A TRIP OF A LIFETIME: Martin J. Gottlieb Day School 8th Grade Inaugural Trip to Israel

By Liat Walker Martin J. Gottlieb Day School & Laurie Preschool

During Purim, 8th grade students at the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School embarked on a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to travel to Israel with the students and faculty of Tucson Hebrew Academy and Tampa Bay Hillel Academy. This capstone experiential learning adventure is one of the many programs that have been created, or strengthened, under the new leadership of Karin Hallet, Head of School.

Chaperoned by Liat Walker, the Director of Jewish Education, and Chai Gross, a Jewish Studies educator, the students had the opportunity to foster bonds with other 8th grade day school students. This trip brought to life everything they have learned about Israel and Jewish history throughout their day school education. Student Joey Morgenthal expressed, “Throughout my whole life, I learned about places and people in Israel. After nine years at this school learning about Israel, it was amazing to be at those places and learn more about the things I was taught my whole life.”

Beyond bringing Jewish history and Torah to life through trips to Jerusalem, Tzfat, Tel Aviv, and the Dead Sea, students also gained an appreciation for the topography and natural beauty of the country. Student Brennan Zaner articulated that his “favorite part of the trip was the Jilabun hike. Located in the Golan Heights in the north, it is Israel’s second-largest waterfall.” A highlight for him was jumping in the waterfall with his friends, both old and new. He explained, “I have been on many hikes in my life, but this partic- ular hike will remain with me for a lifetime because the view was amazing and all the wildlife was delightful.”

One truly special aspect of the trip was celebrating Purim in Eretz Yisrael, and it was the highlight of the trip for students Hank Shapiro and Ariadna Castano. Hank noted the excitement of shopping in Shuk Hacarmel, “There were a lot of nice things to buy, and people seemed really ecstatic especially because it was Purim.” Ariadna shared that in addition to hearing Megillat Esther and having a costume party at the hotel, they also made “Mishloach Manot for lone soldiers and Israelis in need.” An integral part of the middle school experience at the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School is the Mitzvah Program, established by Vice Principal Emeritus, Edith Horovitz. Participating in mitzvot in Israel allowed them to connect with the Israeli people and truly understand that tikkun olam is not just a schoolbased activity but one they will carry with them throughout their lives and wherever they go.

When asked about the impact of this trip on himself and his peers, Joey Morgenthal explained, “On this trip, I made friendships for a lifetime. We laughed, sang, cried, and learned together. At the beginning of this trip, we were strangers, and at the end we were family.” This authentic, enriching experience has left a profound, positive, and lasting impression on all of the 8th grade students, and we cannot wait to take the next group of 8th graders on this enriching capstone trip to learn, make memories, and forge enduring bonds with other Jewish teens.