Imagine this: you're forced to stand upright for what seems like ages while baking from a brutal combination of heat and heavy military garb. You struggle to keep your back pin-straight as a member of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) shouts at you in Hebrew. Oh, and it's your summer vacation.

Sophomore Shaina Davis will experience this firsthand during Let's Go Israel, a trip to Israel organized by the Bureau of Jewish Education. Along with 120 other Bay Area teenagers, she will get a taste of Israeli life by talking to Israelis of diverse cultural backgrounds, viewing historical sites countrywide and visiting the IDF. "It's something I've always kind of wanted to do," Davis said. "I'm Jewish, and it's part of the culture to learn about my religion and the people who practice it."

In July, Davis will spend three and a half days with the Israeli Defense Forces, which nearly all Israeli citizens must join when they turn 18. During her time in the military, Davis will have to wake up very early, survive on unappetizing army food and engage in plenty of drills. The soldiers will also give a crash course in the history, strategies and ethics of the IDF, and even give a lesson on shooting an M-16 gun at a target. The days will be far from leisurely. "It's sort of a personal growth thing for me, because I hate doing push-ups and I'm not a big fan of violence," Davis said. "Still, plenty of people in Israel have to do this no matter what their personality is like, and I want to see if I can go through that."

Davis is looking forward to asking soldiers questions about their experiences and world views. Davis has heard from previous Let's Go Israel participants that while the commanders will be intimidating, they will not always be entirely serious. "People said that you're technically not supposed to talk back to your commander, but if you don't mind the push-ups, it's actually pretty fun," Davis said.

Despite the potential danger involved in the trip, Davis does not feel apprehensive. "We're going to have tons of security people so that no one is concerned," Davis said. The prospect of army life does not faze her either. "I don't think I'll have that much trouble adjusting," Davis said. "My parents are fine with it too. They think it's something worth experiencing."