Day 8 Photos

Day Eight: Yad V’Shem and Mahane Yehudah

Today we visited Yad V’Shem, Israel’s Holocaust museum. Established in 1953,Yad V’Shem is the world center for documentation, research, education and commemoration of the Holocaust. This is an experience I cannot put to words, it does not seem right to summarize the thoughts and feelings of the entire group when I am just one individual participant. I will share one instance so powerful, that I am sure I will always remember it. One of our group members had a grandparent who was saved by being included on Schindler’s list. The tour guide tried to find his family name so that we may locate his relative. Since we were pressed for time she was forced to move the tour ahead without finding the name. Nearly everyone in our group stayed behind until the name was found. Yad V’Shem answers some of the more daunting questions about the Holocaust, but leaves one wondering how acts of genocide could still be going on in our world today. Tikkun Olam teaches us that we need to repair the word in our everyday actions.

Following Yad V’Shem, we had the chance to go to Ha-Kotel to say Kaddish.  It really is something special to have the chance to say Kaddish for those we’ve lost and those who have nobody to say Kaddish for them at the Western Wall.  It seemed as though our prayers went straight to God.

Thankfully we went to the Western Wall, because we were spiritually prepared for the craziness that is Mahane Yehudah.  This major shuk, or open-air market, was the perfect place for us to go and prepare for Shabbat.  Each of us was put in charge of gathering various things for the oneg that evening.  It was an experience that none of us will soon forget.  Let’s just say that if Israel is a Jewish State first, it’s a Bargaining State second.  We could only have experienced it there.  It was like Chinatown, but with Hebrew spoken all over the place.

We wanted to end with a poem to bring it full-circle.  Yad V’Shem and our trip in Israel so far has taught us how amazing this country is.  Without it, we wouldn’t know where Jews around the world will have a safe haven such as they do here.

In Germany they first came for the Communists,

and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,

and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,

and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics,

and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me —

and by that time no one was left to speak up.

Martin Niemoller, German Protestant Pastor, 1892-1984

I encourage everyone to check out the museums website for more information.

http://www.yadvashem.org/

Lhitraot.  Jerusalem Today, Shabbat Tomorrow.

Day 7 Photos

Day Seven: Ein Rafa and Har Herzl

Today was all about challenges.  We spent the morning sleeping in the bus because we had an 11:30 appointment with an Imam at a mosque in Ein Rafa.  Ein Rafa is one of the few Arab cities that remained in Israel since the War of Independence and all of the citizens are considered Israeli citizens.  Our guide through the experience was Yasmine, a British national who married Musa who is originally from Ein Rafa.  She converted to Islam and moved to Israel almost 5 years ago now.  For many of us it was our first time to have a one on one conversation with Muslims and we were able to hear about Islam and ask as many questions as we wanted.  This dialogue proved to be really interesting and we were taken aback at the many misconceptions we had.  Israel is a place where so many religions, cultures, and people have together to become the crossroads of the Middle East.

That afternoon was spent at Har Herzl: the military cemetery of Israel.   There are many famous giborim (heroes) buried there such as Hannah Senesh, Golda Meir, and Theodore Herzl.  It was definitely important for us to pay our respects to those individuals who have fought and died bravely defending the land of Israel.

Finally that night we went to tour Hebrew Union College, the Reform and Progressive Seminary in Jerusalem where all of our Clergy studied.  Liz and Rabbi Steve Geller gave us a great tour of the campus and gave us an understanding of the programs that are done there. 

L’Hitraot!  Today challenges, tomorrow Yad Vashem and Shabbat!

Day 6 Photos

Day Six: Golan Heights, Tel Dan Nature Preserve, and Tzfat

Boker Tov America!  We have just been having the best time with our new Israeli soldier friends.  It’s seems as though we have been friends with them forever.  They are now officially a part of the Kesher 7 tribe.  This morning we woke up and headed to the North of the Golan Heights for a tour of Bentar Mountain.  From this peak we were able to see the borders of Israel.  It was amazing to us how close Israel was to Syria.  It seemed as though we were able to reach out and touch the country.  The strength of the Israeli army during the 1973 Yom Kippur war was amazing, and we really got a great sense of how close Israel’s enemies are.

One thing that we have really begun to notice is how unique Israel’s countryside is.  Many of us thought that we were going to be spending the last week in the desert, but every time that we go somewhere new we see another type of land.  This day we went hiking through the Dan nature preserve.  As the snow melts off of Mt. Hermon, the fresh water empties out into the K’nerret.  We were able to walk through and wade through the pools of water which were unbelievably cold.  This is where the majority of Israel’s freshwater and drinking water comes from, and we drank right from the source.  Very refreshing on such a hot day!

From there we went to Tzfat. Tzfat is located on the Canaan Mountain.  Many of us know about Kabbalah from the popularity it has received in America, but for the first time we were able to see where Kabbalah comes from.  The city is painted blue, and the medieval bricks give off a mystical feeling while walking the streets.  We even took a moment to sing the words of L’cha Dodi, welcoming the Sabbath.  It was in Tzfat that these words were first chanted.

That evening we had an amazing time dancing the night away in Tiberias.  The Israeli music is very interesting, and I would suggest you take a listen to this popular Israeli band in order to understand.

Please click here and enjoy Infected Mushroom – Becoming Insane.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6hL6fkJ1_k

L’hitraot!  Today in the Golan Heights, tomorrow in Ein Rafa and Har Herzl.

Day 5 Photos

Day Five: “Welcome to Israel”

Today was such an amazing day.  We started out meeting 8 Israeli Soldiers.  They are going to be with us for the next 4 nights as participants on the Birthright experience.  The Israeli soldiers have brought a lot of energy with them.  They currently serve in both the Air Force and the Navy and are between the ages of 18-20.  We are already impressed by their commitment to their country, and they are still so young.  Tal, Anna, Dana, Yuval, Zev, Eilad, Ben, and Gilad are all amazing and are really sharing a lot of Israeli culture with us.

