Dear Friends:
Today is a two-day post as I have been running from 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. during this conference. Thursday morning, I traveled to Tel Aviv where I met an Israeli Rabbinical Student studying at HUC-JIR in Jerusalem. She lives in Tel Aviv and therefore, commutes to Jerusalem 3 days a week. Her name is Tzippora and she will be ordained this coming November. She is also 68 years old. She was born in Poland during WWII and survived the Holocaust with her family before making Aliyah to Israel in 1949. She grew up as a Socialist Zionist, went into the Army and became a teacher. After teaching in school for many years, she had a great interest in the Shoah (Holocaust), but there was no courses available because prior to the 1970s, this was not a subject that was dealt with in Israel. She worked with the professors at Hebrew University and received her Masters of Education with a specialty in Holocaust Studies in the mid 1960s. Her thesis and materials created is the major text still used in Israeli schools today.
Her journey to the Reform movement began when she was a principal in a school and realized that the students were not getting any religious education with the study of Jewish texts. She took over as the principal for a Reform based school and found a way to do both. Hence, she is preparing for her second career!
Afterwards, we visited Beit Daniel in Tel-Aviv/Jaffa. Serving as both a community center and synagogue, Beit Daniel - The Center for Progressive Judaism in Tel Aviv-Jaffa offers the greater Tel Aviv area a wide range of cultural and educational activities and religious services. As an egalitarian community, we foster an atmosphere of inclusiveness, aiming to serve as an example of equality and pluralism. At Beit Daniel we proudly celebrate our diversity while adhering to traditional Jewish values that link us to our rich heritage. The beautiful Mishkenot Ruth Daniel is their Education Center as well as a guesthouse. It is nice knowing that the Reform presence is growing in Israel. We also had the privilege of listening to Meir Hildai (Mayor of Tel Aviv), a great supporter of the Reform movement.
I then went on a walking tour from the Opera House, where the 1st Kenesset began, and continued to the "White City," a collection of building from the 1920's and 1930's that was reflective of architecture styles of that day. We then visted the Trumpeldor Cemetery, the place where all of the figures who helped create Tel Aviv 100 years ago in 1909 are buried (Ahad Haam, Bialik, Trumpeldor, Dizengoff, and numerous others). My colleague, Rabbi Debra Robbins, found the grave of her great-great grandfather who came to Jaffa in 1888 and died during the plague in 1903. What an experience!
We then went back to Jaffa Port to the Nalaga'at Theater to watch an amazing production, "Not By Bread Alone." The theater lights dim and the audience settles into their seats - usually a cue for the actors to deliver their opening lines. Instead, the Nalaga'at troupe start pummelling and stroking each other's hands. This is not a high-minded avant garde dance piece, but a group of deaf-blind actors, who are captivating audiences in Israel by blending touch, mime, sign language and music on stage in a cabaret-style show about dreams and disability. Billed as the world's first professional deaf-blind theatre company, only three of Nalaga'at's actors can speak. One hears a little if you shout directly into her ear and a few still have some vision. But they all communicate primarily through touch. It was, excuse the pun, an eye-opening experience.
Today, Friday, I joined with Israelis around the country at the Israel Convention Center in South Jerusalem for a Beit Midrash - a giant study program. I was in a small chevruta (study group) with a colleague and two Israeli women and we studied text from the Talmud as well as Hebrew poetry as we tackled questions about Israeli-Diaspora relations. It was fascinating and exciting. Unfortunately, it had to end so we can prepare for Shabbat. Soon, I will be leaving Jerusalem to go north to Haifa as I am being hosted by a Reform congregation there for services and dinner. It is cold and raining now in Jerusalem and possibly some snow tomorrow night.
Shabbat Shalom everyone!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Departing Israel and the CCAR
Dear Friends:
Last night we joined together for our last dinner in Israel - a Farewell Feast at the Dan Panorama Hotel in Eilat. We shared our stories - places we liked and places that I really do not need to include for a future trip. We all had a great time and were ready to come home.
