Part II: A Window Into Our Trip to Israel

Seemingly returning to normal life, and getting back into the routine, with jet lag diminishing moment by moment, I want to chronicle our trip to Israel so that it can be preserved here, and to share with you all. Let me make a philosophical comment about this trip: It was indeed a life changing experience, and each day, it felt as if I had invited the dead to my home to have dinner with me, or to share a space in time that I knew existed in theory, but not experience. Jerusalem is such a special city, and carries with it all the history, tragedy, longings, passions and love for a Europe long lost, but brought to life once more inside of this amazing place.

We were on a tour, and there were only eight of us who were brave enough to continue with our plans to see Israel. As you all know, we arrived there in the middle of the war, and were also there when the cease fire was declared.

When we arrived in Israel, we were at the new Ben Gurion airport, a modern complex whose structures were carved from Jerusalem stone. We were picked up and taken to our hotel, which was quite opulent, and we had a room on the 14th floor overlooking the Mediterrenean sea. Every individual doorpost, to each room, had its own mezzuzah affixed to it. Each and every morning, at about 5:30 am (still a creature of routine), I would go walk on the beach, passing by faces that looked familiar to me. It was as if I had brought back my grandparents, and long lost relatives. There was a beach, which allowed for separate swimming, men only on some days, and women on the others. This is because mixed swimming is prohibited according to a strict reading of the Torah.

We then went to the Biblical Gardens at Neot Kedumim where there were plants that existed in Biblical times. Then, on to Neve Zedek, where we walked along quaint narrow streets, as we made our way to the old port city of Jaffa. The rest of the day was spent at Nachlat Benjamin, which had its traditional craft fair on Friday. Of course, there were many unique treasures to find there, which were exclusively made in Israel. In the evening, we went to a Shabbath dinner in the hotel. There were large tables, and each one soon filled up with a group who was celebrating this special day individually. We then went for a walk on the beack, and the next morning, we went for a walking tour and saw where Rabin was murdered. The rest of th afternoon was spent at the Tel Aviv museum, which had quite an unusual and well preserved collection of art, ranging from that which depicted images in Biblical times, to more modern pieces by Chagall, Reuben and a powerful painting by Maurycy Gottlieb from 1878 called Day of Atonement. This was the first museum in the entire world where I had visited and there was not a picture of Jesus.

The next day, we drove to the Haganah Museum, former home of the organizer of the Haganah movement. We continued by bus to the Martyr's Forrest, settled in the peaceful forests where there was a brilliant bronze monument called The Scrolls of Fire which soared in the scenic Judean Hills as a tribute to those who died during the Holocaust. Experiencing this tribute with my own eyes was actually one of the great highlights of the trip, and the sculpture was done by an artist Natan Rappaport. Here you can see a bit more of it and learn about its meaning:
http://www.gemsinisrael.com/e_article000007328.htm
We then went on to the military junction at Latrin, then on to the Tank Division Memorial and the day concluded with a visit to Mini Israel Park, which was like a Disneyland where Israel was re-created in miniature scale. Because of the war, it was the closest we could get to Safed and Haifa. We also saw the Diaspora Museum, the Weizman Institute of Science in Rehovot, and went to Kibbutz yad Mordechai, which played a pivotal role during the War of Independence where we saw a reconstructed battlefield and museum.

We then headed towards Jerusalem, but first stopped in the caves, where there were all types of old excavations that existed, and we saw some of the breathtaking tunnels, and Soreq Caves. Then we went to Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Some of the chronology of this tour may be off, but I remember seeing the Chagall Windows inside the Hadassah Medical Center, where the colors of the stained glass illuminated and jumped out at you as if one was sitting next to the artist himself. Then we checked into our hotel in Jerusalem, which was beautiful, but a bit chaotic, unpacked, and got ready for our trip to the Old City. We walked to the kotel (the Western Wall), which had a heartbeat of its own, with so much history and meaning. We went to view the Dome of the Rock, and drove to mount Zion to visit the Tomb of King David, another electrifying experience, as we were able to pray and touch this holy coffin. We also went to the Room of the Last Supper and on to the Jewish Quarter of Cardo. At night, after dinner, we russed to make it for a walk through the extraordinary Hasmonean Tunnel, and ended up seeing walls and rocks that were more than 2,000 years old. We also sat at the holiest place in the world where one can pray inside of this tunnel.

