Many of you may already know that I am half-Jewish (on my dad's side), but never really identified with the religion that strongly growing up. I enjoyed celebrating some holidays with extended family, eating Jewish food, and learning about Jewish culture, but had never really seen myself as Jewish. I kind of assumed it was an all-or-nothing kind of thing; you either convert entirely to a religion and participate in most or all of the practices as well as believe in the same higher power, or you don't qualify.
Just a few days ago, I returned from a birthright trip to Israel (because how can you say no to a FREE trip to anywhere?) and my perspective has changed completely. Not only did I get a chance to travel through a new place, but I gained some new insight into what it means to be Jewish. Never before had I visited a country so united in one religion, yet so welcoming of every other. Never had I felt so strong a connection to a place that I had never seen before, or to a people I had never met. My entire outlook on life has shifted, and I only ask myself how I could have considered not doing this trip at all. I found a part of myself in Israel that I did not realize had always been missing. I discovered that I am in fact Jewish, and that I am proud to be so.
I started the trip with many doubts and hesitations, wondering if I would indeed fit in with the rest of my large group. Would they have more Jewish background than me? Would they all know Hebrew, and have had Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and/or Hebrew school? I was anxious that I was not really qualified to go on this trip, which was, after all, paid for by other Jews. It would all have been a waste if I went all the way there and formed no connections at all with Judaism or Israeli culture. But I knew as soon as I stepped off the plane with my group that it was no mistake for me to be there. It was like entering a place I already knew, but had not seen in many years.
We were met at the airport by our tour guide, Shai, who immediately instructed us to get in a circle (an exercise that would become common throughout the trip) and then give each other hugs. He said that the purpose was to embarrass us, which it slightly did, but what it really did was instigate the theme of our trip: love and compassion. We then returned to our circle with our arms around one another and danced, laughing and falling over each other as though we had done this many times before. I can't emphasize enough how much this trip felt like returning to old friends and places rather than experiencing something brand new, which in reality it was.
We then boarded our bus for the first time, which was much more spacious and comfortable than I had imagined, and headed toward the Kibbutz Dgania Bet in northern Israel (2 hour drive). For those who don't know, a kibbutz is basically a communal settlement where people live and work together in a socialist environment. They have communal ownership of property, social justice, and equality, so they do not pay to live there but instead earn their keep through work. It was a beautiful thing to see and learn about, and if I were to spend a long period of time in Israel in the future, I would like to try staying at one.
We stayed four nights at the kibbutz, spending our days touring around northern Israel from the bus driven by the wonderful Farez, a bus driver who made our travel through the country as easy and pleasant as it could be, despite the low pay he receives. Every morning we greeted him with a resounding "Boker tov!" to show our gratitude as we began our journey for that day. We also got frequent history lessons from our guide, Shai, who always knew how to deliver with the right amount of comedy and enthusiasm to maintain our interest.
As for the rest of our itinerary...I'm not going to write it all out (as that would take forever), so instead I'll share with you a poem I wrote while in Israel. I actually read this aloud on our last day in Tel-Aviv as we all sat in a circle reflecting on our experiences, and for me it really covers the most important aspects of the trip. Most of you probably won't get some of the references unless you were on the trip with me, but for the most part I think it is pretty straight forward. So enjoy. :)
Israel is My Beauty, I am its Beast:
A Reflection on My Time in the Middle East
Sleep fades slowly,
pass by signs in a language
we had all learned to hide.
Our guide comes to meet us
and we hug, dance, and sing
not knowing at that moment
he had changed everything.
First night at the kibbutzcomes with food, warmth, and laughter,
games to meet each otherand then sleep right after.
Day 2 starts with history,
then a toast and a prayer
to the country that welcomed us
only to bring us together.
Next a beautiful hike
to get a lay of the land,
which awed us who never
imagined some place so grand.
Walk through Tiberiusto meet locals and food;
the Sea of Galilee shimmered
reinforcing the good mood.
Feel all tension leave us
relaxing in the hot springs,
even the sight of a man shaving
could not ruin anything.
Then the next holy city
leaves us wanting for more,
as we meet artists and musicians
with more love than we've seen before.
A soothing meditation
starts the day with hearts open,
making every experience
twice as memorable, thoughts unspoken.
Lovely views from Bental
toward the neighboring nations,
reminding us once again
how our ancestors have saved us.
Through poring rain we visit
an archaeological site,
where we taste sweet olive oil
and watch a skit by members of birthright.
Next is two more modern factories
followed by tastings of wine,though some leave more tipsy
we all have a good time.
Baby goats in the desert
that we nearly take with us,
then some meat (that's NOT camel)
in Bedouin tents-- still delicious.
Arrive in Jerusalem
under blindfold and trust,
see our first view of the city
that holds power for each of us.
The day continues like a dream--
Western Wall, market, snow--
our new Israeli friends join us
who though Shabbat services we get to know.
More singing, more praying,
and much needed reflection,
we thank God for each other
and this beautiful nation.
First night out in the city
filled with food, drinks, and dancing;
though the rain is annoying
it does not stop some romancing.
Meet some elderly locals
who make beautiful crafts,
then view three Israeli films
of topics with great impact.
Yad Vashem the next morning,
where emotions run wild,
but we all stick together,
giving hope, love, and smiles.
We are touched once again
at the soldier cemetery
where we learn what it means
to lose loved ones for one's country.Our last night in the city
no one could believe the day after
most of us would not be there.
The last day has now reached us,
words cannot tell how I feel,
but I am now changed forever
so to all of you-- thanks for making it real.
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| The whole group at Hotel Caesar in Jerusalem |
