There is so much to say about JLA Ba’Aretz. From the amazing experience of living in Israel for a month, to the lifelong bonds the trip creates. Unfortunately, this year JLA Ba’Aretz has been canceled. JLA Ba’Aretz is our version of school in Israel. In JLA’s professional terms, “a month-long expedition strategically designed to create lasting memories and ignite a palpable energy that resonates throughout the entire school year.” 

 Upper school students on a hike

With everything going on in Israel many argue that it is more important than ever to show our support. Rabbi Perl in the email reporting JLA Ba’Aretz’s cancellation utilized a quote by Yehudah HaLevi, a great 12th century scholar. He wrote, “that he couldn’t ‘taste his food’ or enjoy any of life’s pleasures because his ‘heart is in the East, and I am at the edge of the West.’” Rabbi Perl goes on to note how that is exactly how he feels upon the cancellation of the trip. Arlan B. 27’, wishes that we could have gone to Israel back in August because JLA isn’t quite the same without it.

Despite the loss of the amazing trip itself, many of the students have a greater worry. They are concerned that JLA Ba’Aretz’s cancellation will lead to a permanent change in the school’s community dynamic. Menucha W 28’, a student with a deep rooted connection to Israel, explains that  the students who went on JLA Ba’Aretz, are on a different social level than the new students. She is not the only student to make this observation. Julia J. 27’, a returning student commented, “I think there would be a stronger bond between the ninth grade and the students who went on JLA Ba’Aretz. We would all have a stronger connection.” Whether or not the totality of the divide can be attributed to JLA Ba’Aretz it is certainly a major component. 

Every student hopes that returning to Israel next year will bring the entirety of the upper school body as close as we were on the last day of JLA Ba’Aretz 2023.