There’s this theory in quantum physics that our universe is just a small fraction of the entire cosmic picture; That the dimension we live in is just one of an infinite number of narratives that trace their way through the sands of time, each slightly different than the rest.  There is no limit to what these differences could be. It might be something huge, like all of us having seven toes, or something no one would ever notice, like water being a different shade of blue, but either way it leaves our reality changed. These changes, in turn, would lead to more divergent storylines, where sandal companies play a much larger role in global politics and Crayola has an entirely new subsection of blue crayons. This pattern will continue like the ripples of a pebble dropping into a stream; while initially faint, they create more and more of a reaction as time goes on. What I am here to tell you, my fellow year coursers, is that this is one of those moments, and that all of you are those blue crayons and seven-toed sandals that are going to make a difference in the world.

This world we live in, from the air we breathe to the mind-numbingly complex ways that our bodies interact with the world, is at our disposal. We are agents of change, the catalysts that will carry our world from one dimension to the next. We can create, we can destroy, we can live and we can hate and we can do anything we want, because we are capable and we are human. We have the strongest power in the world: the power to choose who we are and what we want to do. We have the power to physically change the reality we live in to make it a better place.

We chose to come on Year Course instead of going directly to college, and that changed the world.  Some of us might already be able to see how it has changed our individual worlds, but only time will show us how it has changed the entire world. Will it affect our educational choices?  Our career choices?  Or life choices?  This year in Israel, this Year Course experience?  The MDA course or going to Yemin Orde or falling in love with a person or a city or a beach or the entire country?  Every experience we chose to enjoy or ignore this year, it all changed us and shaped us into the Jews and Zionists and humans that we are right now, and it will keep on affecting us as we move forward, and that will affect the people we meet and so on, through the sands of time.

I understand this is a lot to take in, so even if only half of what I said resonated with you, I’m glad I could say anything to you at all.I hope each and every one of you appreciates that we are at this junction in our lives, isn’t afraid to embrace the moment, and strives to make as many ripples as they possibly can in this thing we call life.Things are going to be different when we get home, so we might as well hit the gates running.

Hi Jenny,

Today is the day that we sadly have to go back and leave this beautiful country. This trip has taught me a lot, both about history and about myself. This entire experience was life changing to me. The views were unbelievable, looking over Masada at sunrise to being at the top of the Golan Heights. The activities we did brought us together as a group and I can honestly say that I have 44 new best friends including Israeli soldiers. The soldiers surprised me the most because of how close we got despite the differences in our lives. I really became close with one of the soldiers, Adi, and I had the opportunity to meet her family and get a tour of her house as well as getting a nice Israeli home-cooked meal. The energy here is obvious as soon as you walk out the airport. You think to yourself “I have made it to the Holy Land.” For the past thousands of years, our ancestors have been praying for this. I also was lucky enough to become Bat Mitzvah while in Jerusalem. Throughout my life I felt like there was something missing when I thought about my Jewish Identity. I also feel a lot more connected to Israel. I always supported Israel because it was the land of my ancestors. Now that I have friends fighting in the IDF, I am more worried about what is going on in Israel that could seriously effect Adi, Raz, Raz, Shahar, Shay, Omer, and Nof. This experience truly effected me and I will never forget it. When I go home, I want to learn more about our ancestors and the history of our people. I also want to do what I can to help my Jewish community for the present and for the future. Thank you to the donators that allow me and my peers to come to Israel and have this amazing experience. I cannot wait to come back.

Rachel Sausner

Hi Jenny,

I was requested to writer this email on behalf of Karin Lagziel and our entire Young Judea Birthright trip, YJ592, to describe how life changing this whole experience has been. It’s unbelievable to imagine how we were able to travel nearly the entire country and learn about how rich our ancestry and culture is.

We started in the Galilee at Kibbutz Hukuk Balev where much of the group was first introduced to the concept of kibbutzim and the meaning of that lifestyle. Everyone was astonished to hear how Israel is the only country able to sustain this style of living, and it was amazing to hear about first hand from a father, a husband and child from this kibbutz. We explored the Golan Heights and saw Syria from the mountain tops. We hiked on land and through water and we soon discovered how much of a group and a team we were beginning to become.

