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!!