Shani Englander

On Monday, August 21st, I returned home from a six-week summer experience in Israel. I, along with four of my fellow schoolmates from RITSS high school, had the privilege of attending the Michletel Summer Program in Jerusalem. Michlelet, sponsored by NCSY (National Council of Synagogue Youth), the youth division of the Union of Orthodox Congregations, is a combined learning and touring program for high school girls. Choosing Michlelet NCSY was one of the best choices that I've ever made.

Michlelet is a very well-rounded program, offering a rigorous academic program covering many subjects in Judaic curriculum. We learned in classes, small groups, and even one-on-one with learning partners in a beit midrash (Torah study hall). We learned so much in a casual, inviting atmosphere. All girls who enrolled in this program were motivated to learn. Because everyone was ready and willing, it was a pleasure to learn Torah "lishma" (purely for the sake of learning). No tests. No cramming and forgetting the material the next day. Yet, we all learned so much.

Being that I have lived in several different cities, I got to meet up with old friends who also came on this program. It was an opportunity to get together with my old friends, truly a "home-coming." I also had a chance to make some new, very unique friendships as well.

The Michlelet NCSY program was not just study and no play. We had ample free time each afternoon to go into the city and take in the beautiful sights of Jerusalem. At least once and sometimes twice a week, we went on a tour of major sights and attractions around the country. We traveled far north to the Golan Heights, and went south to the negev and Ein Gedi. We had free weekends to spend shabbat with relatives and friends. We made amazing memories that will surely last us a life time.

On Tisha B'Av night, our instructors took us all up to the top of our building, overlooking the entire skyline of Jerusalem. From there we had a clear panorama view of the entire city. It was breath taking. There we sat together to experience the heart-wrenching experience of Tisha B'Av, recounting the suffering and tragedy that befell our beloved city. There wasn't a dry eye in the group. It was so emotional, that I felt compelled to call home and share my feelings with my family. I couldn't imagine leaving Israel after such a few short weeks.

Everywhere you go in Israel, you live and breathe history and holiness. It is the only land in the world where you get a reward for every step you take. But, Jerusalem doesn't just live in the past. It is very much alive and vibrant. It is said that from the time Kotel was recaptured in the Six Day War, there never was a moment that it was left alone without someone praying at its holy stones. Jerusalem is a cosmopolitan city, bustling with life. High tech is everywhere and there's always something about it in the headlines. Life is very real in Israel. Its citizens know what it means to live from day to day in both life and death situations. It is truly the "Land G-d looks after, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year." In Jerusalem, you are living in the King's palace.

I consider myself very fortunate to have had this opportunity. I must thank the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati who sponsored my trip. They have greatly impacted my life and I hope that they continue to impact the lives of other Jewish teenagers for many years to come.

It was an amazing experience. I recommend it to everyone!

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