The Susan Sequel

I am one happy mama! Hannah arrived from college Monday night and my family came in from Atlanta yesterday (the house is crazy, but in the best possible way)! I’m having 24 for Thanksgiving this year and I am already stressing about how it will all get done and where everyone will sit. And, while I always freak out this time of year, I absolutely love the chaos, the atmosphere and the ensuing fun. I wouldn’t trade it for anything and I’ve finally come to the conclusion that I just like to hear myself bitch! Clearly, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention what I was thankful for this year. Yes, I am thankful for my family, friends and all their health. I am thankful for my puppy and my home and for all of you who read my blog. But, without a doubt, what I am most thankful for this year is the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (www.jwrp.org)

The JWRP is an organization whose mission is to empower women to change the world through Jewish values and shared community experience. Since 2008, thousands of women have traveled to Israel as part of this amazing journey. This past May, I was fortunate enough to be chosen as one of these women and, at the risk of sounding completely corny, my life will never be the same. Personally, I learned about the JWRP a few years ago from my sister.  She told me about an organization sending women on a paid trip to Israel. Needless to say, I was intrigued.  So, when I heard that Boca Raton was going to be sending a group of women, I did my own research and leapt at the opportunity to apply. To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect and I wasn’t looking for a religious transformation at this stage of my life.  But, with my 50th birthday looming ahead of me, I decided to take a chance and try something new (and with an open mind). Without telling a sole, I filled out my application and sent it in (I didn’t even tell my family, thinking they would talk me out of going; of course, they would never even consider it… I’m just crazy like that sometimes). Soon after submission, I was contacted by the organization, I interviewed and was accepted on the trip! And, after hearing more about JWRP and the program, I literally couldn’t believe my luck! After telling Tara to also apply (so I would have a roommate), my path was set… I would be leaving with 44 other women on Mother’s Day for an 8 day adventure in Israel.

Mind you, I was nervous. In between the interview process and the trip, I fractured my ankle and was non weight-bearing for 2 months (I’m exceptionally accident prone). We also had three “meet and greet” get togethers with the 44 women and, while they became familiar faces, I didn’t make any deep connections (too early)! Of course, that all changed the minute we boarded our flight to Tel Aviv (after happy hour in the airport, of course). People who had been total strangers just months before, suddenly became kindred spirits. And, leading this adventure were the two kindest, warmest and sweetest women I have ever met. Simone and Shayndel, if you are reading this, I hope you know how much you both mean to me personally and to the group, as a whole (even if I can’t pronounce Shayndel’s name and it comes out sounding like she’s a member of a 50’s doo wop group…. Simonette & the Shane-dels).  In ways of religious observance, I could not be more different from these two women; yet, they never treated me with anything less than respect, interest and love (I only hope that I gave them the same in return).  These two amazing women were our guides through Israel and the journey that ensued, magically transforming our group from strangers to sisters in a mere 8 days. And while I won’t bore you with the day-to-day details of our trip (this post would be a novella), suffice it to say that it was perfect, historical and spiritual (as well as ridiculously exhausting).  Not surprisingly, the question I get asked most about the trip is: “did you come back more religious?” I have since learned that this is a complicated question and a very personal one, as well. No, I do not necessarily think that I am more religious (in the traditional sense of the word). With that being said, I do feel much more spiritual, with a deeper understanding of both the beliefs of those around me and the importance of the land of Israel. For me personally, these two things are the most important lessons I brought home from the trip.

In addition to my own personal journey, I befriended the most amazing group of women. As I said before, we started as 44 strangers (I knew only 4-5 of the women, and only 2-3 of them would I say I knew well). Within days, I had 44 new sisters in my life. And, while it is physically impossible to be BFFs with every single one of them, my love for each of them individually is genuine and lasting. To the women that I met, thank you for sharing this journey with me and thank you for being you. And, to my close crew of sistas, you have no idea what you each mean to me. Never, in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would make new, lasting friendships at the age of 50. Never, in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would be sharing events and holidays with new people at this stage of our lives. Yet, JWRP did this for me and so much more.  I love you all…. zababa!

When people ask, I tell them that the JWRP allowed me to experience the type of freedom that I hadn’t felt since sleep away camp in my youth. Moments of quality alone time, shared experiences and quite reflection. In our busy, everyday lives, most of us don’t allow ourselves the freedom to experience (or appreciate) these feelings. I, for one, realized that this was what was missing from my life… my own version of spirituality and acceptance.  As a result of the JWRP trip, I feel like I am now a better, kinder and more accepting person. And, a few months after my return, I began writing this blog (which would have NEVER occurred to me to do before the trip). If you have a chance, check out JWRP. I cannot say enough good things about the organization and the people affiliated with it.  As we were told from the moment this amazing experience began… it starts with women!

Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving with your family & friends. Salaam!