Why did you decide to join the pilgrimage?
I felt that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to challenge myself physically and to meet some fascinating people from all different faiths and a chance to chat. It was a privilege to be asked to represent the Jewish faith and, selfishly, a chance to explore what it really means to me to be Jewish!
Did you have to prepare in advance for the pilgrimage? What did you do?
I consider myself relatively active and fit and have my dog Schnitzel, so before the pilgrimage I was walking a good few hours a day with the dog…. I can’t pretend that the terrain around North London is similar to the Scottish Highlands though!
What did you NOT do?
I did NOT practice walking carrying a heavy bag! Nor did I realise the reality of sleeping on concrete floors.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during this pilgrimage?
I found the reality of being away from my family tough. I missed home and, in a way, because the experience was so extraordinary, I missed being able to share it daily with my gang.
Tell me about your experience on the series?
I had two weeks of life-changing experiences! To have space and time to contemplate both the big and small things was such a luxury, and although I was homesick and missed my family, I think I really did make the most of the opportunity. I absolutely adored the physical side of the programme. I loved walking, the sailing, the amazing adventures of where I would sleep each night and I treasure the friendships that I made.
What was your highlight?
The memories that stick out: our night in the Bothy, the experience at the monastery with the monks, and a personal favourite for me was our day walking across Mull. My father was a doctor on the Isle of Mull before I was born, and it is an extremely magical special place for him. To be able to see just a tiny corner of that island was immensely special.
What was the hardest part?
Besides the obvious homesickness, it was a real shame that the weather prevented us from some of the adventures that had been planned. It was hard seeing the mountains around Ben Nevis and not having the opportunity to explore! I was also away for two of the most special days in the Jewish calendar, so it was a little sad to be away from my family on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
What was the most emotional part of the pilgrimage for you?
There were emotional moments for me, sometimes at the most unexpected times. I think we were all very emotionally honest and therefore vulnerable with each other – it’s often almost easier to be so with people you don’t know so well. Having to ask oneself questions and contemplating some of the Big Questions was emotional!
How did the weather affect your mood during the journey?
There were moments when it was a real shame the weather was quite so wet and grey. However, it didn’t really dampen (excuse the pun!!) our spirits and even made us giggle and laugh more! There were tantalising glimpses of some extraordinary views which tempted us to keep walking!
Did you see others behave differently during the harshest weather conditions?
I must say it brought out the best in people, in that we all stuck together and helped each other and all these experiences in the pouring slippery rain bonded us even more!
Are you affiliated to any religion? Do you practice?
I am Jewish. I would say that as I have got older, my family and I have observed more and we bring our children up with a strong Jewish identity.
Has the experience changed or increased your faith?
The experience has made me question what I do believe and what it means to be Jewish. I am not sure if it has changed or confirmed any religious beliefs, but it has made me feel extremely proud of my Jewish faith and identity… I have spent a lot of my life whispering my Jewishness, slightly hiding it, and this is the first time I have shouted about it!
Has the experience changed you in any way?
I’m not sure it has changed me as such, but it has enriched me for sure and it has given me six wonderful new friends!
You spent two weeks with a group of strangers. Did you learn anything new about yourself through the experience?
I realised I am somebody who will listen quietly. I see it as a strength and a weakness! I am a pretty tolerant person, and I was surprised at how easy I found it to be amongst six strangers for so long!
Based on your experience on the Pilgrimage, what might you do differently in the future?
Ask more questions? This was such a brilliant opportunity to ask questions. I realise more and more that not to know is okay, but not wanting to know is where the problems begin.
What did you learn about the other pilgrims’ faiths that you didn’t know before?
I loved our trip with Monty to the Sikh Temple. I loved the inclusivity and colours of the temple, and I loved the food.
What fascinated you about their beliefs?
The similarities between our faiths and also the differences.
Prior to this pilgrimage, had you ever found yourself discussing faith and religion with your contemporaries before?
I haven’t discussed faith and religion that much…. having grown up in a very non-Jewish community it was never really discussed, and now that I do live within a relatively Jewish community, it’s a given. To be given the opportunity to chat about what it means to me to be Jewish was a real gift, and inevitably one formalises one’s own view more when you’re challenged or questioned.
How did you get on with the other pilgrims? Was it a bonding experience for you all?
It really was an extraordinary experience to have with these six other pilgrims. Shazia, Scarlett and I as the three women spent a lot of time together which was special, and I am holding on to all six pilgrims!
Have you stayed in touch with the other pilgrims?
Absolutely! The WhatsApp group is very active and even though Lawrence claims he’s silent on it, I know he reads it all!
Describe your feelings when you reached the end of the Pilgrimage and arrived in Iona?
It was as if Columba was with us, and the sun shone. It was utterly beautiful, and having spent two weeks of intense walking and emotions, to reach this place was unbelievably special. There was a sense of gratitude to our friend St Columba – we had got to know him and suddenly there we were! It was immensely special and bittersweet as it was also the end of the journey and time to say goodbye.
Would you do it again?
In a heartbeat. But in the summer!