We also saw Yad Vashem, memorial to the Holocaust, which overlooked the entire city of Jerusalem. The two and one half hours we had to spend there were clearly not enough, where there was a museum which set out to retell the persecution of the Jews beginning in 1933 when Hitler came to power. The museum started with a re-creation of the happy times, life as it existed inside of Eastern Europe before it was terrorized by Hitler. Of course, this was a very emotional time, and I often found myself crying and having to take a moment to recover. After Yad Vashem, we went to the new Herzel Museum, which was a rather high tech and illuminating tribute to the man who had the first vision of a Jewish state.

Of course, there was shopping on Ben Yehuda street, and the surrounding areas, an activity that took up quite a bit of my time. Since I bought a new watch, I gave my old one to a group who helps soldiers in the IDF (Israeli Defense Force), and also made a donation for them.

On to the Judean desert, and we ascended by cable car to Masada, a place created by King Herod, who was a rather colorful character, as I learned, as this place was the last stronghold of the zealots against their struggle with the Romans. Then, we went to the Dead sea, where we were able to 'swim' in an unsinkable manner. There were also sulfer pools and we had an opportunity to rub mud onto our bodies as well.

Shabbath in Jerusalem is like nothing else I have ever experienced. We started with a dinner in the Sheraton Hotel. The room filled up, with families, and each one had their own way to honor this holy day. There were men with black hats, others with stremils (a very expensive fur hat used only for Shabbath.) I sat mezmorized watching these rituals. Prior to going to dinner, I went with my husband to the Great Synagogue for Friday night service. After dinner, we went to the hotel, were tired, and I reminded my husband that it might even be a double mitavah (Blessing, good deed), to have sex in Jerusalem on Shabbath! The next morning, I woke up early, and went back to the Great Synagogue for almost 3 hours, and afterwards, our group went on a walking tour to the Museum of the History of Jerusalem and the Old City. We said goodbye to our wonderful tour guide, Etan, and went back into the hotel to wait for Shabbath to end.

The next day was a free one, and we went with another couple, Morely and Rifka to walk the streets of Mea Shearim, which is this one of a kind city. It feels as if one is walking back to a sheditl in Eastern Europe, where there are cobblestone streets, with old world character. The city is self contained, there are butchers, bakers, store-keepers, just like those that existed so many years ago. I was mezmorized by this street, and did not want to leave, and bought a new Siddur (prayer book) there, and a 3d picture of a violin and a psalm book, illustrated in Hebrew.

Of course, there was the shopping, which I cannot leave out, and if the truth be told, I spent way too much money, but did end up with some wonderful items of jewerly, judaica, clothing and unforgettable memories from this place, Israel, which changed my life.

My wish is to return, possibly retire in Israel, and in the meantime, hope that so many of the soldiers have returned safely, or will do so, to their homes.

Thank you for your minds.

Do You Have a Favorite Saying or Quote?

Still unable to normalize and sleep after experiencing so much jet lag, followed by a gruelling work week, waking up at 2am has now become a routine for me. Surely, after this weekend, it is hopeful that my hours will re-adjust once again.

Since I was young, the penetrating words, "If I forget thee O Jerusalem..." always had an enchanting meaning to me in and of themselves. While in Israel, I heard, saw and read these very enchanting words from Psalm 127, "If I forget thee O'Jerusalem..." just about everywhere I went. Anchored on silk of tapestry, or carved into stone on a mezzuzah, these words were everywhere, and reminded me of the power and beauty that this city, unlike any other, held. Of course, these words, beautiful in themselves, standing alone are like magical dust but it is not until one steps inside the walls of this captivating city that this psalm takes on a new life of its own. Now, having been to Jerusalem, it feels as if I understand its meaning at a different level. Here are the words:

" . . . I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof. O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. "

Jerusalem is a city unlike any other in the world, and frankly, one so powerful, that it is difficult to forget it.

Not comparable, but also significant, there are other sayings and quotest that I have embraced over the years. For example, often I have to remind myself that life is all about taking it, "One day at a time, " or remember that "acceptance of others is the solution to all our problems." Similarly, I often find myself, in less happy times, needing to hear the words of Winston Churchhill, "If you are going through hell, just keep going."

So here is the question of the day: Do you have a favorite quote or special saying that gives meaning to you, and helps you through the day?

