Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the values of service and compassion, I’ve always felt inspired by the examples around me. My father’s leadership as the Livingston chief of Hatzalah MetroWest has shown me the importance of stepping up for your community, but it’s not just him who has shaped my outlook. My mom, Leah, has dedicated herself to working with children through KinderGan and the Friendship Circle, where she gives so much of her time and energy to making a difference. Watching her kindness and selflessness has taught me what it means to truly care for others.

My younger sister, Elise, is another source of inspiration. At just 15 years old, she’s already doing incredible work as a Friendship Circle president, helping children with special needs and their families feel supported and loved. Seeing her passion for helping others motivates me to do more and reminds me that you’re never too young to make a difference.

And then there’s my brother, Adam. Two years ago, he volunteered with MDA (Magen David Adom) during his gap year in Israel, and his stories have stayed with me ever since. He spoke about the challenges, the adrenaline, and the deep connections he formed with his team and the people he helped. Hearing him describe those experiences made me realize how impactful MDA could be — not just for the patients, but for the volunteers themselves. Adam’s journey with MDA set the bar high, and I hoped that following in his footsteps would be just as meaningful.

When I decided to spend this year in Israel, it wasn’t just to attend seminary or explore my identity — it was also about giving back. I wanted to make my time here meaningful and volunteering with MDA felt like the perfect way to do that. Joining MDA wasn’t just a decision; it felt like a calling, a way to honor my family’s legacy while making an impact in a country I’ve grown to love.

I’ll be honest — stepping into the training class was intimidating at first. The coursework was intense and the hands-on practice demanded a lot of focus. But as each lesson passed, I realized just how much I was capable of. The instructors not only taught us essential medical skills but also showed us the importance of compassion and calm under pressure. When I successfully completed the training, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment, knowing I was now prepared to help others in their moments of greatest need.

So far, volunteering with MDA has been a transformative experience. It’s not just about learning to respond to emergencies; it’s about understanding the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Every shift teaches me something new, whether it’s from the patients I help or the experienced medics who guide me. I’ve realized how interconnected we all are and how a small act of care can ripple outward in ways we can’t always see.

For me, this journey is about more than just giving back; it’s also about personal growth. I’m learning to trust my instincts, stay grounded in high pressure situations, and approach every interaction with empathy. I’ve come to appreciate the balance between physical action and emotional connection in emergency medical care.

As I reflect on what MDA means to me, I’m filled with gratitude — for the opportunity to serve, for the lessons I’m learning, and for the chance to honor my family’s commitment to helping others. I’m proud to wear the MDA uniform and to know that, in some small way, I’m contributing to the safety and well-being of people in Israel.

This is just the beginning of my journey, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to shape me. For now, I’ll keep showing up, ready to lend a hand, a listening ear, and a piece of my heart to anyone who needs it.

Rebecca Commer grew up in Staten Island before moving to Livingston, where she became an active and vibrant part of her community. She attended Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy for elementary and middle school and later graduated from Livingston High School. Rebecca is currently spending her gap year in Israel at Machon Maayan, and has joined Magen David Adom as a volunteer, combining her dedication to service with her love for Israel.