Pinina Morgan, Community Engagement Manager at the Weinstein JCC, participated in a transformative educational journey to Israel in December 2024, as part of a select delegation of Jewish community leaders.
The group, which included 25 professionals from Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) across North America and Israel, took part in The JCC Israel Experience, an immersive program designed to deepen connections to Israel and strengthen Jewish communities worldwide.
Led by the JCC Association of North America and The iCenter, the program ran from Dec. 16-19, offering participants the chance to engage with Israel’s evolving realities, reflect on the devastating events of Oct. 7, 2023, and build stronger partnerships between North American JCCs and Israel.
Morgan, a Richmond native who grew up in the local Jewish community, expressed her deep gratitude for the opportunity.
“To be physically in the land of Israel where my heart and head have been for the past year and a half was a cathartic experience,” Morgan shared.
“This allowed me to do so in some small way,” referring to the challenge she felt in not being able to assist in Israel after the October 7 attacks.
During the trip, one of her most memorable moments was meeting Dganit Bar-Hai, a Bible teacher from Tkuma, who invited the group to pick lemons in her family’s vineyard.
“It was a beautiful and light moment amidst the heaviness of the trip’s subject matter,” she said.
The JCC Israel Experience program aimed to provide participants with a deeper, on-the-ground understanding of the October 7 attacks, which had a profound impact on Jewish communities worldwide.
Morgan and the delegation had the opportunity to meet with Israeli residents directly affected by the tragedy, including family members of victims of the Nova Music Festival and residents of Kiryat Shmona who had been displaced by the conflict.
They also heard firsthand stories of resilience from individuals who faced unprecedented challenges, gaining a deeper understanding of the ongoing recovery process.
In addition to these powerful encounters, the delegation participated in enriching cultural exchanges with Israeli professionals, including meetings with renowned artists, musicians, and writers such as Ira Ginzburg, Shai Tsabari, and Etgar Keret.
They also spent time with Israeli JCC colleagues from communities including Binyamina, Sha’ar Ha’Negev, and Ramat Ha’Sharon.
“After a transformative week on The JCC Israel Experience, I’m filled with gratitude and inspiration,” said Dr. Andi Meiseles, senior advisor for Jewish education at the JCC Association.
“The trip was a powerful journey, and for many of us, the most impactful moments were those spent with everyday Israelis, who each have extraordinary stories of resilience. The insights gained will enrich our work for years to come.”
The experience also fostered reflection on how Jewish communities can support each other in the wake of such a traumatic event.
Through intimate conversations with Israeli colleagues, the delegation developed strategies to bring these important lessons back to their respective communities, raising awareness about the far-reaching effects of October 7.
The program not only created lasting bonds between JCC professionals but also set the stage for future collaboration, both in Israel and back home in North America.
Participants will carry forward the stories and lessons learned, ensuring that the impact of the trip will resonate in their communities for years to come.
The delegation, which included professionals from various regions across the U.S., Canada, and Israel, demonstrated the strong commitment of JCCs to fostering Jewish community life and education worldwide.
For more information on The JCC Israel Experience and its impact on the global Jewish community, visit the JCC Association of North America’s website at jcca.org.
