THURSDAY: JANUARY 28: We wake up with the growing realization that we are leaving tonight. The sense of unity and warmth forged at last night’s event is still very much in the air at a breakfast discussion about Jewish topics with Israeli scholar and teacher, Dr. Ruth Calderon. 

Then, Judy Amit of JDC briefs us on the situation in Haiti, a topic that has been much talked about among the women throughout the mission. Judy explains that JDC partners with other NGOs, particularly local organizations, to get the infrastructure on the ground back on track. JDC’s aim, she says, is not only to deal with immediate effects of the crisis but also to help make long-term improvements. 

WEDNESDAY: JANUARY 27: Today we are in the mood for adventure. The weather is gorgeous - sunny, cool, refreshing – and the women are rested and ready. After a breakfast discussion about Lipstick Feminism with female students from Tel Aviv University, we are off to the North.

I’m on Bus 3 as are a number of Israeli Lions of Judah and other women joining us for the day. We ride past North Tel Aviv while our tour guide reminds us that this was swamp area before the Israeli pioneers drained it, laying the ground work for what is now this humming metropolis with arty, new apartment buildings all in a row.

For some reason, the women on this bus are in a totally playful mood.

TUESDAY: JANUARY 26: There is something about Jerusalem that just makes you slow down a little. Even though there is plenty on the itinerary, I have the feeling, as we drive “up” to the city, that there will be time and space for personal reflection. 

Today I’m joining ladies from Boston, Middlesex and Philly on Bus 2. Michal, our tour guide, shares historical highlights about our surroundings and I park myself next to the co-chairs of the 16-woman contingent from Philadelphia, Lisa Goldenberg and Jayne Perilstein.  They have a funny story to share with a good message.

MONDAY: JANUARY 25: Today we all head down South. It’s raining in Tel Aviv – very good news for Israel – but it’s a little chilly as we make our way to the nearest train station.  Our group’s decision to travel by train provides a great way to get to know the country. Besides, taking Israel Railways is a pleasant way to experience public transportation in this country and is becoming more popular.

On the train, I sit with Jackie Sprinces Wong , Women's Chair in Boulder, Colorado and a member of the NWP Board, and with Judi Davis of Lee County, Florida.

SUNDAY: JANUARY 24: We have arrived! The 75 women of the Heart to Heart Mission are now all together in Israel.

As I looked at the vibrant, powerful women who gathered in the lobby of the David Intercontinental Hotel in Tel Aviv waiting for the buses to take us to the opening event at a Moroccan-style restaurant in the area, I was totally taken by the diversity. There are women from all areas of the country – from New Jersey to Miami, from Cleveland to Los Angeles, a variety of ages and backgrounds too.

After boarding the bus, I lucked out and ended up sitting next to an excited Linda A. Hurwitz, National Women's Philanthropy Chair and a major force behind the mission. She filled me in on her goals for the coming week.

“This is going to be a warm, welcoming experience. It's the first time we've had a mission that is inclusive of everyone – regardless of their gift. Israel will do its magic. We just want people to be energized in their hearts, to be better people, better Jews, better givers in every sense of the word.”