More Than a Trip: How HIP Changed My Outlook on Life

Within the status quo, there is an unspoken blueprint for the way in which life is expected to unfold. We go to school, aspire to attend college, obtain a career, marry, and so on. Although this framework does not always play out exactly as anticipated, it remains the standard many are expected to follow. As a result, we often lack the exposure to, or sufficient comprehension of, alternative ways of living. Our days become structured by rigid expectations, and over time, the meaning behind these norms begins to fade.

This past December, I was fortunate to be one of more than 30 juniors and seniors from Denver Jewish Day School to participate in the Hebrew Immersion Program (HIP) in Israel. I knew going into this journey that it would be an experience of a lifetime. Yet, I did not fully understand how great an impact it would have on me or how profoundly it would challenge my already-instilled beliefs.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that we would be encountering a variety of challenges, opportunities, and practices. Throughout the program, we were fortunate enough to meet with many individuals from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds, including Ethiopians, Bedouins, and Druze, as well as survivors, students, and expats. As we began to integrate more within Israeli culture alongside our newfound friends from these various communities, I began to notice the striking contrasts between everyday life in Israel and in the United States.

Witnessing these differences firsthand allowed me to reflect on how narrow my understanding of life had been. I found that the Israeli people were very much united amongst one another and were proud to live within their country. While one could argue that patriotism exists in America as well, the sense of collective pride I witnessed felt entirely different from anything I had previously encountered. Despite the immense diversity within the Jewish state, people continue to coexist and share a collective commitment to protecting their land and one another. 

Particularly over these past few years, the country has been in distress, yet rather than diminishing morale, these hardships appear to uplift national resilience. This resilience is reflected not only in moments of crisis but also in everyday life. Israelis seem to approach their futures with purpose, while also remaining deeply grounded within the present. They value their time, prioritize meaningful relationships, and do not rush through life solely to reach the next milestone.

As a result, my outlook on my own future has shifted. Before HIP, I thought of life as a planned series of tasks to be accomplished. I discovered in Israel that presence, connection, and purpose in life are just as important as aspirations and goals. These objectives have not changed as a result of this journey, but rather my stance on them has. The month I spent in Israel was not simply a trip; it was a shift in perspective that will shape how I choose to live for years to come.