I have to be honest - my decision to join the Jewish Federation’s Mission to Israel was not easy.  Leaving my life (and especially my wife and three young children) behind for a ten day trip half way across the world did not, at first glance, seem feasible.  Even after deciding to go, I still felt guilty and also a bit reluctant to travel with such a large group.  And then a miracle happened that made me realize that this trip was Bashert!  Heavy snow was forecasted for the day of our departure.  The mission participants frantically contacted one another and agreed, hesitantly, that we would proceed as planned.  When I awoke on the day of departure, the snow had already begun falling and accumulating.  But miraculously, this severe weather only seemed to help us – we were the only vehicle on the road and enjoyed a quick, smooth ride to the airport, the airport itself was empty, so check-in was easy, and above all, El Al was the only passenger plane that took-off (on time, I should add) – all other flights were cancelled!  It was as if a red carpet had been rolled out from Atlantic County directly to Israel just for our mission.  And from this small miracle, an amazing and awe inspiring mission to Israel was born.

From the moment we arrived until the moment we said “next year in Jerusalem,” we shared a truly magical and uplifting experience.  When we landed in Israel, we were instantly enchanted by all of the exotic sites, sounds and smells of this ancient land.  The overwhelming connection to our Jewish roots and the feeling that we were walking in the footsteps of our ancestors could not be denied.  We opened our trip with a spiritually moving Shabbat service led by Rabbi Gabor and Cantor Goren overlooking the Wall in Jerusalem, and were pleasantly distracted as we watched Jews of all ages and backgrounds including, children, teens, young soldiers and adults dancing and singing in the streets in celebration of Shabbat and their Jewish pride.  I, myself, imagined how amazing it would be if my own children would one day feel comfortable enough to rejoice, celebrate, and be equally as proud and enthusiastic about their “Jewishness” in the streets of our very own Community.  We concluded Shabbat with a stroll down the bustling Ben Yehudah Street where good music and even better vibes filled the air.  In Jerusalem, we also explored the Old City including, among other fascinating sites, the Jewish Quarter, David’s City, the Southern Wall Excavations and the ancient Temple Mount.  During a more somber moment, we reflected on our past and optimistically promised to “never forget” at the Holocaust Memorial at Yad Vashem. 

From Jerusalem, we travelled south to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and then ascended Mount Masada.   After Masada, we floated as a group in the The Dead Sea where the bonds and friendships that were already developing between us were further strengthened.   Finally, in Tel Aviv we visited Independence Hall and proudly relived the 5th of 'Iyar, (May 14, 1948) – the day that David Ben Gurion proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel.

But undoubtedly the most moving and rewarding experience for me was visiting places and talking to people who were, and still are, directly affected by our Federation’s generous support.  At Susanart-Susan's House in Jerusalem, we met with high-risk youth who are being taught professional skills that will, hopefully, give them a second chance in life.  In Arad, in addition to meeting the citizens of our “Sister City,” we visited an Ethiopian synagogue (where they use Torah’s donated from our very community) and met Rabbi Avroham Shai whose eyes filled with tears as he thanked us from the bottom of his heart for what our Jewish Federation has given to the Ethiopian Jews.  And finally, after listening to inspiring words from the legendary Micha Feldman (who has devoted the last 30 years of his life to bringing Ethiopian Jews to Israel), we visited a the small city of Sderot where we were welcomed into peoples homes for a warmconversation and a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.  These are the experiences that touch ones heart and forge an everlasting connection to, and bond with, Eretz Yisrael. 

The guilt and hesitance I originally felt about leaving my family has been replaced with gratitude for what Israel has given me and what I can now give to my family – an understanding of our past, spiritual growth, a renewed sense of Jewish pride, new friendships, and (cautious) optimism for the strength of our Jewish future.