Teen Mission goers

share what made

their journey

spiritually

awakening.

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LISA FEIN
Special to the Jewish News

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any of the 282 area teenagers who spent 4
1 /2 weeks together in Israel this summer got
back together last week to reflect on their
journey as well as its impact on their lives

spiritually.
Participants on the Jewish Federation of
Metropolitan Detroit-sponsored third Teen Mission to
Israel held a reunion Sept. 10 at the Jewish
Community Center in West Bloomfield. It was a time
to look back on Israel's history, topography and cities
as well as its mix of people.
Some 44 Israeli teens from the central Galilee, Detroit
Jewry's Partnership 2000 sister region, joined teens from
eight area synagogues on the trip.
"The trip made me realize my heritage and connec-
tions to Israel," said Temple Beth El's Jared Goldberg, 16,
of West Bloomfield. "I have more pride in being Jewish.
It's not just about going to temple. I feel more connected
to my temple and the community.
"I am sure I will notice changes in my life in the
future," he said. "For instance, when I have children. I

Israeli Insights

Comments from two Israeli teens on the Federation's third
teen mission to Israel:
• Inbar Goldman: "At the completion of the mission, I
felt a great deal of satisfaction and increased sense of maturity.
I made many new friends who have helped me to expand my
horizons and to come out of the plastic bubble that I live in.
"The encounter with diaspora Jews brought me closer to
observing Judaism in Israel in a beautiful and meaningful
way. This encounter caused me to understand that religious
people are not only the ones who I am used to seeing in
Jerusalem."
• Hagit Zilberman: "In our group's picture, I can recog-
nize each and every one — and miss them all. Together, we
welcomed our Judaism and, as individuals, we built our own
Jewish identity. Of course, our counselors and rabbis sup-
ported us throughout this journey, in addition to making it
as fun and pleasant as it was.
"I found many differences in culture and habits between
the Americans and we Israelis, and yet I accepted these differ-
ences and loved my friends just the way they are."