I would be lying if I said that my year in Israel was perfect; my year abroad had its ebbing moments of loneliness during Passover away from family as well as the frustrations of self-discovery. Yes- there were regrets and “no regrets” times, but I will never in my life be hiking a waterfall or the world’s largest crater while people my age were in university lecture halls, again. My unique opportunities throughout the year, like attending a Navy school and sailing to Herziliyah while on a boat for 3 days, living in an impoverished area to teach English, celebrating Israel’s 61^st birthday on the streets with the rest of the country, participating in every holiday of the year including one where ½  a million people gathered in northern Israel (religious or irreligious, everyone is aware of all of the holidays), hearing speeches from the Prime Minister and other influential political figures, traveling to Greece for spring break, figuring out the bus schedule to travel from one side of Israel to another for a weekend, praying at the Kotel  (Western Wall) at 5 am with thousands of others before the holidays and going on my own to the Kotel any time I wished or to see my matriarch Rachel- and this could have all been in one week!

While in Israel, I perused menus without the concern of finding an un-kosher item. I grew used to petulant cab-drivers always in a rush; yet, they were always willing to negotiate the cab fare with me and then proceed to ask about my family in America and my thoughts on the current political situation- where else? I unfortunately also acclimated to 18 year old soldiers sitting on buses holding M16s and opening my purse before entering any public place for a security check. Yet, life continues there. I attempted to perfect my Hebrew-speaking-skills with any and all pedestrians, who in turn, responded in English- preferring to practice their English rather than help me practice my Hebrew. Events from the year also sparked an interest in the Middle East within me, encouraging me to begin my studies next year as an International Relations major, hopefully with a focus on the Middle East. I hope to continue improving my Hebrew as well as the second national language of Israel, Arabic, which I began to learn while in Israel. Israel’s amalgamated culture and religion certainly characterize the streets; nostalgia sets in.

The significance of humorous daily encounters and the discovery of a familiar face on a crowded street, whether it be a friend from home also in Israel for the year or a family to whom I went for a Shabbat meal a few months back, mostly hit me when I returned home. Life became comfortable for me there after a year, but there is still nothing like being home.  And so a challenging question arose: what was I to do with my newfound feelings for Israel back in America? (The great thing is I don’t have to choose.)  The head of the Jewish Community Relations Council, the branch of the Jewish Federation in Dallas that focuses on Israel in America, answered my question when we established contact from Israel. Upon my return I have been preparing, for various communities around Dallas, a presentation about Israel’s effect on Americans in daily life. The presentation, Project Innovation: Israel Beyond the Conflict, focuses on Israel beyond its apparent ongoing wars - a presentation on the Israel that I saw everyday and loved. Project Innovation focuses on Israel as a leader in the world’s technology industries, medical and agricultural innovations, and in the art and humanities produced within its flowering culture. It focuses on the productive technology developed in Israel and the profound impact it has on our daily lives.  If you or a group is interested in this presentation, please contact Meghan Traxler, JCRC Program Associate, at mtraxler@jfgd.org or (214) 615-5254. I cannot think of a better transition back to life at home than bringing everything I saw and learned in Israel, to Dallas.

I am so grateful to Neighborsgo and especially Assistant Managing Editor, Mark Macesich, for giving me the incredible opportunity to blog my experiences throughout the year. I hope that my blogs were enjoyable, providing  alternative insight into the realities of daily life in Israel. Blogging certainly helped me record and remember this memorable year in my life. Thank you again, Neighborsgo, for this amazing opportunity. Keep in touch!

Sincerely yours,

Gabbi Lewin

Gabriellalewin@yahoo.com