Good afternoon everyone!
Earlier this week, my teacher sent us a question to ponder in this week's blog. He wanted us to think about what role Israel will play in our lives when we get home (in 2 weeks). My first response was, "...but I am home"
Thinking about this is beyond scary. One, it means that I won't be in Israel soon, two, it means that I'm going home with no knowledge of when I'm returning, and three, it means that I actually have to put my new knowledge of Jewish History to use in defending Israel.
Before I came here, when I got into debates about the legitimacy of Israel, I was that annoying girl who just screamed that I was right and we deserved Israel...with no facts or support.
Now I have so much information. I know why we left the Land of Israel, where we went, why we went where we did, how we returned, why we returned, where we returned. I gained perspective on the Palestinian side as well. With all of this new knowledge, I can go back and argue with my peers. I can defend this amazing country. I won't stand there, without an answer, yelling back random things.
As well as defending and supporting the Jewish State, I will promote it to other Jews. I plan on participating and leading an Israel connection committee at my Temple. I will be sure to lead a program at the JCC during Yom Haatzmaut next year. Yom Haatmaut for us is amazing. Everyone goes to celebrate and have fun. But I dont think that everyone realizes the true awesomeness of Israel's birthday and I want to help them see that awesomeness.
As well, teaching and continuing to learn about Israel will always help me remember the incredible memories I've made here.
Shabbat Shalom!
Shoshana :)
Earlier this week, my teacher sent us a question to ponder in this week's blog. He wanted us to think about what role Israel will play in our lives when we get home (in 2 weeks). My first response was, "...but I am home"
Thinking about this is beyond scary. One, it means that I won't be in Israel soon, two, it means that I'm going home with no knowledge of when I'm returning, and three, it means that I actually have to put my new knowledge of Jewish History to use in defending Israel.
Before I came here, when I got into debates about the legitimacy of Israel, I was that annoying girl who just screamed that I was right and we deserved Israel...with no facts or support.
Now I have so much information. I know why we left the Land of Israel, where we went, why we went where we did, how we returned, why we returned, where we returned. I gained perspective on the Palestinian side as well. With all of this new knowledge, I can go back and argue with my peers. I can defend this amazing country. I won't stand there, without an answer, yelling back random things.
As well as defending and supporting the Jewish State, I will promote it to other Jews. I plan on participating and leading an Israel connection committee at my Temple. I will be sure to lead a program at the JCC during Yom Haatzmaut next year. Yom Haatmaut for us is amazing. Everyone goes to celebrate and have fun. But I dont think that everyone realizes the true awesomeness of Israel's birthday and I want to help them see that awesomeness.
As well, teaching and continuing to learn about Israel will always help me remember the incredible memories I've made here.
Shabbat Shalom!
Shoshana :)
I felt the exact same way when I first read the question. I didn't really know how to answer it for a long time because I felt that I already was home and how much I didn't want to go back to America because I didn't want to have to make an effort to make Israeli culture part of my life. I want to continue to constantly be immersed within the culture all the time.
ReplyDeleteso proud of you and all you have accomplished! but its time to come home. like seriously. i miss you.
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