They say nothing is free in life but those haven't gone on Birthright. Young Jewish adults are lucky enough to go on a 10 day journey that to the Holy Land. About 2 weeks ago, I was one of those young jewish adults that was boarding the plane for my 10 day journey in Israel. Little did I know I would learn so much in just 10 short days and meet life long friends. Here are some of the things I learned while in Israel that shaped my experience.

1. Jewish identity is what you make of it.

Going on Birthright exposed me to many different sides of the Jewish religion. Although everyone practices a different form of Judaism, you put that aside and realize that you're all there to learn more about where Judaism came from.

2. Israel will always be your home.

Everyone always said to me that when you go to Israel you will feel like you're at home. I wasn't able to fully understand that until I was in Israel and realized that that is the one place where I will always fit in and be accepted with open arms.

3. There is so much more than finding Wifi.

If you know me, you know how much I love my phone. Being in Israel gave me a reason to not want to be on my phone. How many times will you be able to go into the Dead Sea or hike Masada?

4. Israeli iced coffee> Dunkin or Starbucks.

I don't even want to know the amount of money I spent in Israel on iced coffee.

5. Get out of your comfort zone.

This is huge. You're in Israel, branch out, meet new people. The people I became friends with and met made a huge impact on my trip. They truly become your family.

6. Your tour guide will become your best friend.

Rami Baby, that is what we called him. I honestly am so thankful to have had him as my tour guide because he is the reason I had the most amazing experience on this trip.

7. Extend your trip.

If I had realized it was a thing before I left, I would've 100% extended my trip. Israel is the most amazing country and you're going to want to spend as much time there as you can.

8. Appreciate the little things in life.

Sometimes you're just so caught up in life that you forget to appreciate the little things. Put down your phone, and enjoy the culture around you.

9. Shawarma is not just food, its a way of life.

If you don't eat Shawarma while in Israel did you even go to Israel?

10. What happens in Tel Aviv, stays in Tel Aviv.

No need to explain that further.