This morning, we picked up our incredible boxed breakfasts and went to the Eilat airport for our flight to Tel Aviv. Afterwards, we transferred to Ben Gurion as I bid farewell to all of them. I continued my travels to Jerusalem for the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR)Convention. Today was a day devoted to Tikkun Olam - "fixing the world." I participated in a track entitled, "The Elderly and Terror." First, I visited Yad LaKashish - Lifeline for the Old. This is a non-profit organization offering needy elderly and disabled individuals from the Jerusalem area the opportunity to remain active, integral members of society. Founded in 1962, Yad LaKashish provides creative work opportunities, invaluable support services, and intergenerational programs to 300 needy elderly and disabled participants, most of whom are recent immigrants from the Former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, and South America. Yad LaKashish provides the aging population with a warm, supportive social and professional environment in which they can utilize their skills and maintain a sense of self-sufficiency. Imagine - a program where the elderly are treated as full members of society!
Next, I went to the One Family Fund office in Jerusalem. One Family began with a selfless act by one twelve-year-old girl. Michal Belzberg was preparing for her Bat Mitzvah in Jerusalem when a suicide bomber struck the crowded Sbarro restaurant in the city's downtown. The attack murdered 15 and wounded 130 Jewish men, women, and children. It was the most deadly attack in Jerusalem since the beginning of the Intifadah in September 2000.In the wake of such sorrow and destruction Michal felt she could not hold a celebration, so she cancelled her Bat Mitzvah party in order to contribute the party's funds to victims of the attack. In addition to that, she encouraged friends and family to give the victims everything they planned on giving her. Michal and the Belzberg family raised over $100,000, but quickly realized that was not nearly enough to address the suffering of the growing number of Israelis affected by terror. In that moment, One Family was born.Since its inception, One Family has grown into a large volunteer-based non-profit organization providing much-needed assistance to thousands of terror victims throughout Israel on a daily basis. The terror that so many deal with is heart-breaking.
Finally, I went to the Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma of Herzog Hospital. This program has been active since 1989 as a project of the Herzog Hospital Latner Institute to contend with the growing phenomenon of psychotrauma in Israel, where an estimated 9% of Israelis suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), three times the level of that in the US and other western countries. ICTP is today a world-recognized innovator in the research and treatment of the widespread effects of trauma. There are a variety of opinions about the effect of these programs, but we are fortunate that we are not living in a world of terror 24/7.
This evening, I went to the Jerusalem Cinemateque to preview a film about the Ethiopian community here in Israel - "Zerubabel, The Diversity in Judaism - Filmed on Ethiopian Jews in Israel. It was very interesting and the director afterwards offered some wonderful insights about the racism that exists in Israel.
I'm exhausted. Tomorrow, we visit Tel Aviv for a day on early Israeli life. Stay tuned!
Last night we joined together for our last dinner in Israel - a Farewell Feast at the Dan Panorama Hotel in Eilat. We shared our stories - places we liked and places that I really do not need to include for a future trip. We all had a great time and were ready to come home.
This morning, we picked up our incredible boxed breakfasts and went to the Eilat airport for our flight to Tel Aviv. Afterwards, we transferred to Ben Gurion as I bid farewell to all of them. I continued my travels to Jerusalem for the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR)Convention. Today was a day devoted to Tikkun Olam - "fixing the world." I participated in a track entitled, "The Elderly and Terror." First, I visited Yad LaKashish - Lifeline for the Old. This is a non-profit organization offering needy elderly and disabled individuals from the Jerusalem area the opportunity to remain active, integral members of society. Founded in 1962, Yad LaKashish provides creative work opportunities, invaluable support services, and intergenerational programs to 300 needy elderly and disabled participants, most of whom are recent immigrants from the Former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, and South America. Yad LaKashish provides the aging population with a warm, supportive social and professional environment in which they can utilize their skills and maintain a sense of self-sufficiency. Imagine - a program where the elderly are treated as full members of society!