Thank you for your minds.

Do You Like Change?

Most people I know, if the truth be told, do not particularly like change. To change means to do something differently, whether it be by act, deed or principle. Sometimes a change may involve a manner of living, thinking or relating. For example, a person who may feel some anger may need to think before speaking and curtail his/her comments and have to bite the tongue. Other times change involves a complete shift, whether it be in the form of a job, a place to live, a relationship and the list goes on and on.

During this month of Elul, us Jews are asked to think about how we have acted over the past year, to take stock, do an inventory, and be honest about our way of thinking and acting. For some, it is a task that is prefunctory, and the motions are done, but the neither the thinking nor the behavior changes. For others, this time of the year can be truly life changing, especially for those who are willing to take an honest look at themselves and take true stock in how they have been acting or behaving over the past year. In blogsville, where there is a veil of anonyminity, there may, more often than not be a chance to be critical of others, call them names, be mean, nasty and vicious, as I have seen at times even here. Is this really how we want to be, act, live, one may need to ask? Does our conduct really matter over the internet?

My unequivocal answer would be yes, all that we think, how we act and treat one another matters at some fundamental level. For is it not the case that when we change, we can grow? By growing, we are learning that some patterns of thinking or behaving do not work so well for us, so we must think them through and follow a different course. But changing is difficult to say the least, but to stay the same, and not take an honest look at oneself, and learn, can be even more harmful in the long run.

Here is the question of the day: Do you like change? If so, why? Do you change your thinking first and hope the actions will follow or vice-versa?

Thank you for your minds.

Happy Birthday to My Beloved Daughter

It is so hard to believe that my daughter turns 21 years old today. Legally an adult, but in many ways still not completely grown up, she has all my admiration and respect. Even when faced with difficulties, she has been the type to preservers in spite of what confronts her. In 4 weeks, she will graduate from college and receive her B.A. degree, which is so important to her.

We learn, in this life, to take nothing for granted, not even the air we breathe. All is sacred, and living life and staying in the moment, and being grateful for each and everything is indeed a true gift.

Happy Birthday to you, my dearest daughter...

Thank you for brightening all of our lives.

Our Trip to Israel

EDITED:

Greetings to everyone, and since I am unable to sleep because of jet lag, I will post a more extensive comment about our trip. First of all, I want to let so many know that we have returned home safely from our trip to Israel. Our trip was amazing, wonderful, inspiring and if the truth be told, this was the best trip we have ever taken.

Everyone had an opinion about whether we should go to Israel in the beginning of August. Most people were voicing their concern, about our safety and wondered if it was wise to put ourselves in harms way and go during a time of war. Many people asked us to re-think our trip in light of the war that was occurring between Hezbollah, Hamas and the Israelis. There was even one person, with whom I had not had contact for quite some time, who emerged, like a vile rodent coming out from a dark hole, with a nasty opinion about my motivation for going in the first place during this time.There were even a few people who were quite supportive, and encouraging as well.

Our trip was meaningful and special in so many ways. What made it so great was that every single Israeli that we met was beyond happy that we came there, to show our support in such difficult times. Everyone was thankful, and kind, and very happy that we came in spite of what was going on inside of the country. We also met some Americans who went, for Bar Mitzvahs, to show support and solidarity, and to be with others during this time as well.

From the moment I stepped off the plane, I was in love. I cannot begin to tell you how it feels to be in a state surrounded by Jews from all corners of the world. It is a unique feeling, and so much about what we think, how one acts and reacts, and is, all came together for me. The country is beautiful, at least the part we saw. Tel Aviv, has a lovely beach, and people are relaxed and religious a well. Each morning, I began my day, at about 5:30 am., walking on the beach. There was even a beach that was for men on one day, women on another, as the religious do not allow for mixed swimming. While I was there, it made me feel that my connection to Judaism, how I am and feel, is in fact a good one, and the support and love that I felt from so many people was great! This is a city full of life, day and night, from hora dancing, to swimming, to davening. And those Israeli breakfasts are a real killer, at least for the waist line!

