Update on Volunteering in Israel 2017:

I was originally planning on volunteering in Israel from May of 2017-end of 2017. I was accepted by Yad Hashmona, a moshev community about 20 miles outside of Jerusalem. However, due to some suspicious paper work, I decided that this program was not secure. The coordinator of the program informed me that the volunteer visa process would force me to withhold my passport while I waited for my visa. This information, and a lack of sufficient paper work, caused me to feel suspicious about the seriousness of the program. I did not have peace about the situation. I am currently without a place to volunteer in Israel. It seems that I cannot find a place to volunteer. I am seeking direction for 2017. Please pray that I will make wise choices for the next coming year. Thank you.

-Hannah





Q&A: Frequently asked questions

1. Why do you love Israel so much if you are not Jewish?
http://shalomchesed.blogspot.com/2016/07/why-love-israel-and-jewish-people-when.html - please see my essay "Why I Love Israel and the Jewish People"
It is true that I have faith that ties me to the geographical, historical, and cultural land of Israel, but this is not the only reason why I love Israel and the Jewish people. When I first traveled to Israel, on my senior trip, I fell in love with the beauty of the country and the culture of the people.


2. Are you trying to convert to Judaism?
I have no intention of converting to Judaism. I find Judaism as one of the most dynamic religions in the world. I believe it would take a lifetime to study the richness of this religion. It is my goal to learn as much as possible about the many observances of Judaism, simply for how it fascinates me.  


3. Are you trying to be Jewish?
I am not trying to become Jewish, or somehow seeking out another identity. I have my own identity, culture, ethnicity, faith, and values.



4. Are you trying to proselytize all of the Jews?
First of all, I believe there is a fine line between proselytizing and being open about my own identity. I have very strong faith in Jesus, and I am not ashamed in any way of this belief system. I do not believe that being a passionate and open person is proselytizing; it becomes that way when someone declares that another person should and should not believe or do certain things. I believe that every human has the choice to believe.



5. How do I embrace diversity?
I embrace diversity by respecting Jewish values, culture, beliefs, and practices. I treat others as I would like to be treated, and I serve others who are different from me. I do not believe that someone has to agree, believe, or accept any belief or practice that I adhere to in order for me to demonstrate love, compassion, service, or charity.


6. Why do you seek to do volunteer work in the local Jewish community and in Israel?
I seek to serve Jewish people because that is my passion. I see this holistically, meaning it involves faith, history, and culture. I do it simply for the joy that it brings to my heart. I think that it is important to have a passion to live for, especially when it involves other people. Since I did not grow up in a Jewish home or environment, I appreciate differences of the community, and how it challenges my learning.


7. Why should Jews and Christians even have a connection?
Well, why not? This is such a loaded question. Throughout history, there is no other two groups of people who have such dogmatic outbursts of negativity with such shared traditions and stories. I realize that many things have changed in the modern world, especially since the Holocaust. Although such question cannot be answered easily, I think that both sides could use more education and hospitality towards the other side....(to be continued)...