Coming Soon

Mixed feelings envelop me as I write this blog. While another great day was had it is our last full day in Israel.

After breakfast we split into two groups as one attended Shabbat services at a local temple while the remainder, including myself, attended services at the Kotel. While last Shabbat the men and women in our group had to pray separately in their respective areas, this Shabbat our group was able to pray together at the pluralistic section. It was truly an unforgettable moment as only our group was at this area led by our incredible tour guide Itzik.   This already amazing experience was topped by Sophia Israel leading our group in Adon Olam. Sophia’s voice was just exquisite and the perfect way to end our impromptu service. Following this we then spent some time at the traditional men and women’s sections of the Kotel before returning to our hotel for lunch.  After lunch, some of our group went on a walking tour of the area near our hotel while other’s decided to take a Shabbat nap or relax. Finally, we marked the end of Shabbat by holding a Havdalah service before our group hit Ben Yehuda street for a last night of shopping and sampling the local cuisine.

It is hard to put into words how I have been impacted by this trip. For me, my connection not only to Israel but to being a Jew was exponentially strengthened.  I marvel at what this country has accomplished in nearly seventy years. While Israel is at the forefront in science and technology at the same time it has preserved its rich history and culture in a vibrant, compelling manner that touched all of us. It is just a truly special place.

I also feel incredibly grateful for having had the opportunity to embark on this journey with a terrific group of people. While I knew most of the group prior to the trip, I feel I can honestly say I have either gotten to know those I already knew even better or have formed new relationships that I look forward to continuing back home.

Finally, a few Thank You’s are in order as pulling off a trip of this magnitude is a team effort. Jonathan and Lisa Israel did a great
job not only getting us stylish tour shirts and jackets, but also did an amazing job picking out a beautiful cover for the Torah our congregation donated to the Masorti Foundation for Conservative Judaism Israel. In addition Cheryl Gordon and Richard Skolnik played key roles in developing our itinerary. Their efforts helped create full, rich days as we covered an incredible amount of ground being able to experience what this wonderful country had to offer.  All of this wonderful planning was brought to life by Itzik Yanai who  as our tour guide allowed us to experience Israel in an incredibly meaningful way with his wit and wisdom. Finally, a very special Todah Rabah to our wonderful Rabbi. The genesis of this incredible trip began with her desire to provide us with an experience to enhance our identity as Jews. On this point it is fair to say her goal exceeded all of our expectations!