Good Shabbos...

The Shabbat we spent in Israel was special not just for the reflection and celebration I shared, but also as a catalyst for personal growth, as it opened my eyes to my own potential. Up until a few months ago, my celebrations of shabbat consisted of no more than a caring but perfunctory exchange of "shabbat shaloms" with friends or family. But recently, I've found my celebrations of shabbat to be significantly more meaningful and moving.
 
Shabbat in Israel was particularly special because of the close friendships made here and the personal growth we've all shared together. For me, my personal growth came through open conversations about our impact projects, as I greater appreciated the value of collaboration and my own ability to help others. I look back on this shabbat and the past week as just a starting point, and I look forward to growing, contributing, and sharing over many more shabbats with the group back in DC.

Jesse Levine, Washington, DC