IST Reflection Blog - Dean Lewkovitz
On the 22nd of November, I, along with 137 other Moriah students embarked on the journey of a lifetime, a 5 week educational trip to Israel. For those here who have been lucky enough to visit Israel at some point, you can attest to the feeling of connection that a Jewish person can feel to the homeland of our culture and our history. This energy was felt by all of us as we left Australia for Eretz Yisrael.
For myself, along with a number of others in the group, it was our first time visiting Israel. To have the incredible opportunity to visit the Kotel the moment we stepped off the plane, to feel the heartbeat of the Jewish people, was one that we will never forget. The ruach, spirit, was in the air from the moment we landed, the spirit of our people coursing through us when we saw the Kotel for the first time.
One of my personal highlights was spending a week in Jerusalem, seeing the Old City and living through the lens of our Jewish ancestors. We got to explore the City of David, see the tunnels under the Kotel, and struggle to walk through Machane Yehuda. We truly experienced ‘Jerusalem of Gold,’ seeing the sandstone bricks of the Kotel and surrounds shining as we were surrounded by all of our friends and peers.
Another highlight of IST was our choice week. We could study at a yeshiva in Jerusalem, hike a portion of the Shvil Yisrael trail, or my choice – learning about Search and Rescue operations in natural disasters, taught by industry professionals. We spent 3 days with Magen, a search and rescue company who recruit ex-soldiers from the Home Front Command. We learnt about the safe extraction of victims from urban disasters, emergency first aid, and heard first hand the stories of these heroes who go all across the world saving lives, including right now in the aftermath of the earthquakes in Turkey. To be immersed in such a unique experience was one that I won’t soon forget.
Coming back from Israel, it was interesting to see how our group had changed their outlook of Israel. For many, being their first time in Israel, all we knew was what we had been taught and seen in the media. After 5 weeks on the ground however, it was amazing to observe the growing Israeli spirit inside so many of us. Those who may not have been interested in prayers now enthusiastically praying and taking in Tefillah, and people who before showed no interest in their Judaism now deeply involved in the learning and spiritual growth of themselves and their religion. This kind of experience can only be taught by immersion in Israeli culture and history, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to grow my Jewish identity in Israel.
While I was in Israel, I got to know the true value of a Jewish identity. To see my religion, my belief, outside of the Eastern Suburbs bubble really opened my eyes to the true extent that Judaism has on our way of life. More than just a reason to eat kosher or keep Shabbat, going to Israel opened my eyes to the vast world of Jewish life. On shabbat, I got to visit a synagogue established by my grandfather and the Mowszowski family. Despite not knowing anyone inside the shule, I still felt a deep connection to everyone in the room. The warmth and sense of belonging that Israel provided me is something that I am so thankful for, and cannot wait to experience again.
I cannot talk about IST without thanking those who helped me and my peers go on the trip of a lifetime. My school, Moriah College, for providing unwaivering support to us. The teachers and Madrichim, who ensured we had the best experience every step of the way, Y2i and the JNF, who sponsored our group and allowed many to travel who would otherwise not be able to afford it, and the Sydney Jewish community for their donations and support.
Dean Lewkovitz
