If you’re missing a familiar face this week in shul or at the grocery store, there’s a good chance that your acquaintance may be in Israel this week having the time of his or her life.
Right now, as you read this, three diverse groups of Coloradans are in Israel:
• Israel Study Tour took 71 high school rising seniors to Israel on June 8 for five weeks of touring, learning, socializing and trying their hands at things like kibbutz and army work.
• JEWISHcolorado’s Birthright trip for 40 young adults landed in Israel earlier this week for 10 days of exploration of the land and an up-close-and-personal introduction to the philanthropic partnership between JEWISHcolorado and Ramat HaNegev.
• Last week, the JewishWomen’s Renaissance Project men’s trip embarked with a contingent from Denver. They are joining men from other communities throughout North America for touring, Torah study, prayer and comaraderie.
Right now, more than 100 Coloradans of all ages are living the dream and fulfilling the mitzvah of going to Israel.
They also happen to be in Israel at a tense time for Israelis and Jews around the world with the kidnapping of the three Israeli teens. The Colorado visitors, no doubt, are observing first-hand how the Israelis handle such assaults on their serenity and security, and how Jews bond together as one big family in the face of adversity.
We wish all the Coloradans a safe trip in Eretz Yisrael.
Copyright © 2014 by the Intermountain Jewish News
