The best two summers of my life was when I was involved with Yad B’Yad. Back in 2013, we went to Israel. While there, it was a very spiritual environment, it made me think about my level of Judaism, and was the best experience of my life. I have an incredible amount of memories from Holy Land of Israel. I also made many close friends whom I keep in touch with regularly  throughout the year.

What I enjoy about Yad B’Yad, and Yachad in general, is that the programs are very inclusive and you are never left out of anything, no matter what your conditions may be. People go out of their way to make you feel like a leader (they actually had campers and counselors switch roles for a day!). Each day you wake up knowing that you are surrounded by friends who never judge, nor think differently about you. You can feel the love permeating from their words, actions, and being.

My life changed those two summers; each year a little bit more. I gained an insight of myself that I never acknowledged beforehand; in a spiritual sense, as well as regarding everyday scenarios. I have grown, and others have been watching me, guiding me, lifting me up, and showing me the good that is enclosed within the bad. These people are Yad B’Yad. These people are Yachad. These people have become my family.