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| I vividly remember my first trip to Israel -- I was 11 and my family came as a way to celebrate my Grandparent's 50th anniversary. We stayed for two weeks and experienced Israel less as a tourist destination and more as a second home. That sense of familiarity and ease immediately returned when I landed here for the second time, in 1999. On my own and with a great desire to reconnect to the land and the people, I participated in a program called Livnot U'Lehibanot (To Build and Be Built). For two months I lived, learned, cooked, cleaned, discussed, sang, worked, danced, and laughed with 10 fellow Americans and an amazing staff. Forever changed, I knew that Israel would always be an important part of my life. Over the next couple of years I was here 5-6 times for work and to visit friends. Mark and I knew that an acceptance to Rabbinical School would mean living in Israel for a year. We viewed this "requirement" as both an opportunity and a responsibility, especially during these difficult times. It's not the right decision for everyone. But for us... it was, it is, and it always will be. I hope you enjoy the photos on this site and take interest in the news and information about Israel. It's at once complex, beautiful, and spiritual -- I'm sure that's where my love of this land stems from. |
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My Dad still likes to tease me about my first trip to Israel, when I was 13. Although I sat in the back of our tour bus reading "Encyclopedia of Jewish Jokes," I fully appreciated the incredible sites we found each day. When I returned 10 years later, after graduating from college, I was ready to engage Israel from beyond the back seat. I spent five months exploring the country, primarily at Livnot U'Lehibanot in Tzfat -- nothing less than a life-changing experience. By the time I left, I knew that I wanted our heritage to play a larger role in my life. The next 10 years saw me grow into a Jewish professional and visit Israel several more times, both for work and for pleasure. My relationship grew, and I began to peek beneath the "Land of Milk and Honey" that we learn about as kids. Israel is a complex nation, sharply divided in more than one way. It can be painful to spend time in Israel, even as it is richly fulfilling. My love for Israel matured through deeper understanding, through personal struggle, and through myriad experiences. Today, as we spend a full year living in Jerusalem, I am constantly finding new meaning and new challenges. The current 'matzav' (situation) is difficult, but brings with it a clarity of purpose ... and our presence, especially now, is an important display of support for our Land and our People. |
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