Cantor Ron Eichaker

By Cantor Ron Eichaker

Israel is the connection to our ancestry; a force for good int he world; a haven for those in serach of meaning; a light along our way; an assurance that Judaism still lives. 

Julie Gibbs

By Julie Gibbs

“Homeland” and “Peoplehood”are two words that are top of mind when I reflect on Israel’s 70th birthday. It was hard for me to understand how Israel could feel like a Homeland until I visited for the first time. How can a foreign land, a place I’ve never been, feel like home I wondered. When I landed and started to see the lay of the land It certainly didn’t look like home or feel like home.  However, it didn’t take long to meet the people in the land of Israel to realize it’s the people that makes it feel like home. When you are surrounded by other Jews everywhere you go, and connect with people that feel familiar and like family it does begin to feel a lot like home!  

Andy Spielberg

By Andy Spielberg

There are SO many things I love about Israel...a few items that presently come to mind.

1. The people. Their pride of County, their honesty and how amazingly genuine they are. 

2. The landscape.  There is so much innate beauty in so many different places.  The desert & the Dead Sea. The lush date palms and waterfalls of Ein Gedi; the beaches & mountains.  It’s such a testament to hard work that the people of Israel have transformed a land no one has ever thought of as fertile.

Lastly, I love Israel because I always felt I was home...no matter where I was.

Gay Guller

By Gay Guller 

In my opinion, everybody (Jews and non-Jews) would benefit by visiting Israel.  Learning about the rich history and experiencing first hand the many sites, all across the country, empowers one with knowledge beyond what a book or school can teach!

Stacy Kress

By Stacy Kress

I have many favorite memories from my trip to Israel. Besides the obvious; Masada, The Dead Sea and The Kotel, one that stands out is being on Ben Yehuda Street before Shabbat. Seeing the hustle and bustle  of everyone grabbing their last minute essentials as they prepared for Shabbat created an energy and excitement knowing everyone around me was getting ready to welcome in Shabbat.

David Cohen

                                                  Memories of Israel (and beyond)

By David Cohen

 On a hot July afternoon in 1971, I found myself standing high on a mountain slope  overlooking a kibbutz in northern Israel.  The homes, the kindergarten, the dining hall, the barns, the fields - all of it - lay in plain view, unobstructed and seemingly within a stone’s throw.  I imagined sending a paper airplane gliding down from my vantage point, confident that the mountain breezes would help propel it all the way to the community lying below...

Such a view would normally inspire the usual appreciation for natural beauty, the sheer magic of being in a place you’ve heard and dreamt about, and finally, after much planning and anticipation,  the joy of being there; absorbing the overwhelming sensations and experiences that make travel to foreign lands so impactful, and - if you’re fortunate, as I was - completely life-changing.

My feelings were a mixture of happiness, excitement, and independence (seven weeks far away from home and family).  But in the background were feelings of awe, and fear, and pride and a muted sense of sadness because, until just four years earlier, the land on which I was standing had been a Syrian Army encampment from which artillery and machine gun attacks had rained down on that idyllic kibbutz below.  I was standing on the Golan Heights, which were captured during the Six-Day War. 

I remember the worry and fear which gripped the Jewish community in my hometown during the weeks leading up to that war; the threats coming from President Nasser of Egypt, the blockading of the entrance to the Red Sea which threatened Israeli commerce (this itself an act of war), the meek response and quick capitulation of the UN when the Egyptians demanded they remove their peacekeeping forces from the Sinai frontier with Israel... 

As an American Jew who had experienced antisemitic attacks - both verbal and physical - I was aware that despite my own encounters with hate, the experiences of those Israelis in the kibbutz below had been far worse until June 1967,  a watershed moment for Jews throughout the world who marveled at another miraculous victory of a young Israeli nation over multiple Arab enemies, this time in less than a week.  For six days, the IDF decimated the air forces, armies and naval forces of their enemies, and on the seventh day, they rested.  A Creation story: the creation of new geopolitical forces in the Mideast, new armistice lines which afforded Israelis a larger buffer zone around their tiny country, but most of all, the creation of an emboldened Israel which showed the world that, once and for all, they were here to stay.  Am Yisrael Chai!  Never Again! 

And Jews all over the world carried themselves with their heads held a little bit higher, and we breathed a collective sigh of relief, and offered prayers of thanks for Israel’s survival.  And we mourned our dead, and cursed the need for us to have to go to war to protect ourselves, but even more so for the need to kill so many others in the process...

