Back to the Homeland by Sarah

Back to the Homeland by Sarah - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

In Georgia, a state whose cultural identity is strongly tied to Christianity, growing up as a first generation Russian American with Jewish faith can make connecting to one’s roots seem like a daunting, if not insurmountable, task. Often, it feels particularly difficult to embrace my own heritage and enrich my own knowledge of Judaism. This is especially true in a society where other religions are so ubiquitous that I lack a group of peers with whom I can openly share my beliefs. As I have continued to grow and mature both personally and academically, I cannot help but feel that my spiritual edification has been neglected. It is for this reason, that as I teeter on the cusp of adulthood and independence, my desire to explore the depths of my faith has inspired my desire to travel to my Holy Land, Israel
Israel is the land where Jews flock like birds to experience the grandeur of centuries worth of history and religious miracles. Jerusalem radiates an ancient and powerful allure which draws the faithful towards its historic sites and attractive possibilities. For instance, within this spiritual city lie the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and Belz Great Synagogue, both of which hold a special place in my heart. The memorial lists the millions whose lives were taken during the genocide, while the synagogue is one of the first places of worships where our oldest ancestors of traveled to. These places hold a special place in my heart as they will allow me to deepen my connection to God.
In recent history, this war torn country has lost much of its allure to many, however it remains the place where the fearless members of my people originated. A far cry from my religiously ostracizing home, Israel is the heartland of the Abrahamic religions and the greatest hub of religious diversity and education in the world. Israel is a symbol of the unimaginable adversity that Jewish people have overcome, and proof of our ability to not only survive, but to thrive. One of the most wonderful aspects of the country is the rich diversity of Jewish people, ranging from pure orthodox to those who like me, have barely scratched the surface of our religion’s teachings. In Israel, people take different perspectives and learn from each other, using the lessons of tradition to create an evolving foundation of belief for new generations. When I journey to this nation, I will become a part of a pilgrimage with millions of other young Jews like myself, searching for a way to grow closer to the religion of our ancestors who paved the way for our beliefs.