Rhode Island teen’s Israel trip spurs him to more tikkun olam

Jamison Evans in Jerusalem, above. The “chai” hats, right.

Tikkun olam: When I became a Bar Mitzvah, four years ago, these words were ensconced in my mind and heart. As I grew older, I learned that in order to repair the world, you must first embrace it.

 Last July, my friends from Camp JORI and I were given that opportunity. For a whole year, my family and I had anticipated my month-long journey. Then, it was finally time, and we boarded one of the first direct flights to Israel on El Al out of Boston. 

We flew all night and finally touched down in the kingdom of Israel, where all Jews are kings.

My group toured all over the country with many like-minded and inspired Jewish kids from all around the world. Israel was our paradise! Small on the map, Israel was larger than life to us, with endless fascinating places to explore.

In Jerusalem, I felt like I was in the heart of Judaism and in the presence of God. On bustling Ben Yehuda Street, people were shopping, selling goods in the marketplace, waiting for a train and simply having fun socializing. As you continue to make your way through the stone corridors, you arrive at the Western Wall. Everywhere people were celebrating Shabbat, becoming Bar and Bat Mitzvah, singing, praying, and waving the proud blue and white flag of our nation. 

Both Haifa and Tel Aviv seem to be the New York City of Israel, but with more of a Miami appearance. These two modern cities reflect the progress of a flourishing nation but also honor ancient and cherished landmarks.

In Tel Aviv, we relaxed on the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea. The many shopping malls, hotels, restaurants and fragrant coffee shops made us feel as rich as kings.

In Haifa, the architecture of the Bahai Temple and the palm-tree-filled staircase up a mountain is captivating. But my favorite architectural sight in Israel had to be Caesarea, with its massive ancient Roman ruins and the backdrop of the palm-tree-studded coast.

And then there is Tzfat, a truly “spiritual city” where Judaism and the sacredness of humanity resonate. People go about their business in this peaceful spot as harmonious melodies from Orthodox Jewish musicians fill the air.  This city is home to many artisans and their art. I particularly like the work of talented Kabbalist Avraham Lowenthal, who creates colorful and intricate designs that express both the “good and bad vibes” of our spiritual being. I brought several of his pieces home to my family.

Spending time in Tzfat makes you feel more connected to your Jewish identity. “Tikkun olam, tikkun olam,” echoed in my mind. What will be my life’s purpose?

When I was at a food stand that sold crepes, I told the gentleman working there that they looked really good and I couldn’t wait to eat one. He asked me if I knew why I thought they looked good. And then he told me that it was because “I am a good person, with good in my heart, and that good people recognize the other good things in life.” I liked that very much.

Though my journey was filled with many incredible moments, my favorites among them were touring Eilat, banana-boating on the Red Sea and hiking up a rocky mountain to look, all at once, on Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. I was thinking about the battles of the Torah, the Kings and Moshe. It stopped me in my tracks.

The most challenging event was a 32-mile, four-day hike from the Mediterranean Sea to the Kinneret, through beautiful green forests and rocky mountain terrain. I was told we were on the same paths our ancestors took when migrating. I love the red dust from that trek that clings to my sneakers to this day, a reminder of my journey.

At night, we cooked delicious Kosher meals over stone fires and camped out under the stars.

My fondest experience was climbing up Masada. The day before the ascent, we rode camels and slept in tents at a Bedouin camp. At 4 a.m., we took a bus to the “mountain lit by a fire pathway” and hiked to the top. My friends and I leaned against a giant, ancient stone staircase as we witnessed the sunrise. It appeared pink, then fiery orange, and finally a glowing yellow sphere. All the while we played the song “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” through loudspeakers. It was the most awesome sunrise I have ever seen.

Israel is beautiful and spiritual. It is the place to be; a place where Jews are connected. Approximately 350 Jewish kids from BBYO and on Birthright trips celebrated together during a Unity event on our third weekend. I met kids from France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Scandinavia, England, Canada, Brazil and Mexico. It didn’t matter where we were from, because we instantly became friends.

 I am grateful to my parents, BBYO, Camp JORI, Temple Torat Yisrael, the Jewish Alliance and everyone who contributed to my Gofundme account. You gave me the best summer of my life and a life-changing experience. I learned the true meaning of tikkun olam. For this reason I chose to become a candidate for the 2016 “Student of the Year” fundraising campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. You have supported me and now I ask that you help me support others. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Jamison Evans is selling hats with a chai embroidered on the front to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Visit his campaign site from Jan. 14 to Feb. 27 at events.lls/page/ri/2016SOYRI/jevans for more information.

JAMISON EVANS is a junior at Coventry High School. He and his family are members of Temple Torat Yisrael.