Jewish Community Partners

My Teen Israel Experience

by Adam Epstein

Adam Epstein, son Jonathan and Leslie Epstein, is a senior at Crosstown High School. Memphis Jewish Federation’s Lemsky Endowment Fund provided him with a Teen Israel Experience grant to offset the costs of his Ramah Israel Seminar program. All rising juniors and seniors are eligible for grants of up to $3,000 to attend a recognized teen program in Israel. Teen Israel Experience applications for 2025 are open and can be accessed at Lemsky Endowment Fund | Jewish Community Partners (jcpmemphis.org)

Traveling to Israel had a life-changing impact on me, one that’s hard to put into words. It felt surreal when I stepped off the plane, knowing I was finally in a place that had always seemed so far away (especially since my 8th grade Bornblum class trip to Israel was cancelled due to Covid).

I’d read about Israel, heard so many stories, and seen pictures, but nothing prepared me for the feeling of actually being there. Driving from the airport to Jerusalem was like entering another world. The landscape was so different from what I was used to, and seeing Hebrew everywhere was a reminder that I was somewhere with a deep history and sense of identity.

When we approached Jerusalem, there was so much excitement in our group. My friends from Camp Ramah Darom were there with me. We had already shared so much together and that made the trip even more special. It’s hard to describe the bond I have with them — they’re more like family than friends. We’ve spent summers together, learning about Judaism and creating traditions, but being in Israel took our connection to a whole new level. It felt like we were discovering something important together, something that would stay with us forever.

One of the most powerful parts of the trip was visiting the places I’d only read about in books or heard about from other people. Walking through Jerusalem’s Old City, visiting the Western Wall, and exploring ancient ruins made me feel like I was a part of something big. For the first time, I think I really understood that I’m part of a people with a story that goes back thousands of years. It was incredibly meaningful.

Another impactful part of my trip was seeing some of the aftermath of the October 7th attacks. It was really difficult and sad to see those places. It was hard to process so much violence happened in such a beautiful place. It was a reminder that I need to remember these events and understand the challenges facing Israel and the Jewish people. It made me think more seriously about what it means to be Jewish.

During my time in Israel, I also met new friends who I know will be a part of my life for a long time. We were on a bus with a different Camp Ramah and what we all experienced brought us closer together.

Now that I’m back home I feel like a different person. I have a deeper connection to my Judaism, a stronger bond with my friends, and a better understanding of the importance of Israel in my life. This trip helped me discover more about who I am and where I come from. Now, when I hear about Israel, it’s not just a place on a map. It’s a part of me.

Thank you to Memphis Jewish Federation’s Lemsky Endowment Fund for helping to make my Ramah Israel Seminar trip possible.