Jenna Heffron Experiences a Special Life-Changing Teen Trip to Israel

This summer, I was given an opportunity to travel to Israel with a group of teenagers from all over America through the URJ Tikkun Israel teen summer program.

While I was there, I volunteered, dedicating over 30 hours of service to agencies that work to make life better for people living in Israel. I visited ancient sites, and toured several cities. See several photos of her volunteering with others.

I went into this trip not knowing what to expect, having some anxiety about the recent conflict with Iran and ongoing war against Hamas; However, deep down I knew that I would not find an opportunity like this again, and so I decided to go.

This was the best choice I could have possibly made, and I am so glad I listened to my gut. The moment I landed in Israel, for the very first time of my life I understood what all of the hype was about. Looking around, being surrounded by fellow Jews everywhere I turned my head – I knew this was a place where I would always belong.

“I found joy in the volunteering”

To kick off the trip, I met with underprivileged people living in cities that were drastically affected by October 7th, and spent hours a day trying to make their lives a little brighter. (See photo above)

I found joy in the volunteering, knowing that the work I was putting in would genuinely help the innocent people, left to struggle from the aftershock of invasions and bombings.

I learned new hobbies like henna from drawing it on little kids at the fair we set up and ran at a day camp. I will never forget their smiles – all of us had a great time. I went to Tel Aviv and visited the bustling shuks, like the Carmel Market, and saw talented,hard working artists and craftsmen selling their beautiful creations proudly.

Western Wall- Favorite Part

My favorite part by far, though, was visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem for the very first time. (See photo at the top of the article) I went on Shabbat, just as the sun had set and the evening began. The wall was crowded with Jews praising and thanking God. The men's side was rowdy – praying and singing loudly, and even raising chairs into the air.

The women’s side was intimately quiet. Beautiful girls, ranging in age and backgrounds, all brought together and connected by our faith. As I waited for my turn to have a spot to pray on the wall, I was emotionally touched by a combination of spirituality and gratitude to finally be in the land of my people, the land where I belong. As I put my prayer into the wall and began to pray, the first thing I did was thank God for granting us with the land of Israel, and granting me the opportunity to stand and pray in it.

I would also like to thank the Jewish Community Federation for helping to fund this trip through the Israel Teen Travel Grant. I deeply appreciate the financial assistance that helped make it possible for me to go on this life-changing trip. It truly cemented my whole Jewish identity.

And if you are a teenager who ever has an opportunity to go to Israel – do it!