I am writing with deep gratitude and excitement to share a meaningful opportunity, and to say thank you to this extraordinary RSNS community that continues to support my growth, learning, and leadership.
A few days ago, I was honored to receive an invitation to participate in the first-ever Westchester & Long Island Synagogue Executive Directors Volunteerism Trip to Israel. This unique experience will bring together synagogue executive directors from across Westchester and Long Island, representing a range of communities, geographies, and denominations, with the shared goal of strengthening our work back home.
The trip, organized by the Westchester Jewish Council and made possible through the generosity of a grant from the UJA-Federation, will take place from Saturday evening, February 14, through Friday morning, February 20, 2026, during winter break.
During this journey, I will have the opportunity to:
• Support Israel through tourism
• Engage in hands-on, meaningful volunteerism
• Deepen my understanding of current developments in Israel
• Build lasting relationships with fellow synagogue executive directors
As many of you know, I see myself as a fellow traveler with the Jewish people, continually learning and growing alongside this community. One of the great gifts of RSNS has been your encouragement of my ongoing Jewish learning. I am currently studying Hebrew and learning alongside our adult B’nei Mitzvah class, deepening my understanding of Jewish tradition, ritual, and communal life so that I may better serve this sacred community. This trip feels like a natural extension of that learning, turning study into action, connection, and responsibility.
A meaningful part of the trip’s mission is to bring the experience back home. Each participant is encouraged to identify a volunteer organization in Israel with which to connect more deeply, with the hope of creating an ongoing partnership between that organization and our synagogue community. I look forward to sharing what I learn and, together, exploring how RSNS can continue to strengthen its connection to Israel through sustained, values-driven engagement.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have been selected for this first-of-its-kind trip, and I am deeply grateful to Rabbi Jodie and our President, Bob Schwartz, for their steadfast support and encouragement.
How You Can Help
As part of my preparation, and in advance of my visit to the Israel Trauma Coalition Resilience Center, I will be collecting new, unopened toys and crafts to bring with me to Israel. I would be honored to serve as the shaliyah-the messenger-of your mitzvah, delivering these donations on behalf of our RSNS community.
A donation bin will be set up in the synagogue office from January 5 through February 6, 2026. Thank you for supporting this meaningful effort.
Additional information:
Click here to learn more about the trip’s goals.
Click here for a suggested Amazon shopping list.
Thank you for nurturing my growth, for believing in learning as a lifelong journey, and for strengthening our community’s enduring connection to Israel. I am grateful beyond words to be part of RSNS and to walk this path together.
With deepest gratitude, love, and appreciation,
Liza Wilson
Executive Director, RSNS
