In June of 2006, I went to Israel on a Birthright trip.  I cannot remember exactly what my expectations were, but whether I expected it or not, I felt a strange sense of return upon landing in the Jewish state- furthered by the "welcome home!" with which our tour leader greeted us.  Walking the streets and beaches of Tel Aviv on that first day, seeing store fronts and signs in Hebrew, all the while surrounded by Jews, the sense of belonging- of oneness- was palpable.  I could breathe it in, taste it, and see it on the faces of those with whom I had applauded when our El Al plane had touched ground.