how much more connected I am with Judaism after going to Israel and this trip has opened my eyes to what it means to be a Jew. I am trying so hard to recruit people so I experience Israel all over again. This was definitely a life changing experience and I miss it more than anything. I will never forget this trip and the people that I shared it with. We are all having a reunion this weekend that I am driving 4 1/2 hours for because I miss everyone so much! I cannot wait to see everyone. Mayanot 303

(I also talked to my dog in Hebrew, so that must mean I need to go back to Israel very soon!)

Matt Weinstein

It’s been a little over a week now since we left Israel, and my body is just starting to catch up on sleep. Although it feels good to be in my own bed again and return to my studies, I would give anything to be back in Israel.  For some reason I felt different there, it was like I was a different person altogether. Coming into the trip I had no expectations, and was not sure I would connect to this land on a spiritual level.  I did not have that connection for the first few days, but once we visited Tsfat that all changed.  Tsfat had that essence in the air that is indescribable. I think the best way I can attempt to even explain it is that it made me warm inside (even though it was freezing and raining) and my heart began to beat harder.  This was especially true after jumping in the mikva, a natural pool of water that is supposed to cleanse your soul. 

Since being back in the United States, things have not been the same. I am having a great semester and am enjoying being back with my home friends, but everyday I think about Israel and wish I was back there.  I made closer friends in those ten days than I have in ten years with other people in my life.  I can’t wait to see everyone again for the reunion and continue our sbaba time!!  I LOVE YOU MAYANOT 303!!

Jenna (26)

Ive been back for a little over a week now and not an hour goes by that I don't think back to my wonderful experiences in Israel. Beyond thanking Birthright in general I was to throw a thanks out to our amazing staff. Without them my trip would not have been the same.

Rabbi- You were always there to tell us stories, jokes, and answer any questions we could through at you.
Beni- You are one of the most knowledgeable men I have met and I thank you for teaching me so much about Israel. I also got to hear about your family and seeing all your ninja skills.
Alexis- You got us all to start talking to each other and became friends with right away. I have so many fun memories of you.
Karen- You kept us safe at the bars and anywhere we went. You also go to know each of us and had a crazy time singing and dancing and fooling around with us. I am so glad I have you as a new friend.
AIdel- You were our mom, and my friend. I had such a good time getting to know you. You always took care of us when we needed it and listened to our non sense. And you taught us new songs and words that I will keep with me forever.

I also want to throw a thank you out to the soldiers. I didn't get to know all of you but the ones that I did I will never forget. I am so proud to have friends who do such meaningful things with their lives. Learning about your lives and how they are so different and also so similar to ours was a great experience.

Last but not least Im thanking the 38 wonderful people I got to spend 10 days with. I made some great friends who I cant wait to see again (I'm counting down the days). I miss my silly roommates, dancing on the bus, singing Waving Flag, screaming 303, 42, walk the walk/talk the talk, and of course, our countdown.

I miss you all,
26-Jenna

Alex's Video

Chelsea

Chelsea

This trip has by far been the most amazing experience of my life. I have learned so much about what it means to be Jewish. Most importantly, I learned that being Jewish is different for every person. Coming from a not very religious household, I was nervous to come on the trip because I thought that I would be lost from the lack of a Jewish education. Luckily, I was blessed to be put in to a group of amazing and welcoming people. Last night Benni took us out to explore the desert. I found it strange that he would not allow us to use flashlights, rather he wanted our eyes to adjust to the light and we ultimately, became one with nature. Our time of meditation brought about emotions that I never thought I had in me.  We sat, watched the stars and just opened our hearts. We sat for 5 minutes in complete silence in the middle of the desert in Israel, it truly was an overwelming experience. It allowed us all time to think about anything we wanted. We then came together as a group and Benni asked us to think of one word that described the emotions we were feeling. Breathtaking was my word.  Every person felt a different emotion and yet we were all connected in that moment. It made me realize that no matter our different backgrounds, we are all Jewish and therefore we are all family. I will forever remember this amazing trip with these amazing people. I saw my first shooting star!

Elan

Elan

So far the trip has been absolutely amazing. We got to put on tefilin at the Wall and it was breath taking. I felt like is was one with G-d. We continued to tour Jerusalem and all its history. The next day we went cave diving in Israel.  We went through the tightest spaces we could possibly fit in and bonded as a group. I was struggling to crawl without a flashlight, but Alex helped lead the way with his bright LED light on his camra. As I crawled through the caves I got filthy as well as everyone else. We learned how the people used to live in the caves and killed off others who tried to intrude. We then went hiking in the South at a desert. We saw the most beautiful views as we climbed higher, and at the top were able tpo hear our echo after yelling the word of the day. We yelled Achlala as well as foooouuurrtttyyy tttwooo, immitating Shy. The day ended with us going to sleep in tents, although I slept outside, looking forward to camel back riding in the morning.

Jillian

Jillian

This trip has been one of the best experiences ever. I have made so many great memories and friends that I know will last for a lifetime.  Today we hiked Masada and went in the dead sea, which were both so much fun! The time spent in Israel for these past 10 days are too great to even put in to words and everyone needs to come here to see how truly great this place is! I’ll never forget this trip for as long as I live.