In spite of the emotional intensity of these experiences, my almost two months in Israel were an exhilarating adventure combining travel around the entire country from the Golan Heights to the Red Sea and Sinai Peninsula, along with working for a month on kibbutz Givat Chaim Meuchad (near the town of Hadera), where I dug ditches to lay irrigation pipelines, worked in the apple orchards and orange groves, had cleanup duties in the communal dining hall and its kitchen...  After finishing our day’s work around noon (we started at 5:00 AM), we’d shower, have lunch, and sometimes even hitch rides into Jerusalem or Tel Aviv for the rest of the day, returning at night exhausted, happy, and filled with even more memories and experiences:  riding Egged buses, getting thrown out of the lobby of the Tel Aviv Hilton (my friend and I weren’t dressed to its standards), exploring the Shuk in the Old City and discovering a wonderful northern Italian restaurant there called Gino’s, visiting family friends in Jerusalem and kibbutz Kfar Blum in the Galilee...  These were wonderful counterbalances to the drama and history which surrounded us every day, and which we learned much about from our guides and others we encountered.

I have a personal investment in Israel of sweat (and a little blood, too) I shed in the heat of the kibbutz workday, and tears I shed at Yad Vashem as I gazed at artifacts, pictures and other memorabilia from the Holocaust (which claimed dozens of my own family). 

My memories of Israel are permanently bound to my experiences of being a second-generation American Jew.  The journey of my ancestors from Eastern Europe to the United States (and to South America, Israel, Canada, and elsewhere) is the historical bridge between that tortured, amazing, resilient sliver of land along the Mediterranean coast and my individual responsibility to preserve the memories, history, faith and traditions for which they took such great personal risk to protect for my parents’ and my generations; and to pass it on by example not only to my own children, but to all young Jews I encounter who are the last link in the chain at this time. 

That northern kibbutz,  which literally lay in a  “valley of the shadow of death” until June 1967, embodies the values that give purpose to the way we as Jews approach the rising hatred we see in the world today.  Our history has demonstrated that countless times.  The modern Israeli nation is in our consciousness, but we should also recognize that in spite of its rough exuberance, religious tensions and, at times, awkward policy decisions, the long history it reflects is a time-tested model for us as Jews of every stream of belief (or non-belief) that will assure our ability to confront the challenges we face.  Memories are powerful, and the ones I created during my visit to Israel forty-seven years ago are a powerful component of the person I am today.

Steve Goldsmith

By Steve Goldsmith

I was fortunate to get a chance to visit Israel a few years ago and, while the historical and religious sites I saw were incredibly moving and meaningful, I would have to say my favorite part of the trip were my conversations with the Israelis I got to meet and spend a little bit of time with.  Sometimes it was just a quick exchange of a few sentences between me and a stranger. And sometimes I got the chance to spend some quality time with them,  touring their workplaces and learning what a truly amazing job some of these folks were doing.  I met the staff at Ziv Hospital who were taking in Syrian children with life threatening war injuries and providing them world class medical care they couldn’t receive in Syria at no cost to their families.   I also visited a farming kibbutz in the desert where the farmers had invented an irrigation system for growing crops that is being used all over the world to feed people in deserts and drought stricken areas.  At an Ethiopian welcome and absorption center I was able to speak with refugees and hear their brave stories of escaping to Israel for a better life for them and their children.  I also got to spend time with some young men and women of the IDF at their base in the Golan Heights.  Over an afternoon and a shared meal we spent a lot of time together and I learned a lot about them individually and how much they gain personally by way of their volunteer service.  Whether they were brief encounters, long conversations, or during organized tours it was these conversations that I remember the most from my trip.  I learned a lot from these Israelis and I’m sure they did as well.

Charlotte Rosenblum

By Charlotte Rosenblum

When one goes to Israel, it is  NOT a trip....it is an EXPERIENCE! 

As we visited the various venues, I was so proud of my people who developed this small piece of land into a thriving country; enveloping  the biblical City of Jerusalem with unique neighborhoods and many ties to our Jewish history to the modern cities of Tel-Aviv and Eilat. I was astonished to learn about Israel's many accomplishments in the technology, medical and agricultural fields.  The compassion of the people  to take care of each each generation is epitomized in the construction of the Sederot  indoor recreation center, a huge playground with a computer room and attached bomb shelter, to the LIFE LINE FOR THE OLD, where senior citizens come for the day to pursue their talents in woodworking, jewelry, sewing, and

crafts. I can truly say I feel a deep connection to my past and to the people of Israel.