Next, I went to the One Family Fund office in Jerusalem. One Family began with a selfless act by one twelve-year-old girl. Michal Belzberg was preparing for her Bat Mitzvah in Jerusalem when a suicide bomber struck the crowded Sbarro restaurant in the city's downtown. The attack murdered 15 and wounded 130 Jewish men, women, and children. It was the most deadly attack in Jerusalem since the beginning of the Intifadah in September 2000.In the wake of such sorrow and destruction Michal felt she could not hold a celebration, so she cancelled her Bat Mitzvah party in order to contribute the party's funds to victims of the attack. In addition to that, she encouraged friends and family to give the victims everything they planned on giving her. Michal and the Belzberg family raised over $100,000, but quickly realized that was not nearly enough to address the suffering of the growing number of Israelis affected by terror. In that moment, One Family was born.Since its inception, One Family has grown into a large volunteer-based non-profit organization providing much-needed assistance to thousands of terror victims throughout Israel on a daily basis. The terror that so many deal with is heart-breaking.
Finally, I went to the Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma of Herzog Hospital. This program has been active since 1989 as a project of the Herzog Hospital Latner Institute to contend with the growing phenomenon of psychotrauma in Israel, where an estimated 9% of Israelis suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), three times the level of that in the US and other western countries. ICTP is today a world-recognized innovator in the research and treatment of the widespread effects of trauma. There are a variety of opinions about the effect of these programs, but we are fortunate that we are not living in a world of terror 24/7.
This evening, I went to the Jerusalem Cinemateque to preview a film about the Ethiopian community here in Israel - "Zerubabel, The Diversity in Judaism - Filmed on Ethiopian Jews in Israel. It was very interesting and the director afterwards offered some wonderful insights about the racism that exists in Israel.
I'm exhausted. Tomorrow, we visit Tel Aviv for a day on early Israeli life. Stay tuned!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Petra Jordan - Part Two
Friends:
Today, we went to Petra, Jordan. We were up early and arrived to the Yitzchak Rabin border crossing by 7:30 a.m. What an interesting experience! We had to go through Passport control - we were leaving Israel, then we crossed the border by foot into a "No Man's Land" into Jordanian control - as someone suggested - it felt like a prisoner swap! After going through Jordanian security, we met our guide who handled our passport control on the Jordanian side. After visiting the bathrooms (a real cultural experience - picture a "hole in the ground"), we boarded our "coach" to Petra. A few miles inside Jordan, we went through Customs Control - no big deal, but an interesting thought. Our guide, Mahmoud, was very nice and knowledgeable.
Petra is the treasure of ancient world, hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains, boasting incomparable scenes that make it the most majestic and imposing ancient site still-standing nowadays.. It has been said "perhaps there is nothing in the world that resembles it", actually, for sure, there is nothing in the world that resembles it. The rock-carved rose-red city of Petra is full of mysterious charm, it was "designed to strike wonder into all who entered it". Petra is considered the most famous and gorgeous site in Jordan located about 133 km north of Aqaba (where we crossed into Jordan). It is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, Petra is now a UNESCO world heritage site and one of The New 7 Wonders of the World that enchants visitors from all corners of the globe. We were all in awe of this place!
The approach through a kilometer long, cool, and gloom chasm (or Siq) a long narrow gorge whose steeply rising sides all but obliterate the sun, provides a dramatic contrast with the magic to come. Suddenly the gorge opens into a natural square dominated by Petra's most famous monument, The Treasury (El-Khazneh), whose intricately carved facade glows in the dazzling sun.
Other palaces and tombs.
And of course, the obligatory camel picture!
Enjoy! Tomorrow - a day of rest and packing - some of us may snorkel. We will have our farewell dinner and will connect with you one last time.
SHALOM!
Going South to Eilat and Jordan
Dear Friends:
Sorry for the delay. On Sunday morning, we left cold, raining Jerusalem and headed south. Due to the large amounts of rain, we were forced to cancel our trip to Beer Sheva to visit David Ben Gurion's kibbutz and grave - the rain waters filled the wadis and caused flooding, which we saw on the Dead Sea road going south. So, we're in Israel - let us create a new adventure.