On to Jerusalem. What can I say about this city that would give it justice through words? There are so many different kinds of people there, and of course, there is the history, the kotel, King David's Tomb, the tunnels, the Chagall windows, Yad Vashem, and on and on. We were a small tour, but we did quite a bit actually. Spending Shabbath in Jerusalem is extraordinary, and going to the synagogue there is a true spiritual experience. Let me say that there is religious and there is Orthodox, and then ultra-Orthodox, all being different from one another. Frankly, I enjoyed watching the very Orthodox as they lived daily life. I watched the people pray, eat, work, and saw 2 weddings. What was the most surprising was just how many children there are in Jerusalem, and many young couples have 5 or 6 and another on the way. When I went to these holy places, I dressed appropriately, and it became contagious after awhile, and bought a couple of skirts and a scarf to cover my head. I must confess that one of the great experiences was going to the Kotel (western wall) which made me quiver! Another interesting experience was the Holocaust museum (Yad Vashem) which is like none other in the country. We also went to Me'rh Sharim, a city where it seems as if the people are still living in the 18th century except they have all the comforts of modern technology at their hand. It reminded me of my childhood, where everything was inside of one neighborhood, and people did not have to go far to buy food, clothing, or smooze. I was transfixed by this neighborhood.

Actually, Israel itself transformed me, from the very moment we arrived until we left. There is even an airplane story. A very religious man sat next to us (we had seats with 3 rows) My husband sat in the middle, and he wanted to move since he was uncomfortable. I told him that this man would not sit next to me, since I was a married woman, but my husband did not believe me. So the man got up, went to the back of the plane and stayed there. When there was turbulence, he still refused to sit down. He told the stewardess that he was very religious and it was forbidden for him to sit next to a woman! Again, a story that reminded me of my childhood.

Well, it is quite late here...Tomorrow, it is back to work with 14 cases to handle, and I cannot sleep. Sometimes, things are not what they appear to be and it is imperative to go for oneself to have a look and come to a conclusion or make a judgment.

Frankly, I would not mind moving to Israel one day. As for the shopping, well, let us just say that I left my share to the Israeli ecomomy, leaving out details of course.. That being said, I gave money as well, including my watch to an female Israeli soldier to say thank you.


Thank you for your minds.

Salutations from Jerusalem

We arrived in Jerusalem last night. What a fascinating and provocative city, full of life, and soul of the Jewish people. Today we went to Yad Vahashem (the Holocaust memorial) which was amazing, then we went to the Herzel museum and finished our afternoon looking at the graves of the soldiers. Of course, yesterday, I shopped on Ben Yehuda street until the stores closed, and we were able to contribute to the Israeli economy. Tonight, we go to the Kotel, and tomorrow as well, which is a place that I am longing to see. This city both breathes and cries at the same time, and one can feel the tears and the breathe together.

Frankly, I love Israel, and it would be my desire to retire here if that were a possibility. So much of how I think, believe and act, is explained simply by being here among my people. I have even learned a new word that I love, the gogomogog. (I think that may be the spelling, but not sure)

To be continued.....

Thank you for your minds.

greetings from tel aviv

edited

we are here in tel aviv. i love israel, and what you read about it in the paper is completely different from what is actually going on, at least here in tel aviv. it is a comfortable city, and people are going on with their daily lives. it is sad to see that tourism is down, but life is lively, and bustles with the people here. i truly feel as if we are home. Most everyone here, all israelis, are very happy that we came to israel at this time and are greeting us with open arms.
this keyboard is a bit strange, so excuse some of the grammer and lack of capitalization...i am a bit scared that the lettters will revert to hebrew.

we are going to have shabbath dinner in about 2 hour 15 minutes with some other people in our group.

this trip is definitely a dream come true...

thank you for your minds.

To Anderson Cooper, With Love!

As we get ready for our trip to Israel tomorrow, let me first of all, thank all of you for your kind words of support, encouragement and good thoughts, which are more than appreciated by my husband and myself. Especially noteworthy are all the new Israeli voices I have heard from and met, via the internet, encouraging us to come, and thanking us for showing our support during these difficult times.

