Written by Megan Zimmer
When I first found out about The Nachshon Project, I thought that this could not sound any more amazing. What kind of camp counselor would pass up an experience to study and live in Israel for a semester and it be socially acceptable to talk about camp every day during that experience? When talking to Rabbi Zeff and Rabbi Cohen about this program, I remember saying that I felt like this program was made for me in every single way. I automatically felt like I would have a connection with everyone on this program. Though every camp is different in ways, every Nachshon Fellow has a passion and love for what Jewish summer camps stand for, and that is already a huge commonality that we had.
For me, I love that we all are the same, but also very different. We stand in different parts of the political spectrum, knowledge of Judaism and practices, comfort with the State of Israel, and just different opinions on topics. This is what makes The Nachshon Project incredible. If everyone came from the same background, our conversations would not push any of us to think about our beliefs and feelings on a situation. Having people that you are surrounded by that disagree or view a topic differently is what great conversation is based around. I feel as though I have had my beliefs challenged and I have learned from my peers more then I thought I would, and I have only been here for a couple months.
I feel as though you cannot be a successful Jewish leader if you do not learn about different communities that make up the Jewish community as a whole. For me, I have a passion for the Jewish community and I want nothing more to be a part of the success. At home, I connect the most with the Conservative Movement, through my Hillel at school and my connection with Ramah Darom and the Ramah movement as a whole. I love the opportunity to be able to have open conversations with those who find their Jewish connection in a different way. This will only help me be more successful when I go back home to the United States and take all that I learned here back with me. What I learn here would not be possible without this program and these people going on this journey with me. I know that I will not leave Israel the same person as I was coming here in January. Everyday, I get more and more excited about what more I will learn while being here.
