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USY on Wheels

August 23, 2017

This summer, I embarked on a new adventure. I had never been to overnight camp in past years, so when USY on Wheels was recommended to me, I was very interested. In the weeks leading up to drop off in Somerset, N.J., I was anxiously awaiting the day when I would leave Philly and begin my travels with a new group of kids. That day, like I anticipated, was stressful and very different from anything I’d gone through before. However, expanding out of my comfort zone and choosing to spend a month traveling up and down the east coast with 31 other Jewish teens was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Prior to leaving for my trip, I was mainly drawn to the traveling aspect of Wheels. I’ve always enjoyed visiting new cities and sights, so the idea of traveling through 15 cities in only a month really stood out to me. From the beautiful Niagara Falls in Ontario, to the pristine, white beaches of Jacksonville, Florida, I was able to see sights that I never thought I would see. I remember standing at the gate of the tourist spot in Niagara and watching the natural wonder move in front of me. At that moment, I wondered to myself if I would ever feel a heart so full and a mind so rested again.

While constantly moving and having new experiences each day, my most cherished memories from Wheels happened during a time that wasn’t new for me: Shabbat. When Shabbat began, our traveling and busy days came to a pause. A pause of bliss, bonding, singing, and pure happiness that I will never let go of. Friday nights meant dressing up in nicer clothes, learning and singing Ruach songs that remain stuck in my head, and staying up late into the night, talking and getting to know each other better. Each Shabbat we were given the choice to keep Shabbat to whichever extent we chose. For me and many of my friends, we chose to give up all electronic devices as a way to forget about the world for a little while. We spent Saturdays relaxing, studying Torah, and eating a ton! Shabbat always ended with Havdalah, and the four Havdalah services I experienced on Wheels were some of my best memories because we were all so happy and joyful together in those moments.

Another incredible part of Wheels were the friendships that I built with amazing people who I probably would’ve never met otherwise. The way that a casual conversation miraculously blossomed into an unbreakable bond is just another incredible part of Wheels. I was able to meet people that I could relate to and who had similar interests and passions in life as me. We laughed, cried, traveled, sang, and prayed together. I could never ask for a better group of kids to have spent my summer with.

My USY summer made an impact on who I am. I made friends that became like family, lived on the road, traveled like I’ve never traveled before, and came closer to finding my Jewish identity and where I stand in the community. My experience changed me.

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