continued from page 16
OUR COMMUNITY
ON THE COVER
18 | JUNE 20 • 2024
J
N
Kibbutz Nir Oz, once a
peaceful community, was
now a haunting landscape
of ruined homes, burned to
force residents out of their
safe rooms. On Oct. 7, one
quarter of its residents were
murdered and many were
kidnapped when terrorists
stormed the kibbutz.
Our guide insisted that we enter
each home and witness the aftermath of
the tragedy firsthand. We stepped through
broken glass and ducked under fallen beams.
We lingered in the home of kidnapped Kfir
and Ariel, the young red-headed brothers
whose faces have come to personify the evil
of this war for many in America. We were
broken when we noticed the charred couch
with soot-gray, neatly folded baby clothes
fresh from the wash and the children’s jackets
hanging on hooks by the front door. The
vibrant yellow, red and purple flowers just
outside the eerily glassless windows are a
poignant reminder of resilience.
Every person we met, everything we saw,
and every story we heard clearly illuminat-
ed the open and hidden miracles that are
still occurring every day.
The stories of devastation, loss and
horror live side by side with stories of
heroism, strength and resilience among
the Jews of Israel. Every story left me
emotionally drained and grieving. I am
forever changed by this experience, and
I’m certain my fellow participants
feel similarly.
As we grappled with our own
emotions in the face of such
strength and loss, we found com-
fort in the unity of the Jewish
people. Everywhere we went —
Tel Aviv, Haifa, Tiberias, Tzfat,
Jerusalem and Caesarea, as well as
the Gaza border — we were thanked
for our presence, our prayers and our
support. Instead of feeling hopeless or
helpless, we felt empowered, connected
and valued.
This Israel mission not only deep-
ened our connection to Israel, but also
strengthened our own Detroit Jewish
community. We returned as witnesses
to history, as sisters and mothers with a
renewed sense of faith and purpose.
Jill Menuck is committed to community and educa-
tion as a dedicated professional of the Yeshiva Beth
Yehudah advancement team. Jill participated in the
inaugural Partners Detroit mission and was honored
to join another impactful mission to Israel.
PARTNERS
DETROIT
As the adult education division of
Yeshiva Beth Yehudah, Partners Detroit continues
the legacy of excellence in education that began in
1914. For over a century, the Yeshiva has provided
the Detroit community’s children with a robust
Jewish and general education. In line with their
mission to share Torah learning, promote social
welfare and care for those in need, Partners Detroit
offers a variety of engaging opportunities for adults
of all ages and backgrounds, including world-class
educators leading dynamic classes designed to
inspire and connect; sports leagues for young
professionals; one-on-one learning sessions; festive
holiday celebrations; and global missions.
To learn more, call 248-JUDAISM
or visit PartnersDetroit.org.
A moment
of joy on the
shores of the
Mediterranean
Sea
Jodi
Weinfeld
(left), Elana
Lofman,
Sheri Aaron-
Miller,
Marni Raitt
and Malke
Torgow in
Jerusalem
Mission participants at the Ulu Winery
Shaindel and
Esther Fink