This year, I have the tremendous
opportunity to study in Israel. I realize that every
move I make is
infused with spirituality and
inspiration.
School outings aren’t just fun activities, but
experiences that bring the
Torah to life. One
chesed trip involved picking squash for the
mitzvah of
pe'ah, reserving a portion of
one's field for the needy, which is not a
mitzvah most of us have the opportunity to
perform. This
Elul was the most powerful pre-
chagim experience I've ever had and it
thoroughly prepared me for the
yamim
noraim.
This Yom Kippur was very special to me. During all of
tefillah, one could feel the
kavana in
the room which was heightened by the
intensity
of all around me. What struck me most was the
singing of “
leshana haba'ah b'Yerushalayim”
at the end of the day. I
remembered singing the words last year and really
believing them because I knew I would be studying in
Israel. However, the reality is now that I’m here in
seminary, I've never felt further away from the
real
Yerushalayim. The key word people tend to
forget is “
hab'nuya-- next year in Jerusalem
REBUILT.”
I am a mere forty-five minutes
from the
site of the past and future Temple,
but the fact that we are in exile (
galut), has
never been more apparent to
me. One lesson that was continually repeated
throughout high school was that this
galut is
the hardest one the Jews have had to endure, since
it is one of a spiritual nature. I have never been able
to fully understand this lesson until now.
Of course, I owe a lot of my ability to truly
appreciate my experiences thus far to the high
school. In addition to preparing me for my classes,
WYHS has solidified
my awe of and connection to
Israel with the lessons I was taught in my four
years by my amazing teachers and Rabbis. Every
landmark, every body of water, every city, even
every street name is reminiscent of my high school
classes, whether from
Chumash, Navi, or
Jewish
History. Everything I was taught has been coming
alive with every step I take. I am extremely grateful
to the high school for everything the faculty,
staff, and students have given me and continue to
give me.
I look forward to the next eight months with
great optimism, excitement, and gratitude.
May this be a year of continued life lessons and
growth for all of us.
From the desk of
