Chesed Mission 2020/5780: Day 1

We started off our 18th annual Chesed Mission to Israel at JFK airport. A group of 74 students - our largest ever - along with Rabbi Naftali Besser, Mrs. Susan Franco, Rabbi David Galpert, Ms. Tziri Lamm, and Ms. Samantha Chabot decided to spend their winter break in Israel visiting the sick, meeting with soldiers, volunteering in soup kitchens, interacting with special children, and so much more.  

On the plane we took advantage of the long flight ahead with an early shachrit at the break of dawn, which was my first time praying vatikin, along with many others. From the airport we went straight to set the mood as we prayed Arbit by the Kotel. I got the chance to spend my first ever moments in Israel praying in the most holy place in the world, an experience I’ll never forget. 

We then had dinner at Emek Refaim, where we got to taste a little of Jerusalem - food was incredible. To end the night with Chesed, we packed bags for soldier that we will meet through out the week.  
~Etty Jajati, Class of 2021