There are lots of Jewish heritage trips out there. This one is for people asking deeper questions — about how Jewish heritage can be a source of value to all people, today.

Historically, Jews doing well is a sign of general prosperity. The converse is also true — Jewish persecution prefaces a reduction of freedoms for everyone. By bringing Jewish history into the light, we contribute to a stronger image of this community in the societies it has always been part of.

In a complex, attention-poor world, a positive image of yesterday's Jews reflects on today's Jews — just as negative narratives of Jews anywhere have negative implications for Jews everywhere. Hence, a general positive image of Jews in society is essential — and this is where Jewish heritage sites can add value.

The public image of Jews is stronger when non-Jews are involved — and that is exactly what is happening in Alsace: the local guardians of Jewish heritage are almost exclusively not Jewish. Supporting them in this work — which benefits everyone who wants to live in a free and prosperous society, as well as Jews as a minority — is not only essential, it's one of the biggest returns on investment Jews can hope for.

How can we support this work? First, we need to get to know each other. And then work together, thereby creating a larger "us" that stands as a bulwark for peace and societal advancement.

This trip is a step in that direction. It creates the meetings where people from different worlds can connect and learn from each other towards common goals. And it offers space within our group to talk with smart, interesting people about how heritage can be presented and shared in service of the communities it represents.

So you'll go home with more than photographs. You'll come away with best practices, cautionary tales, new perspectives.

And you'll have contributed to Alsace your fresh eyes, your experience, your physical presence, and your economic footprint. What a message — you came, all the way here from a world away. That fact alone is a signal to local stewards of Jewish heritage that said heritage has value. Coming and spending time and money in Alsace provides locals the resources they need to develop preservation and visibility efforts — and builds a model that everyone in the world can learn from.