‘City by the Bay’

IsraelNow Chicago recently brought students to…San Francisco.

“Due to the war, IsraelNow Chicago made the heartbreaking decision that travel to Israel was not possible,” said Sam Rodin, Director of IsraelNow Chicago. “While nothing can replace Israel, an alternative experience was created.”

Their goals remained the same: To strengthen the Jewish identities of the eighth-grade participants by developing their personal connection to Jewish values and community, including Israel.

Over two trips last winter, they brought 92 Chicago-area eighth graders on five-day visits to the “City by the Bay.” Based at the Union of Reform Judaism’s Camp Newman, they toured the landmarks, from the Golden Gate to Alcatraz.

They also visited the synagogue Sha’ar Zahav (Hebrew for “Golden Gate”), which has a proud history of diversity and inclusion, created art for Shabbat with the Jewish Studio Project, and held a post- Havdalah bonfire. “I never expected to love learning so much about being Jewish,” said IsraelNow participant Alana Kroot.

The focus remained on Israel, including volunteering, hiking, or studying texts. “We were very intentional to bring Israel into the program as often as possible,” Rodin said.

Participants learned about Israel’s geography and history, and shared their personal connections to Israel with the Israelis who helped staff the trip. Guided by Israeli chefs, they made falafel , shakshuka , and tahini . They watched the Israeli film comedy Cupcakes , and sang and danced to Israeli songs.

They also expressed their feelings about the October 7 attacks through art, music, and discussion.

Built into the packed schedule was downtime to reflect, and relax with friends.

The trip, said parents and students alike, strengthened the tweens’ connection to Judaism and to each other.

Erica Marks said her son, a participant on the trip, had never gone to Jewish camp before. “He had the best time-and now he has a favorite Hebrew song,” she said.

To register for IsraelNow Chicago’s next trips to Israel–in December 2024, and in February and March 2025–visit israelnowtrip.org.