רוחני - Spiritual

As the days fly by, I have not yet had time to look back and admire all the amazing experiences that I have had; but when I stop for a moment to reflect, I can already see the memories that will stay with me forever. Throughout this trip, not only is there much learning, socializing, and exciting activities but there is an obvious spiritual aspect to this adventure. In the holy land, I have connected to this country in a new and spiritual way that was eye opening for me. First, I was extremely lucky to have been given the opportunity to attend the kotel on Shabbat. We had visited it all together once before and I felt very connected to G-d, but this time I connected to the people around me. People from all over the world, of all ages, joined together at the kotel on our shabbat night to be with one another. That night was not about praying on your own; it was about being a united community. We danced with one another, sang shabbat prayers, and stood hand in hand with one another. It showed me the strength and importance the Jewish people have when we are all united together and the care that we all have for one another regardless of our individual backgrounds. Another experience, that I never would have participated in, was an Israeli Shabbat morning service. We were given the option to attend a Conservative service for some time and then move to an Orthodox service at a beautiful synagogue after. While, I do not attend services often at home, it was something that I really loved and would like to continue when I return to Las Vegas. Additionally, it was amazing to see the two services right after each other and see and hear the differences between the two groups. It was enlightening to see how two groups of the same religion can be so connected yet express themselves in such different ways. Lastly, I saw something here that not many Jewish people have seen in their lives, I was able to watch a Torah be completed, for Alexander Muss High School, on top of Masada. In a historic location, we watched a historic event unfold before our eyes. We held the quill that was used to write each letter and together we all celebrated it.

We carried, danced, and sang with the Torah after it was completed specifically for us. On Masada, we learned that Jewish people took their lives here when threatened by the Romans; however dancing with a new sefer torah, we just proved that the Jewish people will always live on. While we may encounter difficulties, as long as we stick together we can endure it all. All these spiritual journeys just continue to show me the power Israel has for every Jewish person in the world. Israel is a place where Jews worldwide gather side by side. Israel is a place where our spirituality brings us together. Israel is a place where every Jewish person can feel truly at home.