Israel at 75: A Journey of spirituality, history and belonging

By Rabbi Benny Berlin

Israel is a modern, vibrant country with a rich culture and diverse population. It is not just a place of history and spirituality.

On every trip I take, I am struck by the energy and creativity of the people, the beautiful landscapes and the delicious food. From the bustling city of Tel Aviv to the Mediterranean countryside, Israel has something for everyone.

For me, Israel represents the resilience, strength and faith of the Jewish people. It is a place where our traditions and values are alive and thriving. It is a place where we can connect with our roots and feel a sense of belonging.

As Israel celebrates its 75th anniversary, I can vividly remember my first trip and reflect on the personal significance Israel holds in my heart. It was a life-changing experience that left an indelible mark on my soul.

When we landed in Ben Gurion Airport, I was already able to feel a sense of connection and belonging that I had never felt before. It was as if I had come home to a place that I had never known. The streets were lined with familiar Hebrew letters, the food was infused with the flavors of my childhood and the people were warm and welcoming.

As a child, exploring the ancient city of Jerusalem with my family, I was struck by the deep sense of history that permeated the air. The stones of the Western Wall — the site of both Temples — held the prayers of generations of Jews who had come to this holy site to connect with their faith. The old city was alive with the sounds of prayer, the scent of history, and the buzz of people from all over the world.

One of the most meaningful experiences of that first trip was visiting Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Memorial Center. As I walked through the exhibits, I was overcome with emotion. The stories of survival and tragedy were heartbreaking but also inspiring. The courage and resilience of the Jewish people throughout history was and continues to be truly remarkable.

If you have not visited, you should. If you have or are a regular visitor, go again. Nothing recharges our spiritual batteries like that time in Israel.

Rabbi Benny Berlin is the rabbi of BACH Jewish Center in Long Beach, New York.