First, we went to the Peace Observation Point - a special site along the Arava that connects the Jordanian/Israeli borders. This is a special place created by the Jewish National Fund to help create a better border between these two countries - especially in the issue of water management.
Then we went further south to Kibbutz Lotan, where our guide, David is from. Kibbutz Lotan, situated in the Arava Desert in Southern Israel , is a community based on a modern liberal approach to Judaism that strives to fulfill values of equality between the sexes, equality in work, genuine communication between people and a commitment to environmental concerns and ecology as an expression of Lotan’s Progressive Jewish and Zionist orientation. The Center for Creative Ecology’s work is rooted in “Tikun Olam”-the Jewish concept for repairing and transforming the world. The Center started as a dream and vision. It began with a small desert organic garden, expanded to include a migratory bird reserve and nature trails, and continued to extensive alternative building projects. Kibbutz Lotan and the Center for Creative Ecology sponsor educational groups for short visits, workshops and longer-term, in-depth educational programming. We all were amazed in the incredible work they have been doing.
After a long day's journey, we finally arrived to Eilat to the beautiful Dan Panorama Hotel. The view from my balcony is of the harbor - see the boats:
See the next post about our trip to Petra, Jordan.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Shabbat in Jerusalem
Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem!
This morning, we went to the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion for Shabbat morning services. Both Karen (our congregation's president) and I were given honors (hagbah and g'lilah). The service was all in Hebrew, but the sermon and announcements were in English. Everyone enjoyed watching the future cantors of America co-lead the service with Rabbi Michael Marmur (Dean). Following services, we joined together for kiddush and motzi, shared with everyone where they were from (congregations and rabbis from California, Florida, New York, Georgia, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Illinois).
A problem when visiting Israel in February is that it can rain. Well, today, the skies opened and the temperature dropped. It was even sleeting. This has been a dry winter for Israel, so everyone didn't mind the downpour. Have no fear, it is in the rain that we journeyed to the Christian Quarter of the Old City to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and some of the stations of the Via Delorosa (Cross).
We learned that the three primary custodians of the church, first appointed when Crusaders held Jerusalem, are the Greek Orthodox, the Armenian Apostolic and Roman Catholic churches. In the 19th century, the Coptic Orthodox, the Ethiopian Orthodox and the Syrian Orthodox acquired lesser responsibilities, which include shrines and other structures within and around the building. An agreement regulates times and places of worship for each Church as they do not get along well.
We learned much about the Christian faith; and more importantly, we were able to see the many similarities to Judaism, especially with the preparing of the body and the burial in the tomb. The church's chaotic history is evident in what visitors see today. Byzantine, medieval, Crusader, and modern elements mix in an odd mish-mash of styles, and each governing Christian community has decorated its shrines in its own distinctive way. In many ways, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is not what one would imagine for the holiest site in all Christendom, and it can easily disappoint. But at the same time, its noble history and immense religious importance is such that a visit can also be very meaningful to the faithful.
Here is part of the mural depicting the taking down of Jesus from the cross and preparing his body for burial:
We ended our Shabbat with Havdalah and enjoyed our last evening in Jerusalem. Tomorrow, we head south to Eilat. We then prepare for our journey to Petra, Jordan. Enjoy!
This morning, we went to the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion for Shabbat morning services. Both Karen (our congregation's president) and I were given honors (hagbah and g'lilah). The service was all in Hebrew, but the sermon and announcements were in English. Everyone enjoyed watching the future cantors of America co-lead the service with Rabbi Michael Marmur (Dean). Following services, we joined together for kiddush and motzi, shared with everyone where they were from (congregations and rabbis from California, Florida, New York, Georgia, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Illinois).
A problem when visiting Israel in February is that it can rain. Well, today, the skies opened and the temperature dropped. It was even sleeting. This has been a dry winter for Israel, so everyone didn't mind the downpour. Have no fear, it is in the rain that we journeyed to the Christian Quarter of the Old City to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and some of the stations of the Via Delorosa (Cross).