After meeting the soldiers, we quickly headed to the Arbel Mountain for a “short hike”, or at least that is what our guide Avi told us.  We must preface this next part by saying, “short” to an Israel literally means “straight down, rappelling from the side of a mountain face without any harnesses holding on for dear life” but hey “Welcome to Israel”. The view from Arbel Mountain is breathtaking.  We had no idea that the Golan Heights was going to be so green!  We were able to see for what seemed like forever, and the K’nerret was almost teasing us with its blue fresh water.

Luckily, the rest of the afternoon was spent enjoying the cool clean waters of the K’nerret, Israel’s largest freshwater source.  Spending time to get our new friends was amazing, and we can already tell that they are as unique as the land.

This is all we have for today.  The Golan Heights today, Tzfat tomorrow.

L’Hitraot

Day Four: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea and beyond

Come with us as we continue through our journey of Eretz Yisrael.  We have just left Jerusalem and headed two hours south into the Judean Desert.  After spending the night with Bedouin’s, we woke up at 4:00 AM!!  We can honestly say that this is the earliest that we have ever woken up, however it was important to be on top of Mt. Masada before the sunrise over the Dead Sea and the Jordanian mountains.  We hiked up the Roman path on the backside of the mountain and had a shacharit service led by Cantor Sacks and Greg.  It was a very moving experience for all of us.  It is amazing to be amongst 40 other Jewish young adults on the top of a mountain where Jews 2000 years ago were so committed to remaining Jewish, that they would have rather taking their own lives then become something they weren’t.  Praying while the sun comes up over the land of Israel can make a person feel very small, but gave us a great sense of pride of being Jewish.

The hike down was tough, but we made it in under and hour.  After a quick Israeli breakfast (we’re not sure how they can consider a cucumber, cream cheese, and a Coke breakfast, but we are trying to keep an open mind J) we headed to Ein Gedi.  Ein Gedi is a beautiful spring in the middle of the desert, and a place where King David once spent time.  The water was cool and fresh, and exactly what we needed in temperatures reaching 100 degrees.

Following our quick dip in the pool, we went to the Ein Gedi beach for some serious time spent in the Dead Sea.  The water at the Dead Sea almost feels like oil and it was amazing how easily we could float on the surface!  Covering ourselves in mud from the dead sea and splashing around in the waters totally rejuvenated our sunburned skin.

We are now heading up to the Golan Heights and will be sitting on a bus for 3 hours to get some much needed R & R.  Tomorrow the Israeli soldiers arrive.  Today in the desert tomorrow in the Golan Heights at the Haon Guest House.

L’hitraot (See Ya!)

Day 4 Photos

Fuzzy Internet Connection

Hi everyone!

Just a quick post to let you know we are experiencing some technical difficulties and may not be able to post new material for a day or two. Our Internet connection is a bit fuzzy in this part of the country, but we are trying to go online whenever possible.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our photos so far! Keep posting comments so we can share with the group!

That’s all for now!

-Cantor Sacks, Paul & Greg

Day 3 Photos

Day 3: Jerusalem and Bedouin Experience

Wow.  We have had such an amazing time already.  After seeing how people in Tel Aviv spend Shabbat, we headed to Jerusalem for the first time.  Spending time on Route 1, the road that runs West to East from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem we were able to see the hills of the holy city.  The Judean hills are an amazing sight.  Jerusalem is a city that blends the old with the new.  Upon our arrival, we said shehekyanu at the entrance of Jaffa Gate.  Continuing through the Jewish quarter with David’s citadel on our right, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on our left, one can quickly understand how Jerusalem is very unique.  It is rare that we are able to see and live such amazing history.

Visiting Ha-Kotel, the Western Wall, was our first destination, and we were amazed at the size.  It was amazing to be walking in the footsteps of our ancestors, and to pray where so many Jews have been praying for thousands of years. The Ha-Kotel experience was unique for all of us, but this reminded us about how Reform Judaism allows for personal interpretation and experience.

The next two hours were spent sitting on the bus sleeping!  But when we awoke, we were greeted by the moans and groans of dozens of vocal camels and donkeys.  It was quite the “humpy” ride.  We spent the night under the stars and were treated to Bedouin hospitality.  Sweet tea and lafa bread were enjoyed by all.  Goodnight for now, we will be waking up at 4:00 AM to begin our ascent of Mt. Masada.

Lilah Tov!

Day Two Photos

Important update

We were notified that there was an attack at a gay nightclub in Tel Aviv that left two people dead. We have been informed by officials that this was NOT a terrorist attack. There is nothing to worry about. We are all safe and sound back in the hotel.

Day Two: Shabbat

Today we are celebrating Shabbat with our group, followed by a walking tour of Jaffa and beach time. I am happy to report that everyone is well rested and ready to take in the sights.

Day One Photos

Day One: Sleep Deprivation

We safely arrived in Zurich and are now 2/3 of the way to Israel. Everyone is pretty wiped out at this point, myself included. The Zurich airport is one of the quietest airports I have ever been to, but the view is incredible. We will be departing after a one hour layover. Once in Israel we will head to the beach for a short welcoming ceremony, followed by services at Kibbutz Gezer. We are looking forward to some much needed Shabbat rest. I decided to spare the group the pain of standing up for a group photo, but I promise you will see one before the end of the trip.

Stay tuned…

Blogging will begin Thursday, July 30th

Welcome

Welcome to the Central Synagogue Birthright Israel Trip Blog. Our trip will begin July 30th. Make sure to stop by frequently for updates, pictures, stories and experiences from the land of milk and honey.