Israel Experience Leaves 800 Feeling Inspired and Connected

Eight hundred members from sixty Chabad House communities are mentally and emotionally unpacking their unforgettable journey on The Land and the Spirit JLI Israel Experience that ended last week.

Participants were inspired by the one hundred shluchim and shluchos that led the trip and learned about the high points and challenges of life in Israel directly from the country’s leading figures, including Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, political figures like Yuli Edelstein, Nir Barkat, Amichai Shikli, and members of the Knesset, as well as Israeli war heroes like Avigdor Kahalani and Noam Gershoni.

In addition to exploring the origins of our people at Israel’s many historical and holy sites, trip highlights included an inspiring program of song and inspiration at the Kosel, a Hachnosas Sefer Torah parade through the streets of Chevron, and dancing with IDF soldiers on Ammunition Hill.

“Two weeks ago, Mark did not own a pair of tefillin,” writes Rabbi Yanki Denburg of Coral Springs, FL, “Then he went with us to Israel. This morning, he was at minyan practicing putting on his own brand-new tefillin.” Mark is one of ten men who committed to putting on tefillin daily and received a new set at the Gala Banquet. Thirty-five women received a pair of unique Jerusalem candlesticks after committing to light Shabbos candles every Friday.

The Land and the Spirit JLI Israel Experience provided a unique opportunity for participants to learn, grow, and connect with the land and people of Israel. The trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, and the memories and lessons learned will undoubtedly stay with them for years to come.

For more information about having your Chabad House join The Land and the Spirit JLI Israel Experience, please email [email protected].

To see a highlight video of the trip, click here.