Stacey Prelutsky

By Stacey Prelutsky

I never had much of a desire to visit Israel, but then an opportunity presented itself during the Summer of 2014.  It was during the Israel-Gaza conflict and although several people chose not to go on the trip, I knew that I just had to go.  Despite the fact that this country was in an active war, I was able to experience all of the incredible sights, taste the delicious food and immerse myself in the culture, all the while feeling safe and protected.  There are two events that really stood out to me and made me really appreciate how resilient Israel and its people truly are.  The first was meeting the mother of one of the slain Israeli teenagers in the West Bank.  The fact that she was able to get up in front of a large group of people and speak so eloquently just weeks after the loss of her son was truly inspirational.  The second event was when we had to seek shelter in the middle of the night at our Tel Aviv hotel when a bomb siren went off.  Although it was terrifying in that moment, it really made me appreciate the sophisticated technology that Israel has in place to protect its people.  Whenever I am asked about my trip to Israel that summer, the word I most frequently use to describe it is life-changing.  I hope that one day I will be able to visit this incredible country again.  

Myra Glazer

By Myra Glazer

My dream of going to Israel was a long time in coming true.   It took over 47 years to be exact.   At age 77 it finally happened, and was everything I ever thought it would be, and then some.  For me Israel is a true safe haven and I felt I belonged there from the moment I stepped off the plane and onto the ground.    Especially in today's atmosphere, Jews around the world  need to have their own country.  Even though I never knew any of our forefathers who fought for Israel and some consequently died for, we Jews today are the recipients of all their efforts.   No one could take a desert and turn it into a miraculous thriving world.  The Jews did!   Israel leads the world in medical breakthroughs, agricultural advances and so much more.   I was extremely impressed with our visit to a Military base.   Those young boys are representative of how all Israeli youth, male or female, feel about giving years to protect  and defend their country.  The pride I saw in their  eyes brought happy tears to my eyes,  and always will.  

Kobi Recht

By Kobi Recht

When many journey to Israel, they visit for the incredible scenery and energetic atmosphere. I don’t disagree with any of these reasons, however, I have other motivations as to why I love Israel. Israel doesn’t just give me a full stomach from the delicious falafel and shawarma, it gives me an emotional connection that is challenging to describe. When I am in this holy land, I feel so deeply connected to my religion. I take into account that so much history has occurred in this miraculous place. Becoming a Bar Mitzvah, as an example, has profoundly rooted me into this country, and has a special place in my heart. I love Israel and think everyone should journey to Israel not just for the activities, but for the important connection you feel with your religious ancestry.  

Jillian Solom

By Jillian Solom

I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Israel this past September. I traveled with my husband, Rabbi Rosenberg and Karen Rader from the Jewish Federation on an Interfaith couples trip. I spent nine days with people from the St. Louis area on a journey I will never forget.

Israel to me is the Holy land. The place where religion began and the commandments were written.The Sea of Galilee boat ride and dinner at a seaside restaurant was one memory that I can envision clearly.  Darkness fell and we walked together as a group to listen to a man sing and play guitar. He shared his background and his knowledge of Judaism. He shared his voice and music to connect us all. I felt inclusion,enlightened and spiritual. The people, the country and my new found friends/travel companions have left an imprint on my heart and in my memories.  

Laura DeWoskin

By Laura DeWoskin

I loved Jewish sleep away camp: the spirt, the friends, and the fun. When I was 15 years old and I was too old for summer camp, I felt lost. My best buddy convinced me to go on the camp sponsor trip to Israel. Before I knew it, I was on a plane to Israel not really knowing how this trip would affect my life. My trip was many years ago, but I have some very vivid memories: eating whole cucumbers for breakfast, waking up before dawn to see the sunrise on Masada, floating in the Dead Sea, and hiking to the waterfall in Ein Gedi. When I arrived home and peeled off my back pack, I told my parents, “I have decided to marry someone Jewish.” Not sure how I came to that decision on my 3 week trip to Israel. Maybe it was connecting with the host families, praying at the Western Wall or endless late night discussion with trip leaders.  Now, I am married to a wonderful Jewish man and raising a Jewish family. It must have been the sweet magic of Israel!

Andy Babitz

By Andy Babitz

Every Jew should visit Israel because Israel is our home.  It is the home of our people's past, present and future.  The incredible miracle of a modern state of Israel is the culmination of 2,000 years of hope, prayer, faith and survival.  When you step off the plane in Tel Aviv, you can honestly feel the spiritual connection to your entire people's history.  When you walk the streets of the old city in Jerusalem, you are literally walking where our ancestors and our great forefathers walked, prayed, lived and loved.  Throughout the entire history of the Jewish People, we have lived in many different countries, but Israel has always been our home.  If you have not been, you do not understand when I say that when you are in Israel, it feels like you are home.  No matter your political leanings or your feelings towards the current government in the United States or Israel, you can be a Jew in Israel and be home.  

Leslie Yoffie

By Leslie Yoffie

Every Jew should visit Israel...at least twice! Once to see all of the important historical sites. Return to explore the Israeli people and culture.

WARNING: You will become addicted to Israel.

