This idea of this trip began one Friday night sitting at Menachem’s Shabbat table. As soon as the discussion began, I said “This trip is going to happen because magic happens at Menachem’s table, and this is going to be something magical.”  The trip was truly magical.

Over the past 10 months, with the help of many people, the trip evolved.  Friends reached out to friends informing them of our leadership trip, giving them the opportunity to return to Israel to reconnect to our home land, and for some to experience it for the first time.

The past few months, this group of 25 really came together: all of the trip participants bonded while planning the trip and informing people about our program. With each planning meeting, social event and Shabbat dinner we planned together, we became more excited for the trip.

Each day, our itinerary presented us with a new and exciting aspect of Israel. From our extremely challenging 3 and half hour hike in which we had to figure out navigating the path together, to our community service visits, our multiple planning sessions in which each participant spoke about reaching out to friends about becoming part of JHP, the trip brought us new surprises.   As our last activity as a group, we met with a chef in Jerusalem who took us on a tour through Machane Yehuda shuk to taste amazing cheeses, olives, bourekas, tahini, halva and amazing granola. The tour concluded at Chef Tali Freidman’s beautiful roof deck where we enjoyed an incredible 7 course meal as our final meal together in Israel. As I looked around the table that was filled with smiles, laughter and stories of our past 8 days together, I was truly excited for everything that will come next.  As we drove to the airport, I walked through the bus and thanked each person for their contribution to the trip. Each of these participants individual personalities is what made the trip so remarkable. Israel is an incredible place and you can only hope to experience it with great people, and that is what has happened over the past 8 days.  I am blessed to be able to be part of an organization that continues to challenge and reward me on a continual basis. The trip returns as Jewish people around the world are getting ready to celebrate the New Year. 5771 now holds so many wonderful possibilities as these participants return ready to share their experiences in Israel, and they are passionate about having an impact on Jewish life in Philadelphia. Our Chef Tali Freedman toasted us at our final meal, “may all the great things that happened to you this year, be the worst that happen to you next.” L’Shanah Tovah.

- Jennifer Birch

At Schneider Hospital, I saw the true meaning of life. Although the group was amongst sick children and worried parents, there was such a feeling of happiness and love. The emphasis that the hospital puts on making children feel like children, (not adults), is incredible. I was touched that some of the staff at the hospital took time out of their busy day to speak of their work and the miraculous and innovative things that the hospital does.

In the afternoon, we visited INTRA where we felt an incredible personal connection to the facility, the founder Anita Shkedi, and to the participants that are so touched to be part of the program. The group unanimously decided that INTRA will be our service project so we can help them build a café where participants of the program can heal, rest, and socialize. I really look forward to this relationship that the group will be building with INTRA once we return to Philadelphia.

That evening when we decided last minute to visit the protest that Gilad Shalit’s parents have started in front of the Prime Ministers home was by far the most memorable part of my experience in this country. His father spoke with such strength about the uncertainty of Gilad’s return to Israel. When he thanked us for coming to support them, his final words were “Come back and stay in Israel.” After the tragedy that Gilad’s family have been going through for the past four years, he is still such a Zionist to encourage our group to be in Israel—truly inspiring.

Today, Menachem spoke about the idea of giving Tzedakkah and what the Talmud describes as giving to those in need and encouraging others to do so. Our day yesterday was the living, breathing example of how people generously give (and give back) to make life more meaningful.

I am so grateful to be a part of this amazing organization and to be in Israel with an incredible group of individuals that I am able to share this experience with. I can’t wait for this group to bond back in Philadelphia!

- Stephanie Sorkin
‘You just got Sorkinsized—Shazaam’

Sderot is a town on the boarder of Gaza that has seen thousands of bombings.  The mortars occur daily and have just started to cease in 2009.  The residents of Sderot have 15 seconds warning to seek cover before a mortars impact.  This stressful and dangerous situation does not allow the children of the town to play outside or interact with each other except for in school.  The result of the constant bombing has caused 72% of the children in Sderot to have posttraumatic stress disorder.  JNF spearheaded a project to build an indoor playground/bomb shelter.  A few of the “crew” were involved in the fundraising for the playground through JNFuture Philadelphia.  The manager of the playground gave us a tour, brief operational description and answered all of our questions.   The children pay 10 shekels a day to play inside after school and donations can be allocated for this purpose.  After the tour Menachem spoke to us about donations and mitzvot as referred to in the Talmud.  It was so incredible to see how American’s can physically make a difference in a small town in Israel.  The playground allows children the ability to relax and be kids.  The group could feel the good this playground has done for the community of Sderot and gave great satisfaction.

