I have been to Israel before. Actually this trip to Israel will be my 21st visit. This is my sixth Youth Israel Trip but it will be a new experience because I get to share the experience with these young people. I get to see Israel through their young eyes at this key time in their development of their sense of personal identity.
We will encounter the land of Israel, the state of Israel and the people of Israel. The teens will be asking themselves, who am I? We will present experiences which will open new possible responses. We will learn about the Jewish past, experience the Jewish present and consider the Jewish future. I take these young people to Israel not so that they will feel what I feel. I take them to Israel so that at this key times in their lives they will encounter Israel and develop their own connections and feelings. Rabbi Bob
December 24                                                                 Airport Photos As you know, the weather in Chicago was not good last night. The group was delayed leaving Chicago, and missed the connection in London. They were rerouted to Amsterdam, where they will spend the night, and arrive in Israel Tuesday morning. According to Rabbi Bob, the kids are having a big adventure.
December 25 This is Rabbi Bob, now in Eilat. The group that was in London last night flew to Israel today on BA. We then travelled via our tour bus to Eilat. The 35 kids and staff members are spending the night in a hotel in Amman. BA had been told by Royal Jordanian Airlines that they would hold the Amman/Tel Aviv flight for our group. This did not happen. They are flying to Tel Aviv on an early morning flight tomorrow (December 26). Our Israel agent has arranged for them to fly to Eilat tomorrow morning. I anticipate that by late morning our group wil be reunited here in Eilat. And we will continue on with the trip. Everybody is healthy and safe. We will update as regularly as possible. I expect that by tomorrow evening we will begin regular postings on the blog.
December 26 As of this morning, the group is together on a sailboat in the Red Sea.  There is some missing luggage but all are fine and having a great time.
December 27                                                              View Slideshow Shalom! After many tangents and layovers and general struggles in travel, we have arrived in the land of Israel. Despite the annoyances, our travels were well catered and attended to throughout the trip thus far. I know most, if not all of you, are up to date on these struggles. Briefly, after missing our connecting flight in London, we were split into two groups. One flew to Amsterdam, Amman, Tel Aviv, and finally Eilat. The other group flew from London to Tel Aviv, where they met Roger and Toby, our guide and driver, respectively. They drove south to Eilat, where we rejoined. Following our joyous reunion, we moved into our first Israeli hotel and took a short bus ride to a pirate ship. Like any pirate ship worth its weight in treasure, it was outfitted with a grill for lunch, pools to soak your feet in, and techno music. We motored through the Red Sea, where everyone enjoyed the fresh air, and our first real taste of vacation atmosphere. From here we head north to geological wonders, camel rides and Tel Aviv. We are safe, happy, and ready for all the adventures ahead.-unknown
Hi guys! Wow, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever see a computer again. This trip has been, well, a trip! I’m sure you’ve all heard a billion different stories about what happened to us, but here’s the Reader’s Digest version: Our flight was delayed in Chicago, so our flight from London was then canceled. We waited on the floor in the London airport for what felt like an eternity, and then my half of the group flew to Amsterdam, where we went clubbing in the Red Light District and had the time of our lives. Haha, not. We went to a really nice hotel, had dinner, slept, and took a flight to Jordan the next morning. Surprise, we got stuck there too, and slept at a Jordanian hotel. I was pretty convinced we had hit rock bottom at that point, but we survived. We got rooms but I didn’t sleep, and I doubt anybody else did either. Got up at 3:00 and boarded a plane to Tel Aviv, and after the shortest flight I have ever been on, we arrived in Israel. We all freaked out and hugged and jumped and took pictures. We hung out in the airport for like three hours, which to tell you the truth, didn’t feel like very much after what we had already been through. So finally we arrived in Eilat! At last, we were where we were supposed to be. Eilat has about the tiniest airport I have ever seen. It was about the size of the Glen Ellyn Park District, from what I could tell. The city is gorgeous, it reminds me of Mexico and Arizona, it’s all desert and sand and mountains. We got to our hotel, which was again very nice and accommodating. After a quick breakfast, we rented what seemed like a pirate ship for four hours and had time to dance and eat a barbecued lunch. We had the wind blowing in our hair Titanic style, and I got to meet a bunch of new people in our group. Although we got only an hour to shop for necessities afterward (Oh yeah, only about fifteen of us had our baggage then) we went back to the hotel and I went straight to sleep. Longest day ever!! So! The computer tells me it is Thursday, but I’ve completely lost track of the day and time. We left the hotel around eight this morning and went to some AMAZING rock formations. It felt so good to be outside in the sun.. All the crazy mountains and valleys gave me a really good feel of the desert, and the weather really is gorgeous. And the local boys? No complaints there. I’m writing this on the bus right now, we’re on the way to the camel ride, which should be fabulous. So now, to please the parents: I really do love all the kids on this trip, and the leaders are pretty chill too. We’re having a ton of fun now that we’re finally in Israel, and we’re taking lots of pictures so you guys can feel like you’re here too. We all send our love and hope you’re having a great break. Shalom!-Julie P