Jamie Goldstein

By Jamie Goldstein

Although my visit to Israel included many unforgettable moments, my favorite memory was the day I visited the Western Wall. After walking through Jerusalem, I rounded the corner and saw the Western Wall for the first time. It was a beautiful view with the Dome of the Rock in the background, just like I imagined. Throughout my life I have seen numerous pictures from this spot and heard many stories from friends and family that visited. But at that very moment when I saw it with my own eyes, I felt an overwhelming, satisfying and peaceful feeling. After placing my prayer note into a crevice in the Wall I was able to share this experience with a wonderful group of women. I am grateful to have such an incredible memory from my trip to Israel.

Rick Recht

By Rick Recht, United Hebrew's Artist in Residence

Even before I visited Israel for the first time, I felt an innate connection with the Holy Land as well as the important place it held in my family history.  My mother who was impoverished as a child always dreamed of going to Israel and saved all of her money to eventually travel there, not just for herself, but for her Zionist father who never had the opportunity to visit during his lifetime.  My mother dreamt that someday, she would have a child and he would have his bar mitzvah at the Western Wall in Israel.  She continued saving her money with my father, and when I was 13, as she had dreamed, I had my Bar Mitzvah at the Wall in Israel.  35 years later, I’m proud to say that both of our children have had THEIR bar mitzvah’s in Jerusalem. 

There are so many layers to the beauty, strength, spirituality, and miracle we find in Israel… and all of these things deeply touch my Jewish soul.  Israel is a thread through generations and generation of hundreds of thousands of people who have hoped and dreamed of a homeland for the Jewish people… and I’m blessed to have lived in this sliver of time when my family could sew this thread through our own personal family story.  

Melissa Wallace

By Melissa Wallace

I was fortunate enough to go to Israel as part of the Rubin Israel experience and I can honestly say it changed my life. I can still remember stepping out of the airport into the strong Israeli sunshine and feeling like I was Home.

I have so many amazing memories but one of my favorite is sitting in an ancient orthodox synagogue on Shabbat morning in Jerusalem. I was sitting on the women’s side listening to the service. I turned to look through the beautiful stone arched window to my left and the view literally took my breath away. The shutters were open to let in the warm breeze, and I sat there gazing at the walls of the old city, almost in disbelief that I was actually there. I remember thinking I will never forget this moment, and I never have.

Tammi Laiderman

By Tammi Laiderman

The most meaningful memory I have from visiting Israel was visiting Yad Vashem. It was so powerful being in Israel and experiencing the deep emotions you feel as you wander through Yad Vashem. I felt as though I was walking in my fathers shoes as they told the story of the families from Prague. A truly deep and moving experience for me.

70 Voices for Israel - A Countdown to Yom Ha'atzma'ut

Seventy - ע - 70 

The Mahara”l of Prague writes that the number seven represents the entirety of this natural world, which was created in seven days (six days of creation, completed on the Sabbath) and which will last for seven thousand years (six thousand years, plus a thousand-year Sabbath - see Talmud Sanhedrin 97a). And any number times ten represents its expanded full potential – so that seventy of something represents all the potential facets of that thing in the natural world.

In 70 days, the State of Israel will be celebrating it's 70th year of independence.  70 years of the Jewish people having a state of their own, a place where Judaism and democracy exist and Jews have self sovereignty.  Israel is still a young country, and it is not perfect, but its existence is a testament of the strength and faith of the Jewish people.  It is a dream realized after thousands of years.  

 As the words of Hatikvah remind us, "As long as the Jewish spirit is yearning deep in the heart, with eyes turned toward the East, looking toward Zion, then our hope - the two-thousand year old hope - will not be lost: to be a free people in our land, the land of Zion and Jerusalem."

For the next 70 days, as we look toward this momentous occasion, we celebrate with 70 voices, your voices, the voices of United Hebrew that continue to hope, to love, to dream, to experience Israel!

May we cherish and learn from the past 70 years and look forward with hope at the amazing potential of the next 70!  And, may this year, be the year, that Israel and her neighbors know peace!

“Welcome back” by Ethan Guller

These were the words I had heard when I first stepped foot into Jerusalem. I remember thinking, how could my tour guide be welcoming me back to a place that I have never been? Throughout my trip, I thought more about what he had said. As I further explored Jerusalem and talked to the citizens, I finally began to understand the deeper meaning. I saw the struggles that went into creating this beautiful country. I thought about the millions of lives that had been lost, many of whom were my family members. And then I thought about the people who never had the opportunity to experience our amazing homeland. I realized my trip to Israel was for more than just me, it was for all my ancestors. When my tour guide welcomed me back, he welcomed us all back to the one place that will forever be ours. Even though I live thousands of miles away, Israel will always be my home, and I am glad there will always be someone there to welcome me back.