“The impact of the experiences I have had in Israel are too many to count,” said Margaret Cullinan. “Which is a gift.”
Margaret first went to Israel in the winter of 2019. Since her first trip Margaret has served asa fellow, senior fellow, and trip staff. Through each of these roles she was able to help facilitate a life changing trip to Israel for Passages participants. But helping students be impacted by what she learned in Israel didn’t end with the Israel trip.
Margaret described Shabbat dinner in Jerusalem as one of the most impactful moments of her Israel trip. It is a moment she still thinks about often.
“Stopping all work, unplugging from our phones, and spending quality, uninterrupted time with each other for a full evening and into the next day proved life-changing,” Margaret said.
“I couldn't help but have this thought of, ‘we need this back home.’”
Inspired by the rest and intentionality of Shabbat, Margaret began to incorporate what she learned in Israel into her own life. She began planning bi-monthly meals with her friends.They would all gather in her college apartment, share a meal together and fellowship.
Between the disruption of Covid and changing seasons of life, the dinners faded. But recently, the group has restarted gathering twice a month for rest, food, and conversation.
Margaret continues to stay involved with Passages.
“There's something deeply familial about staying in relationship with the people and the country; it feels like home. Passages makes this relationship natural, and exciting,” Margaret said.
Recently, Margaret participated in Passages’ Jewish-Christian Shabbat Dinner in Chicago as a Christian cohost. These Shabbat dinners foster connection and understanding between Christians and Jews as they break bread together over a meal.
“I've greatly appreciated every opportunity to return, serve, and receive new revelations that the Lord has for His people - both parts of the olive tree. I believe He wants this relationship to grow & intertwine in unity. All I can do is say "yes, Lord! I'm in. Show me your strategy here."
From serving in various leadership roles at Passages to strengthening Jewish-Christian relations, Margaret has taken what she learned in Israel and used it to educate and impact those around her.
