My Hillel birthright experience - JCN

By Diana Navarro Bushnell

“On the morning of Shabbat, which happened to coincide with my 27th birthday, our Hillel group walked through the quiet streets of Jerusalem toward the Wailing Wall, or Kotel as I learned to call it. I wondered why this structure was so important to Jews around the world. I was nervous as we descended the stairs and approached the security post to enter the area. As I walked over to the Kotel, I stopped about five feet away, behind the seated women, and listened to the soft sound of prayer books being turned, the women’s gentle voices, and the stillness underneath the massive wall. I stood for a while before I felt a need, a physical pull to get closer.

The women slowly parted on both sides and I walked up to a section of the wall where tiny, paper scrolls of every color filled the crevices. My heart raced: I didn’t know what I should do. Then, I simply placed my left hand on the stone, then my right one. I don’t know what took hold of me as I felt the cool, solid rock, but I began to cry. It started as a soft sniffle, and then my shoulders shook with sobs. I rested my head against the wall and I cried — for my parents, for my family, for the Jews, my people who have been so persecuted in history.
I don’t remember how long I held myself there, but as I began to walk backward, I felt a tremendous sense of security. I knew that I was not alone and I did not have to be as strong as I thought I had to be. There was someone who would hold me up.

The experience at the Wall has changed my spiritual life. My mother has helped me say the blessing and nail a mezuzah on our door, which I brought back from Israel.

The trip to Israel filled me with a great curiosity and excitement to learn more about Judaism and Israel and the many wonders both hold for my future.”

Hillel of Silicon Valley, a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, brought 21 students to Israel this past year on Birthright trips – the largest participation to date. There is nothing like a trip to Israel to transform the students’ understanding of current affairs and their personal commitment to the Jewish people.

Hillel of Silicon Valley is proud to offer winter and summer Birthright trips again during the next school year to ensure that the maximum number of students will be able to receive this amazing gift. If you are between the ages of 18-26 and are interested in a priceless experience through a free trip to Israel, please contact Vanina Sandel at 286-6669, ext. 11.
Source: JCN