The manager let us experience the playground for about 30 minutes and within that 30 minutes we acted like six year olds. We had fun playing air hockey, basketball, ping pong, video games and the bouncing gym.  We saw the disco, computer room and the special birthday party room.  This experience meant a lot to me as well as the group.  Menachem reminded us how important it is to give Tzedakah to those in need and to our community.

I feel very blessed to have been on this trip and as I am writing this while in my apartment in Tel Aviv.  I was lucky to stay in Israel for Rosh Hashanah. L’Shanah Tovah to all and everyone I was able to share this amazing experience with.

- George Shotz

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There are no words to describe this trip- only emotions that I felt and will remember from each experience. It has been a life changing and spiritual journey for myself. Whether we were climbing down a waterfall in the Golan, singing the Shema, lighting the Shabbos candles, or out on Ben Yehuda Street- each moment will be something that I never will forget. JHP allowed a group of Jewish professionals from Philadelphia to experience this country in a way that will be life changing. Our group developed a sense of friendship, community and an identity of what it means to be Jewish today.

For me personally, I was overwhelmed with such a sense of pride and comfort of being a Jew. The part of the trip that affected me the most was when we visited INTRA and spoke with the Israeli veterans who were suffering from PTSD. To hear a young man at the age of 28 who has gone through over 120 surgeries and to be so positive and upbeat- really gave me a new perspective on life.

As I sit on the bus writing this on our last day, I keep hoping that I will have just one more day or even just a few more hours with these people and in this country.  On the whole, I felt a strong connection to this country and am looking forward to returning and hopefully one day to possibly make Aliyah

- Becky Waxman

Second stop was to INTRA – the Israel National Therapeutic Riding Association.  This is an organization that utilizes the riding of horses to help children and adults with multiple disabilities, including Autism and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We heard stories from two men struggling with PTSD as a result of war and how this therapeutic horseback riding has helped them to cope with their disorders.

Today’s events were more community service based and definitely the most fulfilling day of the trip. Tonight is our last night in Jerusalem and the group will be spending a leisure night in the city.

- Casey Stone

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After a great evening welcoming Shabbat, Saturday morning was spent catching up on sleep and relaxing at our hotel. Around noon, we split into small groups for Shabbat lunch at host families throughout Jerusalem. While attempting to navigate the city streets, my group stopped multiple people on the street for directions. Ironically enough three of the four ‘locals’ we spoke with were originally from Philadelphia!

My group was welcomed into the home of a wonderful family and treated to a delicious assortment of traditional Israeli foods. Throughout the meal, we discussed a variety of different topics that included, Israeli politics, Jewish culture, American sports, and their family lineage. Before we knew it, three and a half hours had passed and we had to head back to the hotel for our evening activities. While sad to part ways, we promised to keep in touch!

- Scott Peterman

Shabbos with the Reb

Waking up Saturday morning was no easy task …Shabbat dinner was both spiritual and intoxicating. L’CHAIM!! Jessica and I were assigned to a host family that lived near Emek Refiam in the Greek Colony. We walked from the Dan Boutique around Jerusalem and arrived after a 30-minute improvised tour of the City. Three beautiful children running in circles and a baby boy named Eli Melech instantly greeted us. In addition, there were 15 others that had gathered for Shabbat lunch with a man that we had never met before. Our host sat in his Shabbat throne and proclaimed one rule for lunch: “no politics”. We started our meal with a blessing over the wine to which everyone at the table introduced themselves and received a very personal blessing from the “reb” with our choice of 7 wine varieties (including a mystery wine in an ornate silver pitcher). We ate for hours (5 to be exact) and spoke of his baseball fanaticism, his teaching days, how he got Cal Ripken’s ONLY game-day bat in known existence, and his “wall of fame” that is covered with pictures of people that have left a lasting impression on him. He dressed us in special Shabbat robes and served us dessert after salad course – proclaiming: “this is in honor of my Mother …who told me that when I’m an adult, I can do whatever I want but until then, no dessert before I finish my meal …now I’m an adult and I want cake”. The food was amazing and the Sephardic tradition of cooking is certainly something I could get used to. At the end of our meal, our host was asked to read everyone’s numerology and he was spot on with everything as if he knew me …and as we left his home, he led us out the door and left us with another blessing of success, peace, and happiness in life.

Walking back to our hotel, I felt totally overwhelmed. We had just had Shabbat lunch with people we had never met but they welcomed us into their home and their family, making an impact on our lives that I don’t think we’ll soon forget.

- Josh Katz

The first time I saw this activity plan on the trip itinerary, I knew immediately that this was going to be something special.

