Emet’s  jHealth Experiences Landmark London Trip

The familiar surroundings of the Emet Center on Union Turnpike were temporarily traded for the grandeur of Buckingham Palace when students and staff traveled across the pond for a first-ever trip to London, England. This landmark jaunt was the culmination of an 8-week jHealth program designed to integrate Judaism with a future in medicine. Thirty Five students from Queens College and Adelphi University were accompanied by a devoted Emet team including Co-Founders Rabbi Akiva Rutenberg and Rabbi Mordechai Kraft, as well as Program Director Sara Benyamin and her husband Yiggy. The five-day itinerary blended education, exploration and opportunities for impactful spiritual growth.

“It was an incredible experience for me to share the London trip with our jHealth students,” said Rabbi Rutenberg. “The students really viewed the jHealth program as a medical fellowship, and they approached it in a serious, thoughtful manner. jHealth is a collaboration with Olami, and there are other chapters on campuses throughout the U.S. At Emet we really personalized it in a way that would resonate and blend Torah concepts with relevant medical information for students pursuing careers in health-related fields. The London trip was a fitting culmination to our first full semester.“

Each day of the trip kicked off with shacharis and engaging sessions at the Jewish Learning Exchange (JLE). This was followed by visits to London’s most iconic landmarks, which in addition to the Palace, featured Big Ben, London Bridge, Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels. The group even indulged in the classic British fare of fish and chips. Breakthrough moments included davening mincha in front of the Palace and Tower of London. Emily Nisimov, a student at Queens college, shared her perspective on navigating the itinerary. “The best part about the London trip was definitely the mistakes that we made along the way! If the group was running late, or if we missed the bus or train, we worked it out and it strengthened our connection. This trip not only made us feel unified as part of Emet but also showed us that we are united with Jews across the world.”

The cornerstone of the experience was the fascinating discussions with top medical professionals from the local Jewish community. Among them was neurologist Dr. Jeremy Rees, a renowned expert on brain cancer. There was also a medical panel that included geriatric specialist Dr. Martin Glasser; general practitioner Dr. Yaakov Opat; and rheumatologist, Dr. Elliott Lever. These professionals  not only provided an international perspective but also shared invaluable guidance to students on navigating the intersection of Judaism and medicine in their daily lives. Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz, a notable expert in Jewish medical ethics, brought a sense of continuity to the group since he was a key jHealth speaker on their campuses and also joined them throughout the trip.  Many of the students commented that these religiously observant role models gave them clarity for their future careers.

Shabbos ushered in the unique and meaningful opportunity for the group to be hosted by local families and allowed them to share the traditions that unite Jews around the world.  Adelphi University student, Naomi Shalom said, “The Shabbaton was the most meaningful part of the London trip for me. I loved meeting new people and experiencing being Jewish in a different country where there is a warm Jewish community. Our hosts were so welcoming, and they made us feel safe.”

At the closing program, students reflected on the impact of the trip. “As a member of jHealth, the London trip was a transformative experience – immersing us in culture, deepening medical insights, and bonding over a powerful shabbat,” Ariel Akbashev, a student at Queens College, shared. Students also talked about being inspired to take on more spiritual commitments like putting on tefillin.  “Among the touring and learning, ultimately the ruchnius just seeped through and spirituality was felt throughout the entire trip,” Rabbi Rutenberg concluded.

Returning home, students carried with them not only indelible memories but also a renewed sense of purpose—strengthening their pride in their Jewish identity and their aspiring careers in medicine.