Water. Agua. מַיִם Anonymous

Water. Agua. מַיִם. These words describe one of the most vital substances that the human race requires in order to survive. Water nourishes, agua keeps us healthy, and מַיִם cleans. Beyond its essential qualities, water can also bring people closer together, make them happy, and also can be quite therapeutic. Water can turn that frown from a tiring day to a big smile. Just as The Little Prince says, “Water can also be good for the heart...” (XXIV, p.67).

For the past three months, I have been living in the city of Bat Yam, Israel on the Young Judaea Year Course gap year program. Part of my time in Bat Yam consists of volunteer work to help better the experiences and lives of the people of varied backgrounds who live here. During the beginning of the gap year program in September, we were asked to select our volunteer placement. There were options aplenty. I could have worked at the farm which Young Judaea has been growing for decades. I could have volunteered at one of many elementary schools in Bat Yam teaching children English, or I could have worked at an elderly center, among many other great options. While these all sounded like fulfilling opportunities, I was fortunate to receive my preferred placement at the Bat Yam Sea...