Goucher President to Join Israel Trip

(A version of this article appeared in the Winter 2009 Goucher Hillel newsletter.)

Fifteen Goucher students are eagerly preparing for a ten-day, all-expense paid trip to Israel this January with Goucher Hillel and Taglit-Birthright Israel. Aaron Dorman ’10 who, like his fellow travelers, will be visiting Israel for the very first time with a group of peers, offered the following reflection at the end of a recent trip orientation: “In Hebrew School they always gave us dates from Israel, and now I’ll finally be able to see the trees where they come from.” Against the backdrop of Israel’s most historic and beautiful landmarks, each participant will take profound steps along his or her personal Jewish journey, in turn impacting Goucher’s vibrant Jewish community.

The students will also be sharing the experience with a special guest who is particularly invested in transcending boundaries: Goucher College President Sandy Ungar. Sandy and his wife Beth will be visiting Israel for the first time themselves, and they will accompany the Goucher Hillel delegation for two days of hiking and reflecting in the Negev Desert, a swim in the Dead Sea, and a visit to the ancient mountaintop fortress at Masada. “At what other college would you be able to spend time with the president of the school in a totally different country?” remarked Benjamin Snyder, a first-year student interested in studying English. Ben ultimately decided to apply for the trip because of his grandmother, with whom he had “a very close relationship.” She had been to Israel in the 1950’s, and Ben was “inspired to go on the same sort of journey as she did.”

Each participant has expressed excitement over getting to explore different aspects of their Jewish heritage firsthand. The group, to be accompanied by Rabbi Josh Snyder, plans to take off on January 7th and return on January 18th. We wish all the participants a n’siya tova - a great trip!