The End

Our second to last day was defined by relaxation and reflection. Having dealt with a plethora of issues and explored the multitude of sides of Israeli life, we devoted today to purely enjoying the country and each other. In the morning, we went on a gentle hike around Gamla, at the top of the Golan Heights, a few kilometers west of the Syrian border. The site of the beginning of the first Jewish rebellion against the Romans in 67 CE, the area today is an impressive showcase of the beauty of the north of Israel. Overlooking the mountain and the ancient fortifications, we connected to the past directly by understanding that we were the links to the future and through us the memory of the past would live on. Then, we walked the short course to the waterfall, admiring the vultures and other birds of prey that inhabit the valley below.

Back on the bus, we embarked on perhaps the most entertaining hands-on activity of the trip by visiting the De Karina Chocolate Factory located on a kibbutz in the Golan. We watched an educational video about the production of chocolate and then saw first-hand the factory floor, where raw chocolate was melted down and then shaped into all sorts of delicacies including truffles, bars, and pralines. As master chocolatiers skillfully handled the chocolate, we marveled at how this substance which somany of us treasure so greatly, actually goes from bean to consumable form. Then, in a workshop room next door, we got to design our own chocolates, using pre-made shells, chocolate syrup (dark, milk, and white) and raw chocolate. Hibernating artists among us finally got their chance to shine. As we waited for our creations to cool down, we treated ourselves to genuine hot chocolate and stocked up on souvenir goodies.

After lunch, we made our way to the Hamat Hot Springs, where we enjoyed an early evening sulfur bath. Although the smell was difficult for the nostrils, the beneficial properties of the water refreshed and re-energized the many of us who frolicked in the pool. Included was a leisurely dinner and some down time, an opportunity to kick back, talk, and just purely enjoy each other. After a break back at the hotel, we got down to the serious business of reflection, of trying to come to terms of what this trip has meant for us. First, we recalled the places, people and things we had seen. Then we wrote, focusing on the question of what we would bring back with us, of what from this trip would live on in our memories and in our psyches.

“I have gained a greater appreciation for the intricacies of the holy land of Israel. I have explored the wondrous beauty of its cities, deserts, and hills; while also recognizing the harsh realities of Israel and the Middle East. While this experience has not changed my view that Israel cannot be my homeland, I now appreciate the allure that overcomes each Jewish American who makes Aliyah, while I also can clearly identify my serious challenges with Israel. I sometimes struggle to find meaning in Israel, but I still identify myself as a Zionist who strongly supports the democratic and holy ideals of Israel, while also recognizing that Israel cannot survive solely by idealistic aspirations. Overall, Israel is holy place for me, where Judaism is enlightened and where I feel comfortable, safe, and spiritual.”

Iszy Licht

As our trip winds down tomorrow in Tel Aviv, we will be returning to the states, to CJHS, to our regular lives. Fairly soon, the mundane concerns of that world will return and take up our attention and this trip will settle comfortably into the recesses of our memories. But we certainly will not forget it. All the details may not remain clear, but the general impressions, connections, and relationships forged throughout our three weeks in Israel will stay with us, always there, always reminding us of what a great and meaningful time it was, always inspiring us in our future endeavors. We set out on a long journey to discover the hidden sides of Israel not always evident in tourist trips or sightseeing excursions; in the process, we believe we discovered a lot about ourselves and the role that Israel plays in our developing identities. Collectively and individually, each of us is returning home with new insights and new dreams, dramatically affected by our experience. We are grateful to all those that made this possible, and we are thankful to ourselves, each and every one of whom played his or her part in making the Senior Israel Experience what it was. As the culminating event of our CJHS careers, there could not have been a more powerful and transformative way to give meaning to our four years.
Thank you.