By Jeremy Fierstien, Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion
The Rabbinical School of Hebrew Union College requires a year of study in Israel in order to foster an intimate relationship with the land that bears our peoples’ name.
It is an interesting social experiment, a country run by Jews, built on Jewish values, with a people who are constantly in conflict.
It makes sense then that the name Israel loosely translates to those who wrassle (read: wrestle) with God.
My eight months in the Holy Land bestowed upon me many holy memories and a few unholy that taught me many things about identity, both national and individual, as well as the true meaning of personal connection.
We were based in Jerusalem...
