Kibbutz Nir Oz, once a peaceful com-
munity, 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 out-
side the eerily glassless windows are a poignant 
reminder of resilience.

Every person we met, everything we saw, and 
every story we heard clearly illuminated 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 emo-
tions in the face of such strength and 
loss, we found comfort 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 help-
less, we felt empowered, connected and valued.
This Israel mission not only deepened 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 education as a ded-

icated 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.

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

24 | NOVEMBER 3 • 2024 Yeshiva Beth Yehudah Special Edition J
N

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.

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