For the millions of Jewish teens that have passed through BBYO, they all have one thing in common, craving more. For every teen that BBYO has inspired, they all have one beautiful thing in common, they all wanted to do more in their Jewish community, or learn more about their Jewish identity. For me, I joined BBYO to find my voice in my Jewish community and figure out what being Jewish truly meant to me. To do this not only did I seek out leadership opportunities in my chapter, community, and internationally but I tried things that scared me.

This past summer I had the honor and privilege of attending ILTC and International Kallah. Attending full Perlman was something that had intimidated me ever since I heard about the magical place of Perlman earlier last term. I was absolutely terrified to spend five weeks at a new camp with hundreds of strangers. I was so scared that I would not make friends or fit in. I can say this was furthest from the truth. I was not attending Perlman alone, I was surrounded by my best friends although I did not know it at the time. I was home, surrounded by the Jewish people learning about everything that holds a special place in my heart.

The truth is that I doubted if Perlman was the right place for me in the days leading up to my flight. I would get in my head and spiral if I would make friends and belong. The truth is that life is scary but that did not stop me. My 45 days at Perlman were the best of my life. Before going on ILTC I was so scared to be a loud voice in an even louder room. I was so scared to voice my thoughts and stand out from others. Prior to Kallah, I had absolutely no idea what kind of member I wanted to be in my Jewish community after BBYO. The truth is that those 45 days of Perlman taught me how to be a stronger leader and most importantly the purest version of myself.

That is why I am taking the leap into the unknown by attending the International Leadership Seminar in Israel this summer (Wow I never thought those words would come out of my mouth). The truth is that we all limit ourselves to doing the things that we are familiar with, the things that are safe. But true growth comes from discomfort that gives each and every one of us an outlet to grow. I decided to enroll in ILSI not only to foster a connection with the Jewish homeland that I have been surrounded by my entire life through my local Jewish community but because I am ready to step into the unknown of leaving the safety of all that is familiar to me in the US and take a leap of faith. I want to explore Israel because to me exploring my Jewish homeland is more than getting a stamp in my passport, it is about further exploring who I am as a Jew, a leader, and a member of my Jewish community.

To anyone considering ILSI I have one word for you… GO! Although I have not attended myself, we can do it together. If my time at Perlman has taught me anything it is that the unknowns of trying something new will always be worth it. The countless memories, friendships, and self discoveries of my past summer have left me wanting more.

In the end, what I’ve realized is that we all share the same craving for more, more growth, more connection, more understanding of who we are as Jews. Whether it’s stepping into the unknown at Perlman or preparing for ILSI, it’s those challenges that push us to become the best versions of ourselves. Our Jewish journeys are about embracing the discomfort and discovering new parts of our identity along the way. So, if you’re unsure, just take the leap because I will be standing right there with you, and the growth that we will experience together will truly leave you ready for anything that life throws our way!