By: Jillian Feiger
Director of Teen and Israel Engagement
This week, we read Parashat Sh’lach, a Torah portion that begins with hope and promise, only to take a painful turn. Moses sends twelve spies to scout the Land of Israel. All twelve see its beauty and potential, yet ten return filled with fear and doubt. Their lack of faith in themselves and in God’s promise spreads through the people, leading to despair, regret, and ultimately, forty years of wandering in the wilderness.
In many ways, our IST journey this summer mirrors the emotional arc of this parasha. We prepared to travel to Israel. We envisioned ourselves exploring its vibrant landscapes, connecting with its people, and celebrating our heritage in the place we call home. Instead, our path was unexpectedly cut short. The journey we had dreamed of didn’t unfold as planned.
But unlike the Israelites, we didn’t respond with despair. We didn’t let disappointment define us. Instead, we embraced what we did have, each other. Our IST community became our anchor. In Poland, we stood shoulder to shoulder in places that carry the weight of our people’s darkest hours, and from that shared experience, we built something lasting. We built a community grounded in memories, compassion, and strength.
Like Caleb and Joshua, who saw possibility where others saw fear, we chose to find meaning in the journey we did take. Even without reaching Israel, we discovered that we could still create a deeply Jewish, transformative experience. We sang with pride during Kabbalat Shabbat in Krakow, and even louder under the stars during Havdalah. We found joy in unexpected moments, holding space for fun and laughter even as we faced the gravity of where we stood and the reality of our trip ending.
Parashat Sh’lach ends with the mitzvah of tzitzit, a daily reminder of who we are and what we stand for. In that spirit, our time together on IST became our tzitzit, a symbol of connection, resilience, and presence. A reminder that community isn’t defined by geography, but by how we show up for one another, especially when the road takes a turn we didn’t expect.
We may not have touched the stones of the Kotel this time, but we built something equally enduring, a network of memories and friendships woven together by purpose and hope. And throughout our time in Poland, even as we grieved the change in plans, our thoughts and prayers remained with Israel and its people.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Please email Jillian Feiger at jfeiger@jewishcolorado.org with questions or comments.