Being a Member of Am Yisrael (The people of Israel)

What does it mean to me to be a member of Am Yisrael? This is a question I have discussed in my Jewish History class possibly every did since arriving in the holy land and I am yet to come up with a clear and concise answer. It is hard to answer this question because there is no right answer, there are only ideas, beliefs, and opinions. To me being a member of Am Yisrael means identifying as Jewish and positively contributing to the Jewish community. This can mean many things such as going to services on Shabbat or High Holiday’s, celebrating Jewish Holiday’s, learning about the Holocaust and Jewish History, following Jewish Law and much, much, much more. Being a member of Am Yisrael can mean doing one, some, or all of these things plus more. I think just calling oneself Jewish does not make them a member of Am Yisrael, it is important to actually contribute to Jewish society in any way shape or form to be a part of Am Yisrael. I think living in Israel and being a zionist are great ways to be a part of Am Yisrael because just by living in Israel helps to grow the Jewish people and culture. I also think to be a member of Am Yisrael, we as a society need to be the best people we can possibly be. This can mean doing Tikun O’lam, charity, helping the poor or sick, or just genuinely being a nice person. I think these are all important qualities that a member of Am Yisrael should have. There are many different things a person can do to be a member of Am Yisrael and that’s why I think I will never have a clear answer to this question. But, I think that as long as I continue to explore my Jewish Identity I will continue to be a member of Am Yisrael. 

Jewish Community in the Best City Ever (Los Angeles)

I am extremely fortunate to live in a city with a promenade Jewish community. Growing up in Los  Angeles, California there was always a large Jewish presence in my life whether from my home community or outside influences. Right now in Los Angeles, there are multiple upcoming events through various Jewish organizations including the Los Angeles Jewish Abilities Center, The Jewish Federation, The Los Angeles JCC and more. One of the upcoming events through the Jewish Federation is to observe Yom Ha’shoah. I was happily surprised to see this event and to find out Israeli and American Jews are celebrating the same days within their own communities. While there are many different Jewish organizations in Los Angeles, there are also popular news sources such as the Jewish Journal. This is a resource I know my parents constantly read and my temple has available to congregants. This News source has topics more general and possibly relevant to the general public while also having strong Jewish articles. The current trending headlines include, “trump: Israeli-Palestinian peace deal can be made”, “Real Housewives of New York City Week 4 Recap,” and “Ex-mayor of London suspended from Labour for saying Hitler was Zionist.” This journal is a super cool news source because not only does it have important Jewish news, but it also has news relevant to Los Angeles and American jews. I know I will be able to come home to a strong Jewish community and will be able to find Jewish current events wherever I go. 

Yam L'Yam!!!

Over Passover break, I had the incredible opportunity of going on Yam L’yam. Yam L’Yam or sea to sea is a 5 day hiking excursion EIE takes as its third and final large trip. We started out at the Kineret or Sea of Gallie and finished our journey at the Mediterranean sea. The first day actually only consisted of an incredibly long bus ride up the coast from Jerusalem to the Kineret. I remember feeling anxious to start my Yam L’yam Journey and a sense of relief when I found out we weren't actually hiking the first day. That night, I got my hiking group and materials for the next 4 days which included a relatively light backpack that become exponentially heavier when I added the 4.5 liters of water I had to cary everyday, and one bowl and spoon for all of our meals. That night I slept outside under the stars which I absolutely loved, not being able to fall asleep doesn't really matter when you can look up and sea the stars. I woke up bright and early the next day when the hiking actually began. The first real day was long, uphill, and hard, but I have much more memories of having fun then being tired and in pain. Not to mention where we were hiking was beautiful and climbing mountains was completely worth it for the view. We stopped for lunch and my friend Elle and I made the not so smart decision to take a nap and leave our group to cook lunch. We awoke to uncooked rice and meat spilled on the ground. It is safe to say we took initiative and made the rest of the meals. 

Fast forward to the fourth day of Yam Y’Lam and by far my favorite day; the water hiking day! We started out walking through a narrow pathway and ended up at the most magnificent view I had ever seen. It almost looked like the set of Lost (the most confusing TV show in the world), and I was truly in awe. The day was spent walking short distances to arrive at a couple fresh water streams (filled with fish!). The water was cold but refreshing. On our final day of Yam L’Yam (I’ve almost made it!) we actually road bikes straight into the Mediterranean instead of walking. Biking was so much fun when going downhill as I loved feeling the wind in my face. Seeing the sea was so exhilarating and I felt so accomplished. Yam L’Yam was so fun and an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life.