We learned that the three primary custodians of the church, first appointed when Crusaders held Jerusalem, are the Greek Orthodox, the Armenian Apostolic and Roman Catholic churches. In the 19th century, the Coptic Orthodox, the Ethiopian Orthodox and the Syrian Orthodox acquired lesser responsibilities, which include shrines and other structures within and around the building. An agreement regulates times and places of worship for each Church as they do not get along well.
We learned much about the Christian faith; and more importantly, we were able to see the many similarities to Judaism, especially with the preparing of the body and the burial in the tomb. The church's chaotic history is evident in what visitors see today. Byzantine, medieval, Crusader, and modern elements mix in an odd mish-mash of styles, and each governing Christian community has decorated its shrines in its own distinctive way. In many ways, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is not what one would imagine for the holiest site in all Christendom, and it can easily disappoint. But at the same time, its noble history and immense religious importance is such that a visit can also be very meaningful to the faithful.
Here is part of the mural depicting the taking down of Jesus from the cross and preparing his body for burial:
We ended our Shabbat with Havdalah and enjoyed our last evening in Jerusalem. Tomorrow, we head south to Eilat. We then prepare for our journey to Petra, Jordan. Enjoy!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Jerusalem's Soul
Dear Friends:
Today, we visited the Caprice Diamond Center, Israel's #1 exporter of diamonds. After learning of the technique of cutting and polishing the stones, we were able to see the beautiful product. In addition, the Israel Art Center shares the space with them - artists create amazing works using both precious stones as well as other mediums. Check out the special chair made from Olive Wood:
Afterwards, we visited the Israeli Kenesset, home of the elected leadership of Israel. Outside stands the beautiful Menorah - connecting the government with the Temple Mount of the pass. Of course, a wonderful opportunity for a group photo:
We then went to the Holocaust Memorial Museum - Yad Vashem. It is a powerful exhibit that chronicles the horrific events that decimated 1/3 of the Jewish population from 1933-1945. All of us were moved, especially at the Children's Memorial - remembering the 1.5 million children under 16 who were murdered. This picture is of the Yad Vashem candle - symbolizing the light and smoke of 6 million billowing upward.
We are now preparing for Shabbat - joining with our friends of Temple Emanu-El of Edison, NJ for Kabbalat Shabbat services at the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in Jerusalem, my seminary.
Shabbat Shalom to everyone - we'll reconnect after Shabbat tomorrow.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Dead Sea - Part 2
Ralph and Elliot Floating
Hey! I can't sink here!
I'm the President - Nothing gets me down!
Our Day at Masada and the Dead Sea - Part 1
David - our guide explains Masada
The bedroom of King Herod's Masada Winter Palace.
Some actors explaining life on Masada.
A cave at Qumran.
Masada and the Dead Sea
Dear Friends:
Today, we journeyed south to the mountain fortress, Masada. Special kudos to Valerie and Barry who left early to climb the snake path up! We joined them on top as we sped in our cable car. This is the final outpost of the Zealot Jews in their rebellion against Roman authority (66–73 CE). Located in the Judaean Desert, the fortress sits atop a mesa-shaped rock that towers some 1,300 ft (400 m) above the western shore of the Dead Sea. According to the ancient historian Josephus, Masada was first fortified sometime during the 1st or 2d cent. BCE. Between 37 and 31 BCE, Herod the Great, king of Judaea, further strengthened Masada, building two ornate palaces, a bathhouse, aqueducts, and surrounding siege walls. A special treat occurred because the stairway to the middle and lower levels of the palace were open to us - what a spectacular view!
In 66, with the outbreak of the Jewish war against Rome, the Zealots, an extremist Jewish sect, seized the fortress in a surprise attack and massacred its Roman garrison. Masada remained under Zealot control until 73, when, after a siege, the 15,000 soldiers of Rome's tenth legion finally subdued the 960 men, women, and children holding the fortress. In a final act of defiance, however, almost all of the Jewish defenders had killed themselves rather than be captured and enslaved by the Romans. Only two women and five children survived to tell of the Zealots' last action. Most archaeologists believe the siege lasted several months, although some have suggested it may have taken only a few weeks. We explored the various excavations and saw the ramp the Romans built to take Masada. There is much history, but much more is needed to understand what happened here.
