Little Did I Know Just How "Amazing" the Summer Would Be...
by Missy Glazer, Cincinnati
The feeling of warm tears rolling down my cheeks at the Kotel was unlike any other. The burning of the Dead Sea water on my skin continues to give me the chills. The thought of climbing up a waterfall in Ein Gedi with the water crashing against my back still gives me butterflies. The heat of the Negev continues to bring beads of sweat to my forehead.
To simply say this summer was amazing would be the understatement of the century. This past summer, I, along with three hundred other Jewish teens from across the United States and Canada, had the opportunity to explore a land I had only heard about through books and personal stories, or seen in pictures.
Upon arrival at the Newark airport, I, along with three other Jewish teenagers from Cincinnati, were greeted by the assistant director of the Young Judaea programs, Benji Lovitt. Once all the other participants arrived, Benji said "You are all about to embark on the most amazing summer of a lifetime!" Little did I know just how "amazing" the summer would be.
Benji couldn't have been more right. The instant we arrived in Israel was the instant we all realized that this summer would be unlike any other. "The Bedouin tents and camel rides were so much fun!" stated Sarah Ganson, junior at Sycamore High School. "The food was amazing, and being able to sleep in a Bedouin tent with all of your friends surrounding you, listening to nature, and seeing the stars, is just an adventure, an amazing adventure." Riding camels through the Negev was such a unique experience for everyone participating. Just knowing we were not at the zoo made the experience even more memorable. Being able to say, "I've slept in a Bedouin tent!" is something I never thought I would have had the opportunity to say. Words like fun, amazing, and exciting simply do not do it justice.
Being in Independence Hall, right in the middle of Tel Aviv (the Manhattan of the Middle East), hearing Ben Gurion's speech, and singing the Hatikvah was such a moving experience. Hiking up steep cliffs in the desert was something I never would have fathomed myself doing. Breathless as we reached the summit of Masada, we looked down upon a scene where such a major event in our people's history had occurred. Participating in social action in Haifa was so rewarding. Having the opportunity to work with Israeli children at a day camp was such a worthwhile experience that taught me so much about my ability to bridge the gap between two very different languages. How incredible a feeling it is knowing that I accomplished things and participated in activities I never would have seen myself doing in a thousand years!
From snorkeling through the bright and lively Red Sea, to walking through tunnels underneath the Kotel, I was able to see just how vibrant our homeland is. Israel is a land of extremes. From the south full of dry air, dust, sand, and stone to the green, lush, warm scenery of the north; Israel is a place of variety and utmost beauty. There is nothing more precious than spending five weeks in an amazing place, with forty other kids one's age, all sharing a common bond: Judaism. It is so important for all of us as Jews in the Diaspora to visit the land that we call our home. I have a newfound respect for Israel and its people as well as a deeper understanding of my place as a Jewish teen in American society. To all those teenagers who desire to go to Israel, I urge you to go. Living in Cincinnati and having the support of the Jewish Federation opens so many doors. Open your eyes and see what is out there. Go to Israel. Learn. Challenge yourself. But most of all, have fun.
Reprinted from shalomcincy.
Write to Missy atwrite@ttt.org.il
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