Parkland alum connects with Israel on Birthright trip

By Dana Emswiler Special to Hakol

As our Birthright Israel Foundation group walked toward the Kotel (the Western Wall), our tour guide told us we may feel certain emotions. As I listened to the many voices praying on

Shabbat, I felt love. I felt love for my Jewish heritage, Israel as a country, the incredible opportunity of Birthright, and my family and loved ones.

I even started to hear the voice of my late Poppy, who shared quite the incredible love story with my beloved Nana (long-time Keneseth Israel congregants). It was an inspiring moment that I’ll always remember.

I traveled to Israel (specifically Tiberias, Tel Aviv, Eila and Jerusalem) on a Birthright tour through Israel Outdoors — its Outdoors Max trip — from December 27 to January 9 with 45 other participants, including my brother Troy and six Israelis. It was amazing to experience a country filled with our history and culture, while also

Date-nut loaf recipe

building friendships with other young Jewish adults.

We embraced the outdoors, driving ATVs, camping, biking, snorkeling, rappelling and hiking. Our group shared an emotional day when we visited Har Herzl (the National Military Cemetery) and Yad Vashem (the World Holocaust Remembrance Center). To further connect with Judaism, we engaged in meaningful seminars on our values, Israeli politics and our own Jewish identity.

From the phenomenal food to bus rides (which involved both loud singing and catching up on sleep), it was truly an amazing adventure that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

Celebrate Israel’s New Year for Trees (Tu B’Shevat) by eating some fruit that grows in Israel. If you like dates, this makes a delicious breakfast. Serve spread with whipped unsalted butter topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. Recipe from Sandi Teplitz.