We then went to Qumran, home of the famous caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. In addition, an Ahava Outlet Store - Ahava Beauty Products come from the Dead Sea. As their brochure shares, "the Earth is the largest natural spa. Located on the lowest point of the planet (410 meters below sea level), it abounds with a variety of minerals with proven therapeutic powers and cosmetic benefits. The life-giving waters of the Dead Sea contain the highest concentration of minerals in the world – an astounding 32%. Its sedimentary clay layers of rich, black mineral mud yield extraordinary concentrations of natural elements (ten times more than ocean water) – such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, strontium, boron and iron – that are essential to maintaining healthy, supple skin. Finally, the exceptionally low altitude provides for a dense blanket of pure, pollution-free oxygen that supplies added protection in filtering out the sun’s harmful rays. These are only some of the reasons why people come from all over the world to enjoy this magical, health-enhancing oasis." So, some of us shopped till we dropped! But we all have beautiful skin now!
We spent some time exploring the ancient community of Qumran and we could see many caves - some which held the scrolls found in the late 1940's and early 1950's. It is a fascinating archaeological site as it raises more questions about the Essenes than answers. From here, we went to the Dead Sea itself and got into the waters. We all came out glowing and feeling refreshed! It is definitely something everyone should try at least once.
I apologize in advance - getting the photos uploaded has become challenging. I will post a photo review after March 2nd. See you soon
Today, we journeyed south to the mountain fortress, Masada. Special kudos to Valerie and Barry who left early to climb the snake path up! We joined them on top as we sped in our cable car. This is the final outpost of the Zealot Jews in their rebellion against Roman authority (66–73 CE). Located in the Judaean Desert, the fortress sits atop a mesa-shaped rock that towers some 1,300 ft (400 m) above the western shore of the Dead Sea. According to the ancient historian Josephus, Masada was first fortified sometime during the 1st or 2d cent. BCE. Between 37 and 31 BCE, Herod the Great, king of Judaea, further strengthened Masada, building two ornate palaces, a bathhouse, aqueducts, and surrounding siege walls. A special treat occurred because the stairway to the middle and lower levels of the palace were open to us - what a spectacular view!
In 66, with the outbreak of the Jewish war against Rome, the Zealots, an extremist Jewish sect, seized the fortress in a surprise attack and massacred its Roman garrison. Masada remained under Zealot control until 73, when, after a siege, the 15,000 soldiers of Rome's tenth legion finally subdued the 960 men, women, and children holding the fortress. In a final act of defiance, however, almost all of the Jewish defenders had killed themselves rather than be captured and enslaved by the Romans. Only two women and five children survived to tell of the Zealots' last action. Most archaeologists believe the siege lasted several months, although some have suggested it may have taken only a few weeks. We explored the various excavations and saw the ramp the Romans built to take Masada. There is much history, but much more is needed to understand what happened here.
We then went to Qumran, home of the famous caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. In addition, an Ahava Outlet Store - Ahava Beauty Products come from the Dead Sea. As their brochure shares, "the Earth is the largest natural spa. Located on the lowest point of the planet (410 meters below sea level), it abounds with a variety of minerals with proven therapeutic powers and cosmetic benefits. The life-giving waters of the Dead Sea contain the highest concentration of minerals in the world – an astounding 32%. Its sedimentary clay layers of rich, black mineral mud yield extraordinary concentrations of natural elements (ten times more than ocean water) – such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, strontium, boron and iron – that are essential to maintaining healthy, supple skin. Finally, the exceptionally low altitude provides for a dense blanket of pure, pollution-free oxygen that supplies added protection in filtering out the sun’s harmful rays. These are only some of the reasons why people come from all over the world to enjoy this magical, health-enhancing oasis." So, some of us shopped till we dropped! But we all have beautiful skin now!
