My Nephew Benjamin Dear Ben,
Praying with you at the Western Wall was a highlight for me too.
But hearing you say it this last night, meant the world to me as you know.
Bless you and love you. Uncle Murray
A Tree for My Father In memory of Sol Birnbaum, he never got to Israel but he made it in spirit with me. On a magnifcent hill his tree will grow surrounded by five small rocks marking the spot, up against a bigger boulder. Grow strong and tall until we are together again.
At the shloshim of Yizhak Rabin, the poet Yehuda Amichai said that it was written of each king of Israel, at the end of his days: "for are not all his words and deeds written in the book of Chronicles?" and to this he added: We are, all of us, the Book of Chronicles. The chronicles are ours We are all of us leaves in the book of living history
And just as our guide Tali said at Independence Hall Israel is your (or rather our) home.
We have strengthened the link connecting us to our wonderful heritage and we can strive to make a difference enhancing what is good and right in our tradition and our homeland.
It has been a joy and an honor meeting Cantor Rica and the wonderful Beth El families (including Murray [Moses] and Gail of course)
B'ahava Shari
trip is really over Somehow I waited a week to read this final entry, as if postponing it meant the trip didn't really come to an end...even though I know that it did, trying to hold on to some of the magic helped me get through this past week. Just seeing any of the wonderful people we went on this trip seems to rekindle how special it was. I am also very glad that we didn't fly home today, as this Monday we had a snowstorm. I want to thank Jeff and Carolyn for taking the time to write up this blog. Looking forward to all of the photos everyone is sending around and seeing everyone at temple soon.
Love,
Alissa
Todah Rabbah! It has been an adventure of a life time for me and my family. Thank you all for sharing it with us! A very special thanks to Jeff for creating this wonderful blog and to Shari, Avner and the ITC team for guiding us thru these amazing 10 days of laughter, tears, and memories to fill many blogs. I hearby name us the Beth El Israel Chavurah! New members are welcome and new Israel adventures are only a couple of shekels away. Start saving :-) B'ahava - With Love! Rica
planting and digging Planting at home is such a simple thing. A spot in the garden needs a shrub so we go shop at the local nursery and dig a hole. Yet planting a tree in Israel is such a unique priviledge. Today we all helped plant a small oak forest on a beautiful hillside. Let's name it the Beth El Forest! My deepest wish is that we come back in a few years to visit our oak forest and see how it, and all the rest of Israel is flourishing.
And on this 1st anniversary of my mother', Hilda Julie's death, I planted my little oak sapling in her memory. She was one of the chalutzim of the late 1940's, practically living in the grapefriut trees, and she loved Israel with all her heart. Zichrona livrecha.
Tears of pride today This was a day of awe and pride for how our chalutzim, the pioneers of Israel, created, visioned and realized the State of Israel. All three exhibits were riveting and helped us taste the sweat and hard work that helped create this modern miracle. On a personal note I'll be following up with our tour guide at Independence Hall with more info on 2 of our own who were among the people who were there for the Declaration. Tali told us that they don't have the invitiation list of the 350 people who were privately invited to sit in that room that day. Only a few of the chairs are marked with names. Yael's father was there as a photojournalist and David Jordan was one of the journalists covering the moment. How exciting to help connect the dots of history!- Rica
The Western Wall Caroline - your sentiments are echoed by liberal Jews across the world. It is why we are so delighted that the excavations of the other end of the western wall by Robinson's arch and the southern wall have been opened to all who want to pray together as families. The Western Wall remains a complex place for us. - Rica
Or Chadash I was so impressed by Rabbi Nof and the work he does for this congregation and the greater community. He is an inspiration to all who meet him. It was such a pleasure being able to share Shabbat with him and his congregation. And forever this will also be remembered as the day I became known as Cantor Mica. Let's keep it our little secret....
Our first day updated Most of us arrived on an ELAL flight together and although exhausted, we were excited to arrive and hit the ground running. Larry and Shari our tour guide met us at the airport and we were off on our own bus (and Avner, our driver) to Ceasaria. Our first stop was at the aqueduct and famous arches on the beach. We almost lost a couple of kids who were thrilled to see the Meditarranian Sea. Pretty quickly we discovered that our oldest kids, Murray and Charles, each found their way to the top of the ruins and Shari learned that she'll need to keep a special eye out for those two.
