Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ just returned from a historic endeavor – taking 475 people from across the community on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Israel. For many of the participants this was their first trip to Israel, while others had been numerous times, but for all, it was an eye-opening experience connecting with the people and places in Israel that are impacted by the dollars raised through the Annual Campaign.
Family Also Matters
By Steven Schwartz, Randolph
My wife and I are privileged to have visited Israel six times. This last trip we were part of a Mega-Mission — a gathering of 475 people in our expanded community — through the auspices of our local charitable umbrella organization, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ.
This trip was different from all the others...
I was taught as a child that we Jews are meant to be a “light unto the nations.” In Genesis we read that all of the world will be blessed through us. We are commanded to be productive and loyal citizens of America and I am certainly proud of the role Jews have played in our country since its very inception. This mission reminded me that while it is important to be a contributing part of society in the U.S., family also matters. This trip made us feel viscerally close to our ancestral homeland. It let us see, on an affective level, just where the funds we contribute go and all of the good that we collectively accomplish.
Our days were intensely packed. We started early and ended late. Yes, it was exhausting. And with one event and one stop leading into another, it is sometimes hard to remember all of the details, certainly not in chronological order. But there are so many moments that stick out, that hit me out of nowhere, that make me smile, that tug at my heart, and that also fill me with awe.
Imagine sitting with a group of kids who had recently graduated from high school and were taking a year off before entering the military. They were there in a program to figure out how they, as individuals and a group, could make Israel and the world better and how they could become leaders.
Imagine finding yourself at an Israeli Naval Base in Haifa — a place with such enormous responsibility — and wondering how it is possible that every single sailor can be so gorgeous!
Imagine visiting Elbit Systems — a high-tech firm that makes most of the helmets for U.S. Air Force pilots because their technology is far ahead of any other country.
Imagine all of us celebrating the conclusion of the Sabbath at the hotel pool overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem and joining in prayer and song. And then imagine a special guest showing up to join us — the governor of our state, Phil Murphy!
Imagine thinking we were just going to visit Roman ruins in Beit Guvrim — just one more stop on an insanely busy day — then discovering that a famous Israeli group was going to break us into groups, teach us a song, have us gather and all join to sing “One Day.” Together, we dreamed about hoped for peace as our voices echoed off those ruins.
Imagine doing Tai-Chi on a hilltop in the middle of the Negev Desert!
Imagine traveling to a community our local Federation sponsors on the first ever train between that city (Ofakim) and Jerusalem. Then imagine getting off the train, being serenaded by teenagers and given roses by young boys and girls. And hugs. Really, imagine.
As I said, it was not our first trip, but it was magical nonetheless. I love my country. I served in its armed forces. It has provided my family with all one could ask for. But a large part of my home will always be in Israel. And there is simply no better way — more educational, more emotional, you name it — than to see it as part of a trip with our Federation.