Graphic by Rivka Reich ('24)
As the tenth graders of Katz Yeshiva High School of South Florida landed in the Holy Land of Eretz Yisrael, they witnessed a beautiful sunrise which was the perfect way to start a momentous trip. The excited travelers were glowing as they walked the famous path and returned “home’’. After missing the traditional Katz Hillel Day School Israel 8th grade graduation trip due to the pandemic, the KYHS administration scheduled the trip this year for the entire tenth grade. Some of the activities the students experienced during the trip were a lively Yom Haatzmaut celebration, meaningful prayer at Kever Rachel, and exhilarating Jeep rides in the Golan Heights. The knowledgeable tour guides led the group across Israel, teaching about the significant historical and spiritual sites, such as the ancient city of Shiloh. The students also had some fun adventures, like rafting on the Jordan River. Every aspect of the trip was designed to reinforce the students’ love and appreciation for Israel, but one of the biggest highlights was being in Israel to celebrate Yom HaZikaron and Yom Haatzmaut.
On the morning of Yom Hazikaron the students stood in the sun to listen in silence to the siren. Later in the day the students had the privilege to hear words of wisdom from Rabbi Leo Dee. He exclaimed that what happened to him and his family is a personal loss but also a national fatality. Mrs. Kanner added that Rabbi Dee’s perseverance can be compared to Miriam’s tambourine. Miriam shelved the tambourine after the loss of Moshe being put into the Nile. She knew that after the hardships in Egypt there would be another time to take it out and play with it once again. “Reb Dee, we know that you have not thrown away your tambourine, you still have it, and we see it. Although we cannot comfort you right now, the Katz Yeshiva High School tenth grade’s Israel trip leaves you with a bracha. That bracha is that you and your family and your beautiful children will once again take out that tambourine and lead all of in dance and song to greet Mashiach,’’ shared Mrs. Kanner. A scribe was coincidentally finishing his Sefer Torah right there in the shul where Rabbi Dee spoke to us, and many students were able to share in the mitzvah to write a letter in the Torah. It was a beautiful way to end the afternoon with a mitzvah and with such an extraordinary person as Rabbi Dee.
To kickoff the celebration of Yom Haatzmaut the tenth grade class came together with hundreds of other Jews for a celebratory and joyous davening led by Rav Shlomo Katz. Everyone sang their hearts out for Hallel and danced with strangers, all to rejoice over Israel's independence and 75th birthday. Nearing the closing of the celebrations the students had a spiritually uplifting davening at the Kotel.
Other memorable moments of the trip included an opportunity to hear inspirational words from Tzur Goldin. He spoke about the importance of brotherhood and to always remember the names of fallen ones. Tzur was standing in front of wind chimes which were made as a memorial for his brother and all the innocent people that have died to protect Israel. He said, ’’The wind chimes symbolizes that their spirits always exist around us.’’ Tzur took strength instead of weakness from his tragedy and has moved forward to become a lawyer, husband, and a leader for all of Am Yisrael.
Additionally, spending Shabbat in Yerushalayim is always special, and staying at a hotel with such a close proximity to the Kotel gave students the chance to daven Kabbalat Shabbat there on Friday night. Before entering the path leading to the Kotel, the entire tenth grade class formed a circle and sang together as Shabbat entered. People walking by were impressed by the unity of our group and started snapping pictures or singing along. It was a bonding experience that enhanced our Shabbat.
The tenth grade class will always look back on this trip as a meaningful and transformative experience and will hold onto the memories for a lifetime. A big thank you to the staff chaperones and our touring group in Israel, and most of all to Mr. Dan Katz, for this one of a kind opportunity.
Article by Gabriella Asher ('25)
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