Jewish Community Partners

By Gavriel Lichter

Gavriel Lichter, son of Rabbi Ian and Katie Lichter, 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 Mach Hach Ba’aretz 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

My time in Israel was not only incredibly fun but also profoundly meaningful. Before traveling to Israel this past summer, I already felt close to Hashem (God) and spiritually inspired, yet I had never been entirely comfortable in large groups of people. I tended to keep to myself and often felt shy in new social settings. As I prepared for the trip, I set a clear intention: to build as many friendships as I could and to grow as close as possible to Hashem through davening, Torah study, and the life lessons the experience would inevitably offer. The morning shiurim quickly became the cornerstone of each day. Each session was filled with insight and warmth, setting a positive tone and giving me strength and inspiration to approach the rest of the day with energy and gratitude.

As the summer unfolded, I began to notice a striking change within myself. Day by day, I felt myself becoming more and more of a “people person.” In the past, I had often preferred being alone, but suddenly I found myself drawn to spending time with others—talking, learning, laughing, and connecting on a deeper level. I went from simply joking around with people to actively trying to make their days brighter—whether through kindness, encouragement, or a small gesture to show I cared. I started to realize how fulfilling it was to uplift someone else, even in small ways.

One of the highlights of the summer came on the final day when I shared a short thought with the group. To my surprise, several people told me afterward that they could see me becoming a public speaker in the future. Given that my dad is a rabbi and does it weekly, I could see myself doing that in the future. Their feedback planted a seed of confidence and possibility in me that I still carry. It taught me that words, when spoken sincerely, can have an impact and that perhaps I have something valuable to offer others.

Toward the end of camp, my counselor took me aside and shared some of the most uplifting words I had ever heard. His message—that I should keep being myself and never feel pressured to change for anyone—left a lasting impression. It affirmed the growth I had experienced that summer and reminded me to stay authentic even as I continue to evolve.

Throughout the trip, my friends also reminded me of qualities I hadn’t fully appreciated in myself. They told me that I have a genuinely good heart and a great sense of humor—two traits I will always treasure and strive to embody. These compliments, though simple, felt like confirmation of the person I was becoming and gave me even more motivation to live up to those values.

Looking back, I could not be more thankful for my time in Israel. It deepened my relationship with Hashem and drew me closer to Him. It helped me grow into a more open and confident person, and filled me with gratitude for the friendships and lessons I gained. It is an experience I will never forget, and one I would do anything to relive.

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