As my last few days in Israel, for the summer, wound down I started to get very anxious, nostalgic, and so many more mixed emotions about coming back to America, that I'm sure anyone who has ever left Israel at some point in their lives can relate to. Out of my three trips to Israel so far, this one definitely had the largest effect on my life, which was definitely one of the main reasons why I was so apprehensive to come home. With Bloomington and my family waiting for me, I knew that there was no choice to stay this time. But as I packed my bags, it was with a good feeling that H-shem would bring me back soon and that He will be with me wherever I am, even if it's not the holiest place in the world.
This summer has helped me gain such a stronger footing for knowing myself and understanding who I am and what my beliefs are. I could not be more thankful for the teachers I've learned from, the Shabbos tables I've had the privilege to be at, the numerous simchas and thrilling experiences Israel has a way of providing, the new and amazing friends I've made, and of course, my old and dear friends that have stayed with me. As I suspected, this summer was absolutely THE one for the books. Its comforting to know that H-shem reveals Himself to us everywhere, not just in Erez Yisrael. As soon as I stepped off the plane in the U.S., I waited quite a while (45 minutes) for my bag to come so I could go through customs. A woman next to me was complaining about the wait so I davened that she should get her bag soon. Not 3 seconds after I said that, my bag showed up. Proving the idea that when you daven for others, you are rewarded with what you want as well. Baruch H-shem, because I was sad and that sign from H-shem letting me know that no matter where in the world I am, He is always with me, made me realize that I'm going to be okay at home, until I can go back to Israel.
So as I sit here on my 5 hour layover in Newark, still a bit in denial about the fact that I'm back, I know that this knot in my throat and pit in my stomach will go away soon because Israel is not just a place, it's a feeling. And if you have the will, you can take that feeling with you anywhere. May H-shem, and Israel's spirit, be with all of us until we are reunited in Israel again soon.
