Next Year in Jerusalem! (Nativ 37)
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Hannah Williams. I am a graduating high-school senior from Bridgewater, New Jersey. I am trying to raise money for a gap-year program called Nativ on which I hope to embark beginning in September 2017.
As the Nativ website (nativ.org) states, it "... is a challenging academic program for Jewish high school graduates dedicated to creating and inspiring the Conservative Jewish leaders of tomorrow. Nativ, which means "path" in Hebrew, provides a unique opportunity to explore new directions on the journey to becoming a Jewish adult. From September to May, Nativ participants are immersed in the rich and diverse society of Israel, exploring the land, enjoying a fulfilling conservative Jewish lifestyle." In addition to the first semester studying at Hebrew University (including courses in Jewish heritage, Middle Eastern Studies and Hebrew language study), Nativ's second semester provides participants with a chance to "give back" to the people of Israel by connecting with and volunteering in a small Israeli community.
Participating in this program is something that is extremely important to me because my high school years have been quite challenging and emotional. My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in May of my 8th grade and unfortunately passed in November of my junior year. For most of my mothers sickness, I was her main caregiver. Both of my sisters were at college and we have very few relatives that live nearby. I will never regret being this person for her because it allowed me to spend every minute possible by her side, but along the way I lost sight of who I am. Many people say that high school is a time for finding out about ourselves, who we are and what we believe in. I was not able to fully experience this due to my commitment to my mom. Now that I have finished high school, I am looking forward to an unforgettable year in Israel and an opportunity to do some major soul-searching while rediscovering who I am and where I am headed on my journey.
I am truly blessed that I have been given this opportunity but this program is expensive and I have fallen somewhat short in raising the necessary funds. This is where I am reaching out to my friends, family, and community for help. Your donations will make it possible for me to continue my personal healing as well as my spiritual journey as I live, learn, and grow in the land of Israel.
Thank you so much for any support you can give me!
As the Nativ website (nativ.org) states, it "... is a challenging academic program for Jewish high school graduates dedicated to creating and inspiring the Conservative Jewish leaders of tomorrow. Nativ, which means "path" in Hebrew, provides a unique opportunity to explore new directions on the journey to becoming a Jewish adult. From September to May, Nativ participants are immersed in the rich and diverse society of Israel, exploring the land, enjoying a fulfilling conservative Jewish lifestyle." In addition to the first semester studying at Hebrew University (including courses in Jewish heritage, Middle Eastern Studies and Hebrew language study), Nativ's second semester provides participants with a chance to "give back" to the people of Israel by connecting with and volunteering in a small Israeli community.
Participating in this program is something that is extremely important to me because my high school years have been quite challenging and emotional. My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in May of my 8th grade and unfortunately passed in November of my junior year. For most of my mothers sickness, I was her main caregiver. Both of my sisters were at college and we have very few relatives that live nearby. I will never regret being this person for her because it allowed me to spend every minute possible by her side, but along the way I lost sight of who I am. Many people say that high school is a time for finding out about ourselves, who we are and what we believe in. I was not able to fully experience this due to my commitment to my mom. Now that I have finished high school, I am looking forward to an unforgettable year in Israel and an opportunity to do some major soul-searching while rediscovering who I am and where I am headed on my journey.
I am truly blessed that I have been given this opportunity but this program is expensive and I have fallen somewhat short in raising the necessary funds. This is where I am reaching out to my friends, family, and community for help. Your donations will make it possible for me to continue my personal healing as well as my spiritual journey as I live, learn, and grow in the land of Israel.
Thank you so much for any support you can give me!
Organizer
Hannah Joy Williams
Organizer
Bridgewater, NJ