My Journey began in late July while staffing a Taglit Oranim Birthright Trip. About a month later I embarked on a five-month stay in the city of Ramla volunteering my time to the city with nine others with the Israel Service Corps (ISC).  ISC, which is branch of the Oranim Educational Initiatives like the many other long-term programs in Israel, is a part of the MASA family. 

In addition to serving as the Umbrella organization for all long-term programs,

MASA provides opportunities for itsparticipants to engage in a wide array of informational activity – known as MAP (MASA Activities for Participants).  For me, this represents an amazing opportunity to not only enrich my knowledge and development but also meet new people along the way.  In particular, I would like to tell more about the Building Future Leaders Seminar (BFL).  The BFL is a three-part series conducted over three separate weekends. The first, having just past, the second which will take place at the end of November and the last being held at the end of December. Each is dedicated to key areas of leadership including lectures, workshops and breakout discussions.

I recently attended along with others from other programs all over the country and from around the world the first of this three part series. Held at the Migdale Kedem Hotel in Jerusalem, we met for three days beginning on Thursday the 25th of October and ending with a Havdalla service the 27th of October.  Entitled: “In the Footsteps of Visions, Leaders and Leadership, the first seminar focused on the characteristics of leadership specifically focusing on the Jewish community.  Keynote speakers included Dr. Yehuda Bar-Shalom, Director of the Educational Department at the David Yalin School for Community Leadership, David Epstein, M.S.S.A and Motti Kanias.

Throughout the weekend we were broken into groups where we would meet to discuss what was learned and also to take part in workshop activities. It was in this area where the most is gained.  It gives us a chance to voice our selves and work through issues though positive dialogue.  The diversity of all the participants is tremendous and sharing the room discussing opinions and experiences with others from around the world in and of itself is worth the time spent at the seminar.   

We were also taken to Mount Herzel where we went to through the new Herzel museum. Later in the day MASA took us to the Begin Center to visit its museum. It was an amazing experience that gave us insight into both men as important leaders. By touring the museums I was able to actually feel the energy of Herzel and Begin for their contributions to the Jewish people and Israel.  Though we are told to focus on smaller projects within our communities, it is hard to erase the power I felt of both men and the desire to achieve greatness even on their level. 

The efforts do not stop at the conclusion of one seminar only to begin again at the next. The path has been laid out and the foundations are in place. It is in our hands now to make a difference.

Jonathan Franks is a Flordia native and current Israel Service Corps participant living in Ramle. 

See BFL 2007 participants!!