Creating Our Kehillah Kedoshah

I've officially spent one full day here in the Holy Land, and I've already seen great views, cuddled with three dogs that live here on the kibbutz, and successfully led a fabulous jam sesh... Needless to say I'm having an amazing time, but there is one specific thing that I know will make this experience particularly special: inclusivity. The staff members here have stressed multiple times the importance of kehillah, or community. Here, I truly feel like I am accepted in this kehillah for my authentic self... and this is why:

Nobody here calls me "Emma", but instead they refer to me as "Em", the gender-inclusive nickname that I have recently preferred to be known as. My name on my name tag, as well as the official class roster is "Em", and countless people have asked me for my preferred gender pronouns. Every time I hear someone saying my name, I am nearly brought to tears; the feeling of knowing that who I am is more than accepted, but appreciated by my new family means more to me than I can express.

I can't believe that it's only been a day, for I have already made irreplaceable connections and bonds... I cannot wait to continue creating our truly kehillah kedoshah, our holy community here at NFTY EIE.

I made it!

37 hours of traveling (with less than 5 hours of sleep), many new friendships, and a good shower later, I've finally settled into my room here at Kibbutz Tzuba in the Judean Hills. My roommates are fabulous, the views are breathtaking, and the exhaustion isn't stopping me from wanting to explore every inch if this incredible place... Let the adventures begin!

(flying over Athens)

(the view from the balcony of my dorm room here at Kibbutz Tzuba)

And I'm off! I've packed my bags, kissed my dogs goodbye, and made it to LAX! I am now 3.5 hours into the 37 hours of traveling until I land in Israel... So far so good, but I can't wait until I finally get there. Adventure awaits!!!