We’re marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel with a year-long celebration! Keep an eye out for “Memphis Celebrates Israel at 70” branding at your synagogue, at events around town, and online. In this series, we’re asking Memphians to tell their personal Israel stories. Do you have a story to tell?
Although it’s been quite a while since I’ve been to Israel—10 long years, in fact—I still feel a very strong connection to the Holy Land.
My first visit was back in 1996, when I participated in the International March of the Living as a high school junior. After touring the ashes of the concentration camps in Poland, we made the triumphant journey to Israel. I distinctly remember thinking about my family members who had survived the Holocaust, some of whom found refuge in what eventually became the state of Israel. While I was just 16 years old at the time, I was able to appreciate how my family might have felt during their voyage from prisoners to freedom—though certainly not on the same level as they did.
When our plane landed at Ben Gurion Airport, all of the passengers broke out into applause and began singing the national anthem, HaTikvah. To say it was moving would be an understatement. Many people even kissed the ground after deplaning.
While I had learned and studied about Israel in Memphis, spoke and read some Hebrew, and even had family living there, nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming feeling of joy and belonging that came over me as we drove into Yerushalayim.
I felt like I was home. I was immediately in love—with the sights, smells, tastes, history, holiness, architecture. Thanks to a packed itinerary, my first trip to Israel was profound and deeply spiritual.
A few years later, in 2000, I was fortunate to spend a semester studying abroad at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. I lived in a lovely apartment with fellow students in the Givat Tzarfatit (French Hill) neighborhood. Thanks to a terrific ulpan (language immersion program), I quickly acclimated to and immersed myself into the Israeli lifestyle—finding my favorite grocery store, becoming friends with locals, frequenting as many restaurants as possible, and learning how to get to and from all the places I wanted to go.
Although I experienced some unrest during my time in the country (but then again, when isn’t there unrest?), I never felt unsafe. In fact, Israel is the place where I feel the safest. Seeing soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces patrol the streets doesn’t make me nervous—it makes me feel protected and secure.
I definitely made the most of my time while studying abroad. Of course, I attended incredibly interesting classes, but I also soaked up everything else this amazing country had to offer. As far as I was concerned, my apartment was just a place to sleep. I had exploring to do. From the Old City, Tel Aviv and Ein Gedi (my favorite place in all of Israel) to Eilat, Masada and the Golan Heights—rarely was I standing still. It was difficult for me to leave Israel when the semester ended—it felt like I was leaving my home behind.
I made my third visit to Israel in 2008 to attend the wedding of my husband Dovid’s brother at the kever (gravesite) of Dovid HaMelech (King David). It was so moving to be part of such a beautiful simcha (happy occasion) in the holiest country on earth. And to be there with my husband for our first visit together was wonderful.
Dovid and I haven’t had the opportunity to return to Israel since then. We both have friends and family there who we’d love to visit soon. And now that we have children with whom we want to share the joys, spirituality and beauty of Israel, a family trip there would mean even more to us.
We’re raising our three kids with a love for Israel and everything she has to offer. We read books about Israel, cook Israeli dishes, listen to Israeli music, watch videos showcasing Israel, and explain that much of our tzedakah (charitable giving) is dedicated to causes and organizations in Israel.
Our 6-year-old twin sons and 5-year-old daughter ask us on a weekly basis when we can go to Israel. We are hopeful that we can soon return to the country we love so dearly. To take our kids on their first trip to the Holy Land and to experience Israel through their eyes will be magical and unforgettable.
