It was time to energize, share and inspire, as students of the New England Jew-ish Academy (NEJA) upper division held a panel discussion to share their expe-riences this summer participating in programs in Israel. Students outlined the highlights of their time in Israel, the people they met and the friendships they made, and the ways in which their experiences changed their view of Israel. In a lively discussion, which included a tribute to the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford for their support. They also encouraged their classmates to plan a future trip to Israel and a GAP year after high school, and they spoke passionately about the need to support the Jewish state. Students participating in the panel included Shai Bernstein, Elaine Braunshweiger, Edien Kesler, Nira Kes-ler, Chana Meyer, Miriam Newman, Tziyona Goldfischer, Nochum Silver, Noah Gosberg, Aliya Moss.

Main Photo: NEJA student Elaine Braunshweiger talks about her summer in Israel experience as Rabbi Gedalyah Jeremias and her classmates listen.