We toured the beautiful grounds of these ancient ruins and got a taste of the history of this ancient Roman city built by Herrod. We walked thru the large stadium where once charriot races were held and ended up in the well-preserved amphetheatre where the natural acoustics are extrodinary even by today's standards. Several of the Rinat kids helped me entertain everyone by singing Od Yavo. Rachel and I warbled a few lines of Gershwin and Rossini to have fun with the acoustics. Even in the very last row we could be heard perfectly. Look Ma, no mic!
We continued on to a Druze community where after a bit of a trek we found our selves escorted to a courtyard and a very large room lined with sofas and basic coffee tables. This was a Druze livingroom and our host told us about the history of this community and their connection to both their Jewish and Arabic neighbors. We were treated to delicious Druze pizza with zatar, tea and date cookies. As we left the matriarch of the home was in the courtyard making large pita on a stone fire, offering us to try some. Charles spoke with her (in Arabic) and learned that all the buildings in this courtyard were her home. I was treated to a visit to another home and it too had this unusual open air structure and sparse livingroom setup.
Off to our hotel for a much needed nap and unpacking. Met up with everyone for a sumptuous dinner and back to sleep! It's been a very long day for those of us who didn't get any sleep on the plane. - Rica
Can't Believe it's Over... What an unbelievable trip! We had such fun and formed bonds with the group members that will never be severed. I can't stop thinking about all the moments that made the whole so tremendous. It's been hard getting back to real life though going to Israel was so uplifting I'm still flying high from it. Missing everybody lots and lots!!
Sad To Say... It's our last day in Israel and although we're tired, we're so sad to be leaving. The trip has been packed with new adventures and history as well as new friends. We're packing up our stuff and hoping to make one last stop to the Arab market before the Havdalah with the group this evening.
Yesterdays visit to Yad Vashem was truly emotional yet in some ways uplifting...that we are remembering the holocaust and that the museum does such a wonderful tribute to all those lost in it or who suffered through it. Our guide Shari did a marvelous job as usual of giving us historical data with a human face as we went.
My son Richard and I consider this our first trip together to Israel but absolutely not our last! Infact we'd love to go with the Cantor and group again someday soon.
Amazed Hey Laura
I am overwhelmed just reading about the amount you guys manage to do in a day and the emotional intensity of your experiences.
Back at home, we are all shocked and distressed that in Dubai, they have refused to allow Israili tennis player Shaha Peer a visa to play in their big tennis tournement ( television channels have refused to show the tournement, but i had been hoping for a more supportive reaction from the players. A reminder of the importance of our support of Israel.
Meet you in Jerusalem! So excited to see you all late Friday night or at breakfast (if you are awake!) on Saturday morning. Peter and I arrive at the start of Shabbat, and probably will fall asleep as soon as we get to the apartment in Jerusalem.... LOVE that most of you climbed Masada!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Debby
Enjoying your Trip through your eyes! Dear Friends,
I am so enjoying the blog of your trip. I got such a kick out of seeing Jeff on a camel. It was moving to see all the shofar blowers and the group pictures as well. I have never been to Israel and am truly enjoying seeing it through your eyes.
Enjoy!
Love to all,
Debby S.
P.S. The blog web address is up on the website!
A Bit Tired But Still Inspired! Well, Richard and I had to take the day off from touring due to hisrecently diagnosed bronchitis. I'm adding to day six which we were able to do but today day 7 we're resting in the hotel and taking short walks in the surrounding areas of Jerusalem. But, I have to say that even just the simplicity of walking around the block or having a lunch in a nearby cafe is an adventure for us. Trying new foods(shawarma is a favorite of richards--chicken cut in small pieces inside a pita) or people watching in this new and Holy Land inspires us.