The charisma and spirituality of two people we met on our trip really set the tone. In Tsfat we toured the streets of mystical art and fine jewelry and schwarma, of course. Then we soon found our way to the steps of an artist named Avraham. His explanation of Kabbalah and passion for his art really touched everyone, and we soon renamed our group Team Avraham instead of Bus YJ592. Another impactful person was Shalom, our guide at the Golan Heights Winery. His love and knowledge of fine wine and the process of growing Israeli wine grapes spoke to everyone. His personality and enthusiasm made our group feel so connected to him, and he stood as a mascot for the rest of our trip. He is even drawn into the design of the shirts we made.

The next night we did some team building activities which we LOVED. We split into small groups and basically played with rope. These obsticle showed us how much we had grown as a group unit. It was fantastic. We went stargazing that night and we all had an opportunity to stop and relax and be at peace, and really had a chance for self reflection. That night we slept in tents- that was for sure an interesting, unforgettable experience (I don’t recommend it).

After touring the north of the country we worked our way down to Bat Yam, a beach town just south of Tel Aviv. We soon met with the half of our family that we were missing, our Israeli soldiers. We met them on the beach and clicked with them immediately. That night we went out in the Florentin district of Tel Aviv.

The next day we started in Jaffa, which is personally my favourite city. It is truly a magical port and I took some of the best scenic pictures I’ve ever taken in my life. Then we did a graffiti tour and it was amazing to see that different side of Israel. We had lunch in the Karmel Shuk and then took a long drive to a camel ride which was just a blast!

What was truly life changing was the next morning where we woke up at 3am to climb Masada. It was crazy to me because at school I’m usually still studying in the library at that time! The hike was hard, but there was Team Avraham encouraging each other and pushing one another to be stronger. Once at the top, the sun started to peak over the distant mountains and watching the sun rise became something magical. Just imagine, something that happens everyday being so so different this one time. We toured the top of the mountain and it was amazing.

Then we worked our way to the Dead Sea which was amazing. We all had a blast! We covered ourselves in mud and took some great pictures, and discovered all the cuts we weren’t previously aware of.

The next day, we finally reached the holy city of Jerusalem. We started walking through Jaffa Gate through the Armenian quarter and then to the Jewish Quarter to go to the Kotel. The wall was so spiritual and symbolic to me and I felt a rush of electricity that I’ve never felt before. I delivered notes from my family members and I felt like I was doing such a mitzvah.

This night was one of my favorites. We split into seven groups and the seven soldiers hosted us in their homes for dinner in Rosh HaAiyin, which is the twin city of New Orleans. It was amazing to meet our soldier Adi’s family, see her home and really get a taste of Israeli life. Her parents were so welcoming and amazing and it was something I’ll never forget. We then went to a jazz festival in the city park, and it was such a great way to relax and enjoy each others company.

The next morning we went to Mount Herzel, the military cemetery, which changed my life. At first I was a little hesitant as to why we would start an entire day with a cemetery, and with just a few minutes I found myself already tearing up after seeing 19, 20, 18,and 21 engraved into the tombstones. These young people were children and friends and lovers, and I couldn’t imagine what that type of loss would feel like. Hearing the monologue of the obituaries really made me so emotional. I felt connected to Israel in a way I never imagined possible.

Finally it was Shabbat and we all had some time to just take a breather and relax, which was much needed. The next day we spent time at the Israeli museum. Then we held a bar/bat mitzvah for many of the people on our trip including one Israeli. This was so spiritual and meaningful to the participants as well as those watching the ceremony. We then went out to a fabulous dinner.

The next morning we started at Yad Vashem, which is always difficult for me, as I am the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors and the grand niece of many who perished. It is always really emotional for me and sometimes hard to get all the way through a Holocaust museum. But this time I had friends to walk through with me and ask me questions about my family’s story, and it made it much easier to get through the entire museum.

We sadly soon said goodbye to our beloved soldiers who we probably would have packed in our suitcases if they could fit. But I’m not too worried, I’m sure to see them again.

The birthright mega event that night was so fun. We had dinner and then went to the concert of HaDag Nachash. It was a blast. It couldn’t have been a better way to spend our last night together.

Even though Birthright is an intense and physically difficult program, I feel like I’m leaving with memories that changed my life. I feel more connected than ever to Israel and the Jewish community that I was already so active in.