Amist the gun shots, rockets, the tanks and the blazes is one man, who has stood there, each and every day, for 28 days reporting about this crisis in the Middle East: Anderson Cooper. Equipped with his flap jacket, and often helmet, Mr. Cooper appears from both sides of the boarder, reporting the news, with his piercing blue eyes and cropped grey hair that stays in place even while the breezes surface. I must confess, as this revelation surfaced just today, that maybe I have a bit of a crush on this guy, who has risen to heroic measures in reporting on more than one occasion. Who among us can forget him out there with all the victims of Katrina, with his pleas for help, and voice of passion, often begging for help to come? When Hurricane Rita hit Texas, Cooper too, was there, being hit, slammed and knocked over by the blazing winds, yet nevertheless, he rose to the occasion and reported what was in front of him. Cooper has demonstrated to me that he is tenacious and fearless, a positive man who truly cares about getting the job done. My hat is off to you Mr. Cooper, especially during these trying times. Your face and words have been a source of strength and comfort to so many who turn on CNN each and every day.

That being said, one must not forget all the soldiers who are out there exhausted, fighting and risking their own lives. Each and every day, I pray for them, those who fight, and put their lives on the line, who care enough about the State of Israel to take action and be part of the solution rather than the problem...May you all return home safely.

It is unlikely that I will have computer access where I will be, but if so, I will jot a note about our trip, what we see, and where we are going.....

To be continued when I return.....

Thank you for your minds...

Why We Are Going to Israel: Up, Up and Away....

For the past two days, the fighting in the Middle East has been at at escalated pace, with more than eight deaths occuring in Israel alone yesterday. Worried, and a bit fearful about the future of the Jewish state, I have not slept for two nights now, as I find myself compulsively checking CNN or reading The Jerusalem Post on-line to update what is going on there minute by minute.
Reactions to our going have been mixed and extreme. So many Americans have cancelled plans to tour now, and in the future. We have friends who were supposed to go in October, and have cancelled because of what is going on over there now. Our son has been sending daily emails, saturated with articles from various newspapers and periodicals reporting about the risks of taking such a trip at the moment. It is almost as if the child has turned into the parent, echoing concern and reservation about going to visit a place actively at war. Our daughter, on the other hand, is a bit more practical, and says, just make sure you leave me a key, and let me know where everything is, leave your phone numbers and other information, just in case!

So the question becomes, why would we go to Israel at such a time, when the country is at war, when our safety may be compromised, and we can put ourselves at risk? To me this begs the question, and in fact, focuses upon the issue from a state of fear rather than solidarity or support. For me, who has never been to Israel, going now seems to be not only right, but correct from my perspective. Here we have our homeland, which was established as a response to Nazi persecution, being threatened by terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, and also Iran and Syria. Soldiers, the age of our children, are risking their lives each and every day to protect and preserve the Jewish state. Frankly, it seems as being there, and seeing what is going on for myself will actually make me more content, since then, I can be part of the solution rather than the problem, which is sitting here and worrying all of the time. To decide not to go now, would be to make the decision only in reference to self, and not look at the broader picture, which is the security, safety and preservation of Israel as a Jewish state.

But the real reason why I want to go to Israel, can be described more in images rather than words. Please take a moment to view this very powerful short video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIx0QMDj8Z4&mode=related&search

All the best to you all, and I will give you a full report when we return to the United States.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone, each and every day.

Thank you for your minds.

Should Mel Gibson Be Forgiven?

By now, the world knows what feelings lurk behind the ever popular actor, Mel Gibson. Many, including Abe Foxman from the ADF believed that the actor harbored anti-Semitic sentiments when his movie the passion of Christ premiered a couple of years ago. The actor denied being a Jew hater dispute the fact that his father was a Holocaust denier, and his movie, which I saw myself, did display some anti-Semitic thoughts.

Now, a couple of years later, we have Gibson, who, after a night of heavy drinking emerges, not so bright eyed nor bushy tailed, but as a man of anger and hate. He tells the policeman who arrests him, "Are you a Jew...Jews are responsible for many of the wars in the world today." He also makes some inappropriate sexist remarks towards a female officer. Now Gibson has issued two statements, one specifically geared towards the Jewish community asking for forgiveness about his remarks that he made. Barbara Walters says she will never have Gibson appear on her show, nor see his movie. A Rabbi, this morning requests that Gibson come and be a speaker at the Yom Kipper service during the High Holy days.

My own personal feeling is that Gibson suffers from alcoholism and has a problem with anger as a result. I do think that he means that he is sorry for what he said, but nevertheless, feels this way towards Jews, and once he controls his alcoholism, perhaps his words can take on a broader meaning.

Here is the question of the day: Should Mel Gibson be forgiven for what he said? How can he demonstrate, through acts, deeds and words that he is truly sorry?

Thank you for your minds.