In February, JEWISHcolorado’s five Shinshinim flew back to Israel for their mid-year break. Before leaving, they left behind a question box for JEWISHcolorado’s staff, saying, “Ask Us Anything!”
From food cravings to culture shocks and everything in between, they promised to answer it all when they got back. Read what they have to share!
What was it like to return to Israel? What did you miss the most?
Alma: “Coming back to Israel felt like a dream. It was crazy—I missed my family and my friends the most, and my home, my moshav.”
Tomer: “Coming back after two weeks was still an adjustment. Israel has a very different energy — more direct, more intense, more alive. What I missed most was the atmosphere — hearing Hebrew everywhere, being surrounded by Jewish culture, and how social everything feels.
Maayan: “It was strange to be back—it felt like a dream. What I missed most were my friends.”
Adi: “Coming back to Israel was amazing. I really missed my family and friends, and of course, the food and my room. It felt so good to see everyone again, hug them, and just be back in a familiar place.”
Liraz: “Coming back to Israel was really fun. I missed my family, my friends, the stories, meeting people I know, and being in my city. There are no words to describe how it feels to come back home.”
What surprised you most when you first arrived in Colorado?
Adi: “I was really surprised by the beautiful views and landscapes—they’re amazing. But mostly, I was surprised by the weather. I always thought Colorado would be very snowy and perfect for skiing, but this winter didn’t really feel like that.”
Tomer: “Coming back made me notice again how quiet and spread out everything is in Colorado. Life here feels more planned and calm, compared to Israel where things are more spontaneous and fast-paced.”
Alma: “What shocked me when I got back to Colorado was that there’s still no snow.”
Liraz: “What shocked me the most in Colorado was the lack of oxygen. I needed about two weeks to get used to it because Colorado is at a high altitude, and you need to drink a lot of water.”
Maayan: “When I got back to Colorado, I was shocked that I didn’t have jet lag.”
Are there any American habits or traditions you’d want to take back to Israel?
Liraz: “I would really like Israelis to adopt some of the culture and manners that Americans have—like saying hello and good morning, and not honking on the road. I really love that about people in Colorado.”
Alma: “Something I wish Israelis would adopt from Americans is their manners and calmness.”
Tomer: “I would bring is the strong sense of organized community, especially from the Jewish community here in Colorado. People really invest in building community through volunteering, programs, and events. I think bringing more of that intentional community-building into Israel could make a big impact.”
Maayan: “I would want Israelis to adopt a little more manners and politeness from Americans.”
Adi: “I would love if people in Israel didn’t honk their car horns as much, like they don’t here—it’s so much calmer. I’d also bring drive-thru places to Israel because they’re super convenient, and I know I’ll miss them when I go back.”
What was the first thing you ate when you returned to Israel?
Adi: “The first thing I ate when I got back was couscous with meatballs that my mom made. I missed her cooking so much, and it felt really comforting to eat a homemade meal again. It reminded me of home right away.”
Tomer: “The first thing I ate was my mom’s schnitzel. Nothing in the world competes with that — it just hits different after being away. Coming back here, the first thing I ate was a classic American burger. After two weeks of Israeli food — which is lighter and more fresh — it felt heavier, but also satisfying in a different way. It really showed me the difference between the food cultures.”
Maayan: “My mom’s couscous! I missed it so much.”
Alma: “Schnitzel in challah with matbucha that my dad made for me. My favorite!”
Liraz: “Of course, my mom’s schnitzel.”
What is something Americans do that surprised you?
Maayan: “The thing that surprised me the most about Americans is their customer service voice.”
Adi: “One thing that surprised me is that Americans leave voicemail messages if I don’t answer the phone. I’m not really used to that, so it felt a bit strange at first.”
Tomer: “How much people rely on planning ahead. Even simple things like hanging out with friends usually need to be scheduled in advance, which feels very different from the more spontaneous culture in Israel.”
Alma: “What surprised me most about Americans is that restaurants have free refills on drinks, and that when you order from Amazon, it can arrive the same day.”
Liraz: “I was also really surprised by Americans when it comes to delivery services compared to Israel. If you order from Amazon in Israel, it might arrive in a month if you’re lucky—but here it arrives within a few days, and sometimes even in one day. For me, that’s a life-changing difference.”
Do you also have questions for the shinshinim? Send them to us at marketing@jewishcolorado.org.