The 2021-2022 Shinshinim
It was August when we finally arrived in Detroit. Without even noticing, it seems like the summer passed in a blur. Saying goodbye to our families, our friends, our favorite places at home and enjoying the Israeli summer before packing our warm coats, and our life, in big heavy suitcases and starting the adventure of a lifetime.
We are finally in Detroit, the year is just starting, we are meeting members of the community, and before we know it, it is time for the High Holidays.
The first Rosh Hashanah evening was so special, but also a bit strange. FaceTiming our families at noon and then sitting at the holiday table with our new Michigan host families in the evening. Yom Kippur was also very special. This holiday was very profound and a different experience than any of us have ever had before. From fasting, to the Tfilot and being able to drive a car that day, everything was very different from what we are used to doing on Yom Kippur. We even went to services for the first time in our lives.
During Sukkot we learned even more new traditions and met more new people. So many different things that were unique and that we have never seen before. New host families and a new place to call it home. New traditions, foods and songs. New faces, new congregations, schools, events and institutions. All of these things, which at the beginning seemed so far away from the reality we knew before, are now familiar and close to us, to our roots, and to our home in Israel.
It’s mid-October now, and we are so fascinated by our experience here so far. By the uniqueness of this community and the kindness of the people. We hope our journey here, in Michigan, will continue to challenge us, teach us new things, and that we will keep experiencing the amazing spirit that exists here.