Masa Israel Journey Blog

The Give and Take

Published : January 14, 2013

By Danielle Longo, Israel Teaching Fellows

Growing up as a Conservative Jew in a suburb of Detroit, I knew the basics about Judaism and Israel.

I attended Hillel Day School, celebrated holidays, went to shul, and believed in God.

But at 17, my dad passed away and I pushed my religion aside.

Ten years later, the economic crisis hit and I found myself with a Masters degree but no job.

While trying to figure out my next steps, an email popped into my inbox about a 10 month program in Israel where I could explore the country and also gain teaching experience, something that would look great on my resume.

I decided that I had abandoned my roots for long enough...

Israel Our Home

Published : January 08, 2013

By Ahuva Dachs, Bnos Chava

The gift I brought home from Israel, A Jerusalem stone engraved with “Im Eshkacheich Yerushalayim Tishkach Yimini” “If I forget thee O Jerusalem, let me forget my right hand" - Psalm: 137, rests above the fireplace in my house and serves as a constant reminder of how my year in Israel transformed my view of Israel as being the Jewish homeland into it being “my” homeland.

This past year allowed me to connect to the Psalm.

I know that now I could never forget Yerushalayim.

When I first arrived in Israel, it was hard to adapt to the culture.

Although deep down I felt connected and knew Israel was my homeland, I still felt homesick. I missed the familiar streets, stores,...