Addison Becker
Addison Becker was the recipient of our 2025 Merrill & Sheila Wynne Judaic Experience Award. Each year, we select one student for a $5,000 award to be used toward an approved Jewish camping, social justice, education, or Israel program. The competitive Wynne Award is merit-based and intended to honor a recipient’s desire to pursue a transformative Jewish experience.
Addison used her scholarship funds for a BBYO tour of Western Europe. Here are details of the trip in her own words!
Receiving the Wynne family scholarship meant the world to me. This allowed me to see and explore so much about myself.
The trip wasn’t just about seeing cool places — it really changed how I think about things, especially my beliefs and views on Jewish values and history. During the trip, I got to visit London, Paris, Normandy, Bruges, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Every place was so different and had its own special feel, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would definitely be Bruges. I loved the atmosphere there — it was really peaceful, and the weather was perfect. Walking around the canals and little streets felt like something out of a movie.
One part of the trip that really stood out to me was visiting places connected to Jewish history and World War II, such as the Portuguese Synagogue and the Anne Frank House. Seeing everything in person made it feel even more real. It really made me think about my own identity and how important it is to remember where we come from and what we stand for as a community.
Along with all the sightseeing, I also made some great friends on this trip. Dylan, who lives in Florida, helped me take a step back and realize I don’t always need to be in control. Addie, who lives in Washington, taught me responsibility. Hallie and Sophie, who are from Texas and New Jersey, taught me how to laugh during any situation we might be stuck in. Zoe, who lives in California, taught me how to be adventurous and try new things. Lastly, Cami and Lily from Chicago taught me that you can’t know a person’s heart just by looking at them.
I’m so grateful for meeting my new friends from all across the country and seeing how everyone’s life can be so different. We had so many fun moments and good talks that helped me learn more about myself and about different people’s experiences and ideas. I’d like to thank the Wynne family as well as Temple Sinai for making this possible for me. I’m beyond grateful for everything about this trip, including the memories I’ll always keep close to my heart.