We spent some time exploring the ancient community of Qumran and we could see many caves - some which held the scrolls found in the late 1940's and early 1950's. It is a fascinating archaeological site as it raises more questions about the Essenes than answers. From here, we went to the Dead Sea itself and got into the waters. We all came out glowing and feeling refreshed! It is definitely something everyone should try at least once.
I apologize in advance - getting the photos uploaded has become challenging. I will post a photo review after March 2nd. See you soon
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Jerusalem - A Holy City
Today, we left our kibbutz and traveled south towards Jerusalem. Our fist stop was to Kohav HaYarden – The Star of the Jordan – a Crusade castle from the end of the 11th century. We learned that it was defeated by the Arab Conquest; however, the views of the entire Jordan Valley alone were stunning.
We then journeyed south, passing through the border control as we entered into Samaria – you may know it as the West Bank. We discussed how this section of the land is controlled by the Palestinian Authority and has been peaceful as there really is a desire to find a way to co-exist with one another. When we left the castle, we were approximately 1200 feet about sea level. By the time we passed Jericho and began our ascent into Jerusalem, we were 350 meters below sea level. Slowly, we climbed into the Judean mountains and we saw the Old City in all of its majesty. We stopped at Mount Scopus (home of the Hebrew University) and looked out to the entire city, enjoying fresh challah, grape juice and joining together to recite the Shehechianu (a prayer of rejoicing)!
We entered the Old City through the Zion Gate into the Jewish Quarter, visiting the Cardo (Roman ruins), attending a wonderful presentation at the Davidson Center to learn the history of the 2nd Temple, and explored the ruins surrounding the Temple Mount. Following this, we all went to the Kotel (Western Wall, Wailing Wall) to offer our own prayers and thoughts – many of us place the prayers of loved ones and friends into the wall’s crack. Afterwards, we spent some time in the Moslem Quarter, shopping in the shuk (open air market) – some were able to get some great souvenirs – bargaining all of the way!
We then walked to the other end of the Moslem Quarter to take a peak at the Dome of the Rock and stopped to have some Turkish coffee and tea at a friendly shop. We even celebrated Ralph’s birthday with a special ritual – check out the photo!
We then walked underneath the Western Wall in the newly excavated tunnels, learning of the great building that Herod and those that followed created. It was fascinating and exciting for everyone. After a long day, we are now resting for tomorrow’s journey to Masada and the Dead Sea. Enjoy sharing this journey with us.
**NOTE: Pictures are delayed - I will try to upload them tomorrow. **
We then journeyed south, passing through the border control as we entered into Samaria – you may know it as the West Bank. We discussed how this section of the land is controlled by the Palestinian Authority and has been peaceful as there really is a desire to find a way to co-exist with one another. When we left the castle, we were approximately 1200 feet about sea level. By the time we passed Jericho and began our ascent into Jerusalem, we were 350 meters below sea level. Slowly, we climbed into the Judean mountains and we saw the Old City in all of its majesty. We stopped at Mount Scopus (home of the Hebrew University) and looked out to the entire city, enjoying fresh challah, grape juice and joining together to recite the Shehechianu (a prayer of rejoicing)!
We entered the Old City through the Zion Gate into the Jewish Quarter, visiting the Cardo (Roman ruins), attending a wonderful presentation at the Davidson Center to learn the history of the 2nd Temple, and explored the ruins surrounding the Temple Mount. Following this, we all went to the Kotel (Western Wall, Wailing Wall) to offer our own prayers and thoughts – many of us place the prayers of loved ones and friends into the wall’s crack. Afterwards, we spent some time in the Moslem Quarter, shopping in the shuk (open air market) – some were able to get some great souvenirs – bargaining all of the way!
We then walked to the other end of the Moslem Quarter to take a peak at the Dome of the Rock and stopped to have some Turkish coffee and tea at a friendly shop. We even celebrated Ralph’s birthday with a special ritual – check out the photo!
We then walked underneath the Western Wall in the newly excavated tunnels, learning of the great building that Herod and those that followed created. It was fascinating and exciting for everyone. After a long day, we are now resting for tomorrow’s journey to Masada and the Dead Sea. Enjoy sharing this journey with us.