Yesterday the three museums we visited amazed us too. I would never have thought that museums would keep the groups' interest as they did. The bullet factory was inspiring because the lengths that the young Haganah solduirs went to....just took our breath away! We felt as if we were actually hearing Ben Gurion's address when we went to the Independance Hall of Fame. The Palmach museum was an exhibit that really did make us feel a part of the underground army as Israel was on her way to becoming a state...and in her earliest years. Even our walk through Tel Aviv though a bit rainy in the open air market of Nachalat Binyamin was colorful and exciting...the smells and crafts bright with color...Last nights Yemenite dinner was delicious and we could really feel the continued closeness of our group as the kids and grown-ups gathered around our tables talking loudly and trying all sorts of new foods.
My day ended with a visit with the wonderful and sensitive Australian doctor at the hotel and a visit to the nearby pharmacy at almost midnight. But, even in the wee hours at the pharmacy I was treated by the pharmacist with kindness. It's a wonderful trip so far...and even this down time feels like an adventure here in the Holy Land!!
Finally Jerusalem! What a glorious and wonderfully full day we had today on our tour! Starting in Stafet we learned about Jewish Mystisism through art by touring the artist colony there and hearing a talk by a local Kabalah artist--a very spiritual and wise man. We wandered the streets and shops sampling middle eastern pizza and looking at art and jewlery. We then arrived in the Golan Heights and though windy were able to see remarkable views of Syria and walk into bunkers underground there. The highlight for me was watching my son Richard blow his new shofar with cantor leading him and her son david, daughter rebekkah and husband Charles all blowing shofars together as we overlooked the lite up city of Jerusalem! What a moment--not next year but today in Jerusalem!! Beautiful....just beautiful.
sending valentines day love to you all How beautiful and inspiring and comforting to be able to read about your trip while you are still in action, rather than having to wait until you get home. Your day sounds awesome -- although i must admit to more than a twinge of jealousy, not the least of which is due to your sunny weather. Richie looks so happy and comfortable with all of the kids. Hugs to him and to everyone in your group.
Shabbat walk to Yael's house Kids young (and much older) joined me for a Shabbat walk to Yael's house. We must have been quite a sight, 30 strong. Her neighbor offered to lend us the key but we figured there wasn't anything interesting to eat in the fridge so we politely declined. Yael lives in a great location across from local stores and one block off the beautiful Bahai Gardens and Promenade. Wow! But Yael, you need some landscaping. Let's talk! Rica
Nahariya Tonight we really felt the struggle of a typical smaller Israel Reform congregation. It was a contrast to the Haifa congregation which is the 3rd largest in Israel. Our Nahariya sister congregation hangs together by a thread and we talked frankly about life within range of the Ketushas. We sang songs of hope and peace (yeah Rinat Beth El!) and linked arms as we sang Shabbat out with Havdala. More later when I can get a better internet connection. Love to all! Rica
Saturday-Valentines Day We are having the most wonderful experience so far on the tour with cantor Rica. Today we woke up and had a healthy and delicous breakfast overlooking the harbor of Haifa. We then took a nice walk in glorious sunshine(it's in the 70s here today!) to visit Yael's home in Haifa. Though it's Shabbat the city is bustling with families taking walks and visiting the playground across the street from our hotel. Richard and I played for a while at the playground before the walk and felt totally comfortable around our Israeli counterparts--all speaking hebrew of course. He's picking out letters on signs and street signs as we go.
Last nights service at Congregation Or Hadash was moving and beautiful with mostly music throughout. The cantor joined their rabbi on the bema which was a thrill. Then we had a lovely dinner with members of their synegogue as well as the rabbi and his wife. Afterwards they showed us their well equiped bomb shelter a few flights below the sanctuary. Their attitude is positive and amazing but realistic. It was a bit frightening but also very informative. Their rabbi told us that he had been conservative and switched to reform when women weren't allowed to be ordained in the conservative movement...very impressive and brillient man. He spoke eloquently after our dinner.
That's it for now. The trip is fun and informative and the whole group is geling beautifully!!
Shabbat Shalom Loved the first group photo! Keep smiling! Awesome! I'll share your adventures with everyone at the service tonight....
Rabbi Debby Hachen
Murray Birnbaum
non-member comment
My Nephew Benjamin
Dear Ben, Praying with you at the Western Wall was a highlight for me too. But hearing you say it this last night, meant the world to me as you know. Bless you and love you. Uncle Murray