“I feel like such an explorer now, sifting through the layers of experience, knowledge and emotions after returning from Israel Together,” says Sarah Beren, a Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City board member and member of the committee that created the concept. “My travel companions are now my friends.”
For Beren and several others, one of the most powerful moments on the trip was the opportunity for a spiritual experience at the Western Wall with the entire group.
“We had our own private service at a section of the Western Wall that has been recently set aside for egalitarian groups and services,” Beren explains. “As our small group worshipped and sang Hatikvah, I felt overwhelmed by my connection to this land of history, spirituality, and, perhaps most important, future.”
Part of the aim of this Israel experience, offered by the Jewish Federation, was to facilitate meaningful connection within the Kansas City Jewish community, meaningful learning about and connection to the state of Israel and our partner community of Ramla, and an interest in taking a leadership role in shaping the future of these vital communities. As such, the group participated in four pre-trip sessions, and after tonight, will gather for a second post-trip session. The idea is for both staff at the Jewish Federation and the lay leaders who planned the journey to help guide the participants through their own leadership journeys, translating a meaningful Israel experience into meaningful involvement and work back here in Kansas City.
“I have traveled to [many] countries, and I can honestly say this was by far the most meaningful trip I have taken,” says Amanda Koffman. “It was so educational, and it was so special to share these experiences with others from Kansas City and visit the places funded by [our community’s] dollars. Seeing firsthand how we directly impact our sister city of Ramla was eye opening.”
Beyond that, “Everything on this trip inspired me,” she says. “Visiting an IDF base, the Golan Heights, Yad Vashem, the Old City in Jerusalem, Masada and Ramla were all truly fascinating. Our group was made up of such bright and engaging people, and I so enjoyed getting to know everyone better.”
Lewis agrees. “As amazing as the Israel experience was, the best part was being with this group. I felt really lucky to be on this trip with these people — to have so many of the best and brightest leaders in the Kansas City Jewish community sharing this together.”
To learn more about this group’s experience in Israel — including visits with Dahlia (daughter of Yitzchak) Rabin, Anat Hoffman, Knesset Member Ruth Calderon and others — contact Amy Ravis Furey at the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.
Derek Gale is Jewish Federation’s director of financial resource development.