As a Tulane Jewish leader, I felt the obligation to encourage people to visit Israel, go to Shabbat at Hillel and explore all the Hillel has to offer for us before this trip, but now I feel the passion to do so. After going on this trip, I can’t imagine not going on Birthright again, but this time as a staff member. It was such a privledge to have such an incredible and life changing trip.

Thanks for taking the time to read my experience of this trip,which quickly turned into a short novel because I couldn’t stop typing.

Looking forward to seeing you in the fall.

Regards,
Stephanie Knecht

David and Bailey Lerner, newlyweds from Gainesville, Florida, just spent 10 days on Birthright with Young Judaea. We got the chance to sit down with them and hear the coolest Taglit love story ever.

How did you two meet?

B: We met six years ago playing beach volleyball at the University of Florida. David was very upfront with me about being Jewish from the beginning, which was interesting since I didn’t know many Jewish people growing up. I was raised in a strong Christian family, but hadn’t really felt connected to my Christian identity since high
school.

What happened when you two started dating, then? 

B: I started attending Jewish holidays and Shabbat with David and his family, and immediately felt connected to the religion. Once he and I became serious, we talked about the possibilities of me converting. I decided it was the right decision for me, so we began taking conversion classes together. It was a difficult process, but once it was completed and I officially converted I was so happy. I’m now always trying to find ways of exploring Judaism more, and I’m always discovering new things. I really connect to it all. Being on this trip has only furthered that connection, and I feel even more confirmed that this is who I am.

How did you two end up on Birthright? 

B: Once I learned about what Birthright was, I kept trying to convince David to go. He had never been to Israel before and had a lot of concerns, but he finally agreed.

David, what were your concerns? 

D: There were so many. I was concerned about safety, but more about the food. I’m a really picky eater. I was also worried about taking time off of work, and the fact that I don’t speak more than three words of Hebrew. I was also worried about the mentality here, but it turns out that Israelis are nicer than Americans! It also turns out that the food is great. There is American food here, like McDonalds, and Mediteranian food is also really good. I had no idea. Almost everyone here speaks English, and it was absolutely worth taking the time off of work. It was a great decision.

What do you both do for work? 

D: I’m a financial planner, and I run a tree farm.

B: I just graduated with a Masters in Education from University of Florida. I’m currently job seeking to become a teacher.

What have you taken from this trip? 

D: This trip has been unbelievable. If you’ve never been here and are Jewish, and you look at the history of the Jewish people and everything that’s happened here, just go to Jerusalem and stand in front of the Western Wall. You’ll feel it. Just seeing how much everything has flourished and grown here over the past 2000 years and seeing Israel as a modern state is truly unbelievable.

B: To me when I look at Judaism, the main thing I see is the value of a close-knit community. Being here, I’ve seen that so much. Everyone is trying to help everyone and acts like a family. More than anything, this trip made me feel even more apart of the bigger Jewish community.

As newlyweds, what stands out to you about this trip more than anything else?

D: It makes me compare it to our honeymoon which was six months ago in Hawaii. To pay for a whole trip like that- between the flights, hotels, food, and everything else- it costs a fortune. We came here on Birthright and basically paid nothing. For someone who has just started working in their career and understands how hard it is to make money, to be able to do all of this for free, especially with Bailey, is unreal.

 

“Coming with my sister Brooklyn and cousins Lydia and Cameron on Young Judaea Birthright was the most important thing to us because our bubbe (grandma) has been bringing this up for so many years. We all go to colleges across the country, so we don’t get to see each other often. We have a lot of family members who were definitely concerned about us going to Israel. They thought we would be in areas where we might be in danger, but it has been the complete opposite of that. It’s my first time ever out of the country (I got a passport for this trip!), so it’s amazing for this to be my first trip abroad, especially with my family. I’m so grateful that our bubbe pushed us to do it. Before the trip, I personally wasn’t completely sure what the point was, but it’s been the most incredible opportunity. The fact that we’re in Israel for free is hard for me to even put into words. I feel much more connected now to my ancestry, and was surprised how disconnected it is from religion. I was really concerned that this place was only about religion and for religious people, but that hasn’t been my experience at all. This has been a chance for me to become closer to my ancestry and proud of the fact that I’m Jewish. That’s such a cool part of my identity now.”