Beth-El Israel trip provides a journey of discovery

The adults on the trip, overlooking the Kotel Plaza. /COURTESY | RABBI SARAH MACKWe discovered much about Israel in our 10-day trip: the beautiful, the perplexing and the wondrous. Our mantra was often “it is complicated” as we discovered the layers of history and the depth and diversity of our connections to Israel. We hope that this trip is the first of many from Temple Beth-El.  Sharing this journey has deepened our ties to Israel, to each other and to our Jewish community in Rhode Island.

 Here are some perceptions of our journey from some of the participants:

Lynn Taylor and

Boris Bally

Boris and I feel a renewed and deeper commitment to Israel as a result of this trip. We feel a greater sense of responsibility toward disseminating all of the positives and wonders of Israel and are better equipped to work against the negative propaganda. We are overjoyed to hear our children share that they feel so at home and so much a part of Israel. They both look forward to returning.

Etai (14 years old) and Aila (12 years old) Taylor Bally

We are eager to learn Hebrew after our trip!

Lewis and Vanessa Weiner

Everywhere there was a warm, loving welcome, kindness and caring, peace loving, focus on community, family and growth/planting, but at the same time a toughness, seriousness, strength and resolve to support and defend the country, its ideology and way of life! (Whether in the army or at home) a life-changing, eye-opening and moving trip!

Brendan Weiner

(10 years old) 

I loved learning the word of the day from Fifi, our youth counselor! My favorite word so far was Sababa, meaning awesome! That pretty much describes the trip.