As the sun began to fall, we all walked over to Old City to the Western Wall to recite the Shabbat Prayers.
As we were coming close to our destination, I began to feel a rush I have not felt in a long time.  I knew that just in a few minutes, I would be arriving to the staple of my Jewish faith – the Kotel.
As we turned the corner, I took my first glance of the Wall and was immediately filled with emotions. There was an energy that I cannot put into words that made feel so proud to be a Jew.

I kept thinking that my grandparents would be so proud of me at this very moment.  Here I was carrying the torch of Judaism by praying at the Kotel in the holy city of Jerusalem. On one side of me, was a soldier carrying a gun, and on the other side, was man dressed with a black hat, full beard, and Peyas.
Although we looked different on the outside, praying with these gentleman, I felt a unique and strong bond.

Turning the pages of my prayer book with the Kotel five feet in front of me, I realized it did not matter where we came from or what religious sect we were, but that we were all here, our “home”, as one Jew.

As a group, we then walked back to the synagogue where we were greeted with a beautiful Shabbat dinner. Just five days ago, I came on this trip with some strangers and friends, but after the week’s amazing experiences with each other, I sat down with these people for Shabbat Dinner like they were family.

The Shabbat dinner was filled with great challah, delicious chicken, and of course some…I mean many L’Chaims. It was truly a special time eating Shabbat dinner with the site of Jerusalem overlooking us through the window.  I will remember this night forever.

- Ian Goldwasser

Our first stop in Jerusalem was at the Haas Promenade, a viewpoint where you can see the entire city. We got to take great pictures and learn about the history of the major religions that are present here. It’s crazy to see how close all major religious events have taken place to each other.  We just arrived at our hotel, are going to rest, and then head into the Old City for a special Shabbat at the Wall

- Jillian Sorkin

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Today we went to the beautiful, ancient, Ottoman influenced city called Jaffa. With its winding cobblestone roads, mosaic doors, arcs, and thousands of years of history behind us, this city was truly magical. Jon gave us a background on how the traveling men used to enter the old city, and we then stopped to have lunch while overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. During this time, we had another organizational session to further discuss ideas about the people we would like to get involved with JHP and how we should approach recruitment.

- Carly Gordon

Tel Aviv Surf Club

After touring Jaffa, we took a short bus ride to the Tel Aviv Surf Club on the Mediterranean Sea, a truly beautiful sight.  Everyone had the option of surfing, kayaking or relaxing on the beach. The waves were calm so a bunch of us put on a wetsuit, grabbed a board, and got a very quick lesson from our instructor Johnny. Within 5 minutes we were in the water trying to surf. Some of us were better than others, but it was definitely a great experience I will never forget.  I heard the kayaks were really relaxing and peaceful. With the calm waves, everyone was allowed to float to the rocks and enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounded them. Towards the end of our time at the Tel Aviv Surf Club, we enjoyed being beach bums and shopping at the surf shop… a wonderful way to end this afternoon activity.

- Traci Bloom

Nagala’at Center Blackout

Wow…where do I begin?  This was without a doubt one of the most unique experiences I could say all of us have probably ever had.  When we first arrived, we had a brief introduction from one of the employees at “Blackout,” when he explained a little more about the center and what to expect of the evening. He also went through all of the food options we could choose from, including salmon, gnocchi, Thai noodles with vegetables, white fish, or “surprise.”  We also got to choose a dessert, such as ice cream, dark chocolate mousse, white mousse, or “surprise.”  Before going inside, we gave our orders to one of the people who worked there. Then, we all split into groups, since a few different blind waiters and waitresses were assigned per table of 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8. After waiting for each table to get ready, the waiter or waitress greeted us at the door and led us through a completely dark room, where you could only hear everyone around you but not see a thing.  The waiter or waitress helped us get seated and served us bread and mint water to “calm” us down a bit (it was a very strange feeling to not be able to see anything at all!).  We were then served our meals and desserts, being as careful as possible to not spill anything—luckily, they made us all put bibs on before going inside the pitch black!  This was an eye opening experience to be able to “feel” the world of a blind individual and make us appreciate what we have even more.

- Carly Gordon

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After this introduction and background, we learned about many of the companies and technologies that are in various stages of development, and got to see how these technologies work. One example is an “obesity pill” that, while ingested orally, is really a device that curbs appetite for hours at a time without the need for drugs or surgical procedure.

There was a healthy dialogue among the members of JHP and these brilliant technological leaders that helped us understand the magnitude of the capabilities that many Israeli companies foster.  These investments go above and beyond anything currently in the market, and it was an honor to be in the presence of such great minds and to learn from them things that we can apply not only in our careers but also in our everyday lives.