In January 2011, I was participating in an Israel program affiliated with the Orthodox movement. The program was based in Jerusalem and its participants attended a yeshiva class each morning. This journey showed me an Israel that Birthright, my first organized trip to Israel, did not. The Orthodox program was thought-provoking and set the stage for one of the best conversations of my life with Or Shachar, an old friend from URJ Henry S. Jacobs.
Over a small meal, we discussed politics, culture, and Or's personal experiences in Jerusalem. That meal revealed to me the extent of the religious and political diversity of Israel. Or and I talked about the world of secular liberal Jews in Jerusalem. We discussed how people can live in the same city while facing different realities. Coming from St. Louis, I was well aware of the different worlds created by wealth disparity, but never before was I faced by the different worlds created by religious beliefs.
That conversation helped me realize that there was so much about Israel that I didn't know. I pledged then that I would return to find out more for myself by talking to more Israelis from all walks of life. Although Or and my Orthodox trip organizers didn't pray in the same way or dress similarly, they both were very proud of their city and their people. The unity among Israelis, despite their differences, fascinated me.
That conversation helped me realize that there was so much about Israel that I didn't know. I pledged then that I would return to find out more for myself by talking to more Israelis from all walks of life. Although Or and my Orthodox trip organizers didn't pray in the same way or dress similarly, they both were very proud of their city and their people. The unity among Israelis, despite their differences, fascinated me.
The unity among Israelis has presented itself to me in many different ways. One quirky experience that demonstrated this best occurred after I extended my Birthright trip in January 2010. After visiting my friend Nitzan in Haifa, I traveled by train to an inexpensive hostel on Elifelet Street in Tel Aviv-Yafo. On my first night, I took an extended stroll through the streets. When I found myself in the heart of the city, I looked for any sign of nightlife. I followed the muffled thump of a sub-woofer down a flight of stairs into a dance club filled with a great cross-section of people. There were religious and secular Jews. Olim Chad'shim (new immigrants) and natives. Arabs and Israelis. People who were gay and people who were straight. After engaging in great conversations for about an hour, I was ready to return home. What came next shocked me.
The man I was talking to stopped abruptly in the middle of his story. He simply stated, "it's starting." Next thing I know, the entire club starts dancing in perfect choreography to Israel's Eurovision songs (skip to 4:00 for my favorite songs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctH5a7h8H4). It was awesome to see such a diverse group of Israelis dancing in unison to this contemporary music. I wanted to be a part of that group. I wanted to know their stories.
Now I get a chance to return to Israel and become part of the magic. Here I go!!!
[Upcoming blog posts will include my contact information, my plans and schedule, and more fun stories]
The man I was talking to stopped abruptly in the middle of his story. He simply stated, "it's starting." Next thing I know, the entire club starts dancing in perfect choreography to Israel's Eurovision songs (skip to 4:00 for my favorite songs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctH5a7h8H4). It was awesome to see such a diverse group of Israelis dancing in unison to this contemporary music. I wanted to be a part of that group. I wanted to know their stories.
Now I get a chance to return to Israel and become part of the magic. Here I go!!!
[Upcoming blog posts will include my contact information, my plans and schedule, and more fun stories]
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