My birthright trip was an event in my life that helped shape who I am today, and who I will become in my future. In ten days I learned more about the state of Israel, the Jewish people, and my internal value system, than I could have ever expected. To write words describing all of the emotions experienced on my short but eventful adventure is nearly impossible, so I will do the best I can in just a few words.
As someone who has never been out of the country previously, it was safe to say I was nervous to begin the trip. I was nervous about experiencing something different, but when I landed in Israel, my nerves transformed to excitement. How could I never be curious about the world outside of mine? How could I never want to break through my comfort zone and try something new? Instantly upon landing, I was astonished by my previous ignorance.
With a new mindset, I was excited to try something new, and I took on each day as a blessed gift of new experiences. We were given the chance to travel through Israel, hiking mount Arbel, mount Masada, floating in the dead sea, riding camels, exploring the city of Tzfat, being humbled by the museum of Yad VaShem and mount Hertzl, and it was all for free, as a birth right. To me, this is incredible, and I am so grateful that I was blessed with this gift. Slowly I became enlightened to just how lucky I really was.
The sights were incredible, and learning the history of Israel was inspiring, but the only aspects more wonderful than the travels themselves, were the people that I met there. The new friendships I made, and the old friendships I strengthened, are owed to the birthright organization for allowing me to be part of this trip. There is an innate sense of connection with every Jewish person that I never understood before. I never got the chance to feel this connection before, and now that have, I will never forget it.
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I was never the most religious Jewish kid growing up, but this trip taught me to understand Judaism can be interpreted in many ways, regardless of how often you practice the most religious aspects. This trip made me appreciate the Jewish culture, which to me, is why I am so proud to call myself Jewish. To me, Judaism is about being self-actualized people, and thinking of others before you think of yourself. Meeting people who share the same values as me gave me a sense comfort unlike any feeling I’ve had before, and I will always cherish that.
My travels to Israel taught me to be a better person, carry with me more empathy, and understand that my personal issues, no matter how great they might seem, are mere hiccups in a life of incredible opportunity. I am so blessed with family, friends, and peers that are Jewish, and am so lucky to be a part of the Jewish culture, that every once in a while I need to take a step back to appreciate all the gifts that life has given to me. These gifts, along with the gift of an Awesome Israel birthright trip, shape the young man I am today, and give me guidance on who I want to become.
- Jake G.
University of Georgia