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December 30 I stayed with a conservative family of four in their very nice old-fashioned home. My host was 15 years old and went to Orshovsky High School which was about 30 seconds away from his home. His whole family was born in Israel yet they all spoke English very well. On Shabbat, we ate dinner, played a card game, watched a movie, and went to sleep at about 11:30. The next morning, we all woke up again at 11:30 and felt great after our really long sleep. When we finished eating our breakfast, we went out to the hot tub and hung out for a while. After our time in the tub, we went to the city park where we met up with other friends and got some food. Once we left the park, we walked for fifteen minutes to the Sports Center where we played soccer with other Israelis. It definitely showed how bad Americans are at soccer. After our two hour game, we walked back to his house where we put graffiti of our faces on t-shirts. Then we ate dinner which consisted of pita, hummus, vegetables, hot dogs, and sausage. It was by far one of the best Israeli meals I have ever had. Once that was over, we went back in the hot tub and had a great time. By then it was about 9:30, and it was time for us to shower and hang out until about 10:30. At 10:45 we turned on a movie that we all watched for the first time. The first time will be the only time. I learned so much here in Israel and had an amazing experience learning what their lifestyle is all about.-Aaron T
This weekend doing home hospitality with host families in Ra’anana was so much fun. I stayed with the Kaplans, who many of you at home know through Etz Chaim along with Julie P, Rachel L, Audrey Y and Stephanie M. Though they were not expecting all five of us, they were so hospitable, even considering that two of us still did not have luggage. We were immediately chatting and laughing and having a great time, they were so much fun. On Friday night after Shabbat services, we had a huge dinner with the family and a few of their friends, which was delicious. Afterwards we went out to our host’s friend’s house and met up with a few of the other girls on the trip with us and their host. It was amazing to see how modern Israeli teenagers act and what they do for fun. We were all so similar; the culture gap was practically nonexistent. We talked about movies, music and of course all the cute Israeli boys. The Ra’anana community was so accepting of us, and extremely accommodating to everyone. The differences between the Glen Ellyn and Lombard area and Ra’anana were only pertaining to the landscape and set up of the town. Everyone was completely normal! I know I speak for most of the group when I say I was really scared before meeting the hosts, I had no idea what to expect. I soon learned that most families in Israel are no different than our own. It was a great experience and I had a so much fun! –Rachel K
We had lunch today with Rabbi Bob and your kids from Etz Chaim. I thought some of you might like a look at them. Sorry if I didn't get every kid clearly photographed, but I'm pretty sure that they were all there and still in one piece! All that we talked with were having a great experience, so it was worth your investment!! Now they're off to see the grottoes at Rosh HaNikra and then off to the eastern Galilee. We appreciate that you sent them and look forward to seeing more of you here! Gershom and Bobbie Lichtenberg                                     Slideshow
Happy New Year After an awesome New Years Eve cruise on the Kinnert, we were finally given a chance to sleep in this morning – all of 15 minutes!! Right now we’re on the bus on our way to Jerusalem where we’re spending the rest of the trip. Currently, we’re driving through the mountains. The views from the different heights we’ve been on this whole trip have been unbelievable. Looking out the window you see a million rolling hills, many different towns, water and some of the most beautiful sites you’ll only see once in your life. –Stephanie M
This weekend we stayed with Israeli families. They were really cool. I stayed with twins, Aviv and Ofir, age 17. We went out with their friends and had a barbeque which was lots of fun. We then walked around the town and met up with people from our trip. The next day the twins took us to the mall and we bought Israeli clothes and then had another barbeque with their neighbor’s family. It was great –Ben W
Yesterday, we took a tour of the Golan Heights in a jeep. Our driver, Gideon, was a veteran of the Israeli army, serving in its early wars. As we took our tour through the kibbutz and the neighboring areas, he engaged us in the expected banter, explaining the goals of the kibbutz, its economic output, and various tales. However, as we neared the Jordan River and the border of the Golan Heights, he switched to a much more solemn tone. He explained the importance of the river and the many stories associated with its water. But as we drove through the mine field of the rocky slopes of the base of the Golan Heights, he recalled Israel’s war with its neighbors, particularly Syria and Egypt. With a somber voice, he reminded us of the tragedies war can bring for both the loser and the supposed “victor,” concluding that while one rival may accomplish its goals, there is never a winner in war. He explained that if people used their heads rather then their two fists, such tragedies as war could possibly be avoided. While he used many different metaphors and anecdotes to convey his point, his message was clear; the only way to achieve victory is through peace. -Alex C and Theo L
