January 20, 2026
Before joining Honeymoon Israel, Terri and her partner were searching for a way to build a Jewish family that truly felt like theirs. On their journey, they found community, confidence, and a sense of belonging that stayed with them long after the trip ended.
If you’re asking similar questions about tradition, identity, or where you fit, this is your sign to apply and discover what is possible.
Written by Terri Hershkowitz, HMI SF Bay Area 2016 Alum
My Jewish family wouldn’t exist without Honeymoon Israel.
Almost ten years ago, my partner and I joined an HMI trip not knowing exactly what we were searching for — only that we wanted to build a life together that honored where we both came from. We were open to blending backgrounds and cultures, but we didn’t have examples. None of our peers were asking the big questions we were asking about Judaism, family, and what belonging could actually look like.
Then we went to Israel.
Suddenly, we were surrounded by other couples wrestling with the same questions — not trying to arrive at identical answers, but showing up for one another as each of us figured things out in our own way. Walking through Israel together, sharing long conversations over meals (I still daydream about Israeli breakfasts), and experiencing Jewish life as something lived — not prescribed — changed everything.
For the first time, we didn’t feel alone.
With the support of our cohort and the Honeymoon Israel team, Judaism felt welcoming and approachable. We found the language to create our traditions — and, just as importantly, the confidence to trust that doing it our way made it the right way.
That confidence has stayed with us.
One of the greatest lessons we took home from our HMI experience was to embrace “and” instead of “but.”
We celebrate Hanukkah and we celebrate Christmas.
We attend a menorah lighting with our temple and take photos with Santa. There’s gelt in our stockings, latkes at Christmas dinner, and dreidel remains the kids’ favorite holiday game.
Thanks to Honeymoon Israel, we stopped apologizing for the blend and started celebrating it. Our kids feel that shift. Our older ones talk about their traditions with pride and excitement, eager to share them with classmates and friends. We already see that same confidence beginning to bloom in our younger children.
Honeymoon Israel welcomed us, connected us — to each other, to Israel, and to the broader Jewish people — and helped us raise a Jewish family that reflects all of who we are.
Apply today for the chance to explore your own traditions, strengthen your connection to Jewish community, and discover that you truly belong.
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For ten years, HMI has helped couples explore love, identity, and Jewish community. Apply today to experience your own moments of connection, transformation, and belonging.
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