CBI Blogs

This past summer, I received an email from a rabbinic colleague and friend of mine encouraging me to apply to a brand-new rabbinic fellowship. I took a few minutes to check out the website and decided this could be a great opportunity. I applied, had some intense interviews, and after a few weeks, I found out I was accepted into the pilot cohort of the Amplify Israel Rabbinic Fellowship. This select group of newer rabbis (those who have been ordained for 15 years or fewer) have been given the chance to create stronger and more significant ties with Israel, as well as bring new and exciting Israel education to the communities we serve.

Through the fellowship, I will have monthly learning sessions from rabbis and teachers who either live in Israel, advocate for Israel, or are deeply knowledgeable about Israel. In addition, I receive one-to-one mentorship from a rabbi who has centered Israel in their rabbinate. Finally, I will take 3 trips over the next year and a half, beginning with our journey to Israel this next week.

When I accepted my place in the fellowship, no one could have anticipated the horrific events of October 7 and the subsequent war that has followed. No one could have known that the rise in anti-Semitism around the world would terrorize us all. No one could have thought that a simple trip to Israel would create so much anxiety for so many people.

I am leaving this Sunday, November 12 to fly across the world. I am part of a program, one that has thought long and hard about our trip, our itinerary, and whether or not we should go. They have assessed and reassessed the situation, including daily briefings with partners on the ground, and thoughtfully prepared the programs we would participate in. While I cannot say this trip is zero risk (because honestly, what is?), it is low risk.

I have received many questions and concerns about my trip. I want to assure you all that I would not have agreed to go if I didn’t feel 100% confident that I will be safe during my time in Israel. I will spend time with evacuees and those who have been injured in this most recent violence. I will learn from government officials, I will volunteer to help with packaging food and supplies for families, and I will meet with people in order to listen and understand. I’m taking amazing cards prepared by our pre-k students and Hebrew school students to share with the wounded, with IDF soldiers, and others. And, I will document this entire trip so that I can share it with you upon my return.

While some of you may still have questions, I would be happy to answer as many as I can. Please feel free to speak with me on Friday or Saturday at Shabbat services or send me an email. For those questions that I do not have an answer to, I hope I will soon. And, please know that I hear your concern and worry; I feel fortified by your care and safer knowing that you are thinking of me.

Finally, I want to remind you of the millions of people living in Israel right now, going about their day, heading off to work, having dinner with friends, spending time with family, just living their lives. They do this each and every day. I will be doing the same. And, I know that we are stronger when we are together, working towards building lasting peace. Let’s continue to pray that all people in the world will know the safety and security of peace soon, and may we all do our part to help bring it about.

L'hitraot, see you soon!