**NOTE: Pictures are delayed - I will try to upload them tomorrow. **
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Up North We Go!
This morning, after a restful evening in the beautiful Kibbutz Nof Ginosaur on the Galilee (Kinneret Lake), we went into the Kna’an Mountains to visit the city of Tzfat (Safed). 
( Joseph Caro's synagogue's Ark)
(Notice the book held in the middle - the man is in prayer, but not making a sound!)
After lunch, we went further north to Mount Bental - the location that allowed us to see Syria as well as the abandoned community of Kuerinta. On the way, we stayed on a road that ran between mine fields on both sides. On the mountaintop, the bunkers and gun mounts are all rusting and kids play among them, but one cannot help but think of how dangerous it used to be here.
(Dinner last night)
This city has ancient synagogues and art galleries within this Kabalistic city. We visited the famous Joseph Caro Synagogue where he studied and wrote the famous code of Jewish law, the Shulchan Aruch. We attempted to also visit the Abuhav Synagogue (location of all of the kabbalistic interpretations of the Passover seder); however, we could not get in since they were observing a special day of absolute silence - NO TALKING - and they would not let anyone in. Some of us commented what a great holiday if we could get our kids to follow!
( Joseph Caro's synagogue's Ark)(Notice the book held in the middle - the man is in prayer, but not making a sound!)Next, we headed further north into the Golan Heights and visited the famous Golan Winery. A great tour and more importantly, a fun tasting - remember, you are supposed to drink only a taste and then spit out the rest, right?!?!?
After lunch, we went further north to Mount Bental - the location that allowed us to see Syria as well as the abandoned community of Kuerinta. On the way, we stayed on a road that ran between mine fields on both sides. On the mountaintop, the bunkers and gun mounts are all rusting and kids play among them, but one cannot help but think of how dangerous it used to be here.
Afterwards, we visited the talmudic village of Katzrin, where rabbis and communities lived together until the end of the 6th century. The synagogue was fascinating considering that men and women sat together and that the community all supported one another - mainly to survive.
Our day concluded when we returned to our kibbutz guesthouse and to its museum which contains the "Jesus Boat," a 2000 year old boat excavated from the time of Jesus. A fascinating archaeological find! Tomorrow, we head to Jerusalem! Enjoy the pictures.
Shalom v-l'hitra'ot.
Monday, February 16, 2009
More Pictures - Day Two
The Gardens inside the Crusaders' Castle in Acco.
Sitting in the home of a Druze family enjoying the hospitality.
Near the baths inside Herod's palace at Ceasarea.
Some Pictures
The group in Independence HallYitchak Rabin's site of assasination
Learning about Yitchak Rabin's Assasination
Day Two - Traveling North Along the Coastline
Today, we traveled north on the coastal highway and visited the ruins at Ceasarea - the ancient harbor, huge Roman Amphitheater and 1st century excavations built by King Herod. We also saw the remnants of the Arab Conquest, the Crusaders, the Ottoman Empire as well as the Bosnian settlements of the 19th century. We were amazed at the amount of engineering technology that was present from the 1st century BCE. We learned a Latin word: vomitoria – the name of the entrances/exits of the theater (vaulted passage) - not the reaction of patrons to a show! Throughout the entire archaeological site, we experienced the beauty of the Mediterranean.
Next, we went to the Druze village, Tirat HaCarmel. We visited someone's home, sat on the couches in the living room and shared Druze pizza (picture pita bread baked with olive oil and lots of spices - it was very good) and some hot tea. We learned about the Druze people and their faith - very unique. We then journeyed to Acco to visit the ruins of the Crusades and the vast structure they built to protect their control. It is also the location of the infamous prison that housed members of the Hagana and other fighters during the period of the British rule - the most famous being Menachim Begin.
We are here during raining season and this afternoon, the clouds opened up. Unfortunately, this shortened out day (we were unable to see the famous gardens outside the Bahai temple). We have settled in the beautiful hotel at Kibbutz Nof Giosaur. See the next