A journey to the Promised Land

courtesy of Daniel Teweles Sometimes it gets hot out in the Israeli sun - so, 24 members of JMU's student-run Jewish community, Hillel, opted for a muddy dunk in the Dead Sea.

While many students probably spent winter break in the comforts of their own homes, or vacationed somewhere warm and tropical, a group of JMU students spent ten days exploring a whole other culture.

From Dec. 12 to Dec. 22, 24 members of Hillel, JMU’s student-run Jewish community on campus, experienced life in Israeli society. The trip, called Birthright Israel, is a Jewish initiative to get students of the faith to visit Israel and encounter its religion and culture. Birthright Israel, along with Shorashim, a nonprofit organization, works to organize the trips. The two organizations provide the all-expense paid trips for young Jewish adults between 18 and 26 years of age who have never participated in the organized peer program.

Hillel president junior Daniel Teweles played a major role in organizing the trip for JMU students. Teweles got involved with Birthright Israel last year when he went on the trip as participant, and worked to recruit JMU students for this year’s trip. "It was a big deal for JMU to participate and go together with Birthright," Teweles said. "I think it was important for the students to go and see Israel beyond the conflict that is seen in the media."

Forty-two Americans attended the trip (including the 24 JMU students). Eight Israeli soldiers also accompanied the students to help further their understanding of the nation and its people. In Israel, army service is mandatory and these soldiers were on leave and chose to accompany the students on their trip.
The ten-day journey enabled students to explore every corner of the nation.

They visited religious and historical areas such as Jerusalem, the Holocaust Memorial and the Wailing Wall. Sophomore Jacob Forstater enjoyed all of the landmarks, but found the Western Wall to be one of the most meaningful experiences. "The Western Wall is one of the holiest places for Jews in the world," he said. "To go to a spot where millions of people have prayed for thousands of years was incredibly moving." The sight of this wall, floodlights shining from the sides and hundreds of people at the wall was almost like something out of a picture, but the difference was I was experiencing it."

Besides historical attractions, students were taken on outdoor excursions. One of the most intense experiences, according to Teweles, was a six-hour hike up Mt. Shlomo, the tallest mountain in the Negev Desert. It was, however, worth the hike to the top. Students experienced a breathtaking view overlooking Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Jordan. Another exciting outdoor adventure was a trip to the Dead Sea, the lowest geographic point on earth. The water of the Dead Sea is known for its saltiness, and it is extremely muddy. The students truly experienced the wonders of the Dead Sea, as they covered themselves in the thick, muddy water.

"One of my favorite parts of the Dead Sea is the mud," Teweles said. "It’s good for your skin, but regardless of that it’s fun to put it all over yourself."

Junior Wendy Friedman enjoyed every aspect of the journey. "I got so much more than I ever thought I could out of this trip," she said. "It was not only a trip to see Israel. We learned about the historical significance of the places we saw, as well as the present problems Israel faces."

Teweles was delighted with the outcome of the trip. "I think the trip was a success beyond belief," he said. "It was truly a life-changing experience, and people learned a lot about themselves and what Israel and their religion really means to them. It also provided students the opportunity to bond and make great lifelong friends and memories."

More information on JMU’s Hillel, Birthright Israel and Shorashim go online at www.jmuhillel.org, www.birthrightisrael.com and www.shorashim.org.