January 3rd This has been an amazing trip full of excitement followed by sleep deprived nights. Alliances are ever changing in the group but hanging out with all the different people on this trip gives meaning to the term “a helluva party.” This trip is as safe as anywhere in America, at least the places we’ve been. Shopping is always frantic but we get through it. At the beginning of this trip we vocally attacked British Airways for the misplacement of our luggage but most of us have gotten over it. I personally am happy if they drop us this time because then we wouldn’t have to go to school. We all love the family that has been created and I personally wouldn’t change this trip for anything. -Eric H
January 4th Being in Israel has created a connection I have always imagined but never believed I could attain, until now. Being in Jerusalem has truly changed my perspective on being Jewish. Not only do I see countless orthodox Jews on the street, but I realize that I have become part of the majority, unlike Chicago, where I am clearly the minority. The old city connects biblical Judaism to modern day Judaism, so that when you walk down the street you can actually be in our ancestors shoes. Listening to our tour guides and learning about history creates an out of body experience that is difficult to explain but the feeling it creates is something I will never forget.-Sara P
On returning from Israel Emily wrote this article for her school newspaper. The Bible reports that it took the Jews 40 years of wandering to reach Israel after their escape from Egyptian bondage. It took our group, 46 Jewish teenagers gathered from several synagogues in the Chicagoland area, four days. By the time we touched down in Israel, three days later than expected thanks to a missed connection flight in London, being on Israeli soil seemed, at least to us, as magnificent an event as it must have to our hapless ancestors. As a descendant of those early Jews, it is impossible for me not to view my winter break trip to Israel through a Jewish lens. After two weeks there, I understand, finally, what it means to call Israel the Jewish homeland. It means that, even though I have lived my entire life as an American citizen, being in Israel felt like coming home. It means that, even though I have no legal affiliation with the state of Israel, I feel fiercely loyal to the nation and wholly invested in its fate. It means that, even though I was thousands of miles away from my official nation of residence, I felt as though I was among my people. It is unbelievable, but standing in the line for non-Israelis at the airport on our last day felt wrong; I felt like an Israeli citizen. What inspired the greatest emotion in me was not a religious experience, though. Instead, it was a characteristic of Israeli citizens that American teenagers of all faiths could learn from and be moved by. The Israeli teenagers we met are just like American teenagers in most respects. Their tastes in music, clothing, television and movies are nearly identical; they spend their weekends hanging out with friends in the same way we do. However, there is one crucial exception to these similarities. At the same age most Americans are preparing for college, all Israeli citizens are preparing to enter the army. When they turn 18, Israeli girls face two years of mandatory military service; Israeli boys must serve three years. In America, where the army is struggling to meet recruitment goals and proposing a draft would be political suicide for most politicians, such a requirement is unimaginable. The first, and most telling, thing members of our group asked an Israeli girl about her enlistment was, “are you angry that you have to go?” No one was prepared for her response. “I’m excited,” she said. “I want to serve my country.” All of her friends concurred. Not one was resentful that their country demanded so big a sacrifice. They faced the magnitude of the consequences of military service with maturity and patriotism that very few Americans of the same age possess. Our group was awe-struck by their firm confidence that they were fighting for the greatest possible cause. Part of the difference in attitudes arises from the insecurity of Israel’s future. In America, no one doubts the fact that the U.S. will exist tomorrow. Israelis are not privileged with the same security. While the media’s portrayal of Israel as a dangerous, war-torn country where suicide bombers run wild is an exaggeration, the reminders that many people would like to see Israel wiped off the map are constant. For Americans, a military surrender would be an unfortunate embarrassment. For Israelis, it would likely be the end of their country’s existence.  It is fortunate that Americans don’t have to know what it is like to be in a constant fight for the right to exist as a country. It is unfortunate that we have forgotten how to appreciate the fact that we no longer have to feel this urgency. It is unfortunate that we have lost our understanding of what is worth fighting for. America likes to portray itself as a shining beacon of hope and liberty to the rest of the world. In Israel, I learned that hope and liberty need to be supported by the foundation of a citizenry that proudly, consciously appreciates these ideals.  - Emily J.