Jewish Community Partners

By Jack Ardestani

Jack Ardestani, son of Dr. Allen and Sarah Ardestani, is a junior at the Cooper Yeshiva High School for Boys. Memphis Jewish Federation’s Lemsky Endowment Fund provided him with a Teen Israel Experience grant to offset the costs of his NCSY Kollel Israel program. All rising juniors and seniors are eligible for grants of up to $3,000 to attend a recognized teen summer or semester program in Israel. Teen Israel Experience applications for Summer 2026 are open and can be accessed at jcpmemphis.org/lemsky-endowment-fund

This summer, I had the privilege of spending several weeks in Israel, participating in an immersive learning program. My time there wasn’t just about studying, it was a perfect blend of education and exploration, combining the richness of learning with the incredible experience of touring a land that holds so much history and significance. Israel isn’t just a country; it’s the heart of our Jewish heritage, a place that connects us to generations past, and a land that has shaped the Jewish people for thousands of years. Every day there felt like a journey into the very soul of my identity.

One of the most powerful aspects of my time in Israel was the connection I felt to my ancestors. I had the opportunity to visit their kevers (graves) and their hometowns, places that had only existed in stories and prayers up until that point. Standing at the gravesites of righteous men and women, I could feel the weight of their lives and the legacy they left behind. The history of our people wasn’t something distant or abstract; it was alive, tangible, and right in front of me. In those moments, I realized that I was not just visiting a place, but walking in the footsteps of my family, and that realization was both humbling and inspiring.

Every prayer I said while I was in Israel had a new meaning. There, on the land that had witnessed the prayers of generations, I felt that my tefilot (prayers) were not just heard but absorbed by the holiness that surrounded me. It was as if every word had greater weight, and every breath I took was filled with a deeper sense of connection to God. I felt the presence of the Divine in a way I never had before, as if the land itself was a conduit for my spirituality. Whether I was praying at the Kotel (Western Wall), at a holy site, or simply walking the streets of Jerusalem, I felt enveloped in something larger than myself, a powerful spiritual force that connected me to all those who came before me.

Israel is also a land of constant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the Jewish people. While touring the country, I was moved by the many monuments and memorials that honor the Israeli soldiers who fought—and continue to fight—so courageously for the land and the people. I visited sites that marked important battles, memorials to fallen soldiers, and places that told the stories of wars fought for the survival and freedom of Israel. I was struck by the incredible courage and resilience of these individuals, who, for generations, have defended the land so that Jews like me could visit, pray, and live in safety. The courage I saw in the soldiers, whether in the past or present, left me in awe, and I couldn’t help but feel immense gratitude for their sacrifice.

One experience that truly stood out was my time in the Old City of Jerusalem, particularly how Shabbat was experienced there. In the Old City, Shabbat isn’t just a day; it’s a full, immersive experience. The city begins to shift as the sun sets on Friday evening—there’s a noticeable change in the air, as if the whole place is preparing to welcome the Shabbat Queen. There’s a palpable sense of excitement and reverence, and it’s contagious. People from all walks of life, of every background, share in this anticipation. The streets quiet down, the bustling markets close, and there’s an almost sacred stillness in the air as everyone turns inward to prepare for the holiness of Shabbat. Watching this slow, collective transition from the ordinary weekday into the spiritual embrace of Shabbat was a breathtaking experience.

Davening at the Kotel was one of the most profound moments of my life. The Kotel is not just a wall—it’s a symbol of our connection to God and to our people’s history. Standing there, with thousands of people around me, all united in prayer, I felt an overwhelming sense of spiritual unity. The energy of the place was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Each prayer felt more intense, more meaningful, as if the walls themselves were absorbing every word and prayer that was uttered. To be so close to the holiest place on earth, where so many generations of Jews have poured their hearts out to God, was a deeply moving experience. I felt spiritually alive in a way I had never felt before, and I left the Kotel with a sense of peace and purpose that stayed with me throughout my time in Israel and beyond.

Another deeply moving experience was the virtual tour of the Beit HaMikdash (the Holy Temple) that I participated in during my trip. The Holy Temple has been lost for centuries, yet the impact it had on the Jewish people is still felt today. The tour wasn’t just an explanation—it was an immersive journey into the heart of Jewish history. I learned how the Temple was laid out, how its rituals were performed, and how the holiness of that place was a focal point for the entire Jewish people. I could almost see in my mind’s eye what it must have been like to stand in the Temple Courtyard, to offer sacrifices, and to be part of the immense spiritual energy that permeated the site. The virtual tour made history come alive, deepening my understanding of the importance of the Temple, and strengthening my longing for its eventual rebuilding.

One of the highlights of my trip was visiting Ma’arat HaMachpelah, the Cave of the Patriarchs. Being there, I felt as though I was standing at the crossroads of Jewish history, in a place where the founding figures of our faith—Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Leah—are buried. As I stood before their graves, I felt connected to these giants of our tradition. I was able to pray at each of their sites, reflecting on their lives and the values they embodied. Each patriarch and matriarch represent something unique, and I found that being in their presence brought me insights into how to live my life with greater purpose. It reminded me of the importance of faith, dedication, and moral integrity in everyday life.

One of the most special moments during my trip came when I had the rare opportunity to participate in the mitzvah of writing a Sefer Torah. To be a part of such an important project, especially one that would be used by a Jewish community for generations to come, was an incredible privilege. I had a letter written in my name in the Torah, and the significance of this moment struck me deeply. It was as if my name, and my contribution, would be forever linked to the Torah, a sacred text that has been a guide for our people for thousands of years. This mitzvah felt like I was helping to preserve our heritage, ensuring that future generations would continue to learn from and be inspired by the words of the Torah.

Looking back, every part of my experience in Israel was profound and transformative. From the simple joy of waking up in the holiest country in the world, surrounded by my people, to the deeply spiritual moments of connection with my heritage, my faith, and my history, I felt like I was in the closest proximity to purity I have ever been. The land, the people, and the experiences all came together to create a sense of spiritual elevation and connection that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. My time in Israel wasn’t just a summer trip—it was a life-changing experience that has encouraged me to strive to be the best Jew I can be, to live with intention, and to always stay rooted in my heritage.

Thank you to Memphis Jewish Federation’s Lemsky Endowment Fund for making my incredible NCSY Kollel experience possible.