Written by Naomi LeVine
I grew up on the trajectory to be a Jewish leader. Every typical Jewish experience, I received. I expected to continue in this path, get further involved in the Jewish youth education world. And it was seemingly expected of me.
Right before my third summer on staff at camp, college exposed me to a new field of work. I unexpectedly fell in love with the science behind functioning relationships and families, and decided to pursue that passion. I was unsure of how camp, and a Jewish future career, fit into that.
So when I decided to join The Nachshon Project, I was not only completely unsure of what to expect, but at the same time, trying to process how to fit Jewish leadership into what I wanted to do.
But as the weeks left in American started dwindling, I started settling on expectations. I expected to have fun. I expected to do cool things. I expected to get along with the cohorts, and learn about their camps.
However, being here for over two months now, I have found the best parts are all the things I didn't expect. These two months with Nachshon have given me so much. The rabbis have given me support and questions as answers to my questions, encouraging me to work through the issues with which I struggle. The trips and sessions have been unique experiences that no other Israel program could offer, giving me insight into this complex and beautiful society.
Additionally, every day, I am inspired anew by the other Fellows. They have a refreshing energy that they bring to everything. They have the intelligence to have thoughtful conversations about deep issues. They have the encouragement to motivate me to go one step further with camp programming or one mile further in a mid-afternoon run. They have the insight to challenge what they don't agree with, and get excited by what they do. They have the sense of community to initiate group dinners and celebrations, unplanned by our programming. They have the passion to enhance the Jewish community, but maybe not in traditional ways. They're studying non-profits and business and politics and education and therapy. And I never doubt for a minute that they will excel in these fields, while also using their skills to be incredible Jewish leaders. Being surrounded by them, and their ideas, has helped me actualize that I can bring Judaism into another field in a successful way.
I expected to have fun and do cool things and make friends. But I never expected the deep reflection the Nachshon program has provoked and the amazing people I have been able to spend these few months with.
