Back From Israel
Wow, where do I even begin? These last couple of weeks have been an absolute blessing. It has been busy, meaningful, and unforgettable. My family and I traveled to Eretz Israel to celebrate Passover, and it was such a beautiful experience.
It felt so special to be surrounded by family, to celebrate together, and to experience something different for Pesach. Walking through the streets and seeing the stores open (well, most of them) and eating out at restaurants, it almost didn’t feel like Passover in the way we’re used to in the states. And with no extra days of Yom Tov there, it allowed us to relax and enjoy without the usual rush.
Our trip was packed with special moments, visiting Jerusalem, spending time at family gatherings, and celebrating my brother’s birthday which was really the whole reason behind this trip. It was such a gift to be able to just be with family sharing stories, making memories, and soaking in the love.
Every single time I go to Israel, I leave with a reality check or a new layer of growth. This trip was no different. I found myself reflecting deeply on my connection to Judaism. I realized that even if I’m progressing slowly, that’s okay. Growth doesn’t happen on a timeline, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone.
One important lesson that really hit me during this trip was about parenting and faith. We can't force our children to love the things we love, even when it comes to something as precious as our religion. We can only guide them, live by example, and pray that they'll find their own path in time. As my uncle wisely said, there is no rulebook for parenting. Each of us faces unique challenges, and that’s part of why we’re here, to face them, to grow from them, and to complete our personal tikkun.
Visiting Jerusalem always feels powerful, but this time was especially emotional. Every time I stand at the Kotel, tears come easily. Prayers straight from the heart because the spiritual presence there is so real. It's a feeling you can’t always explain and you certainly don't feel it anywhere else.
Now that we’re back in the States, we’re slowly adjusting, battling jet lag, getting back into work and school routines. It's not always easy, but I'm so grateful for the experience we had. This trip reminded me once again of what truly matters faith, family, growth, and gratitude. I can't wait until the next time we return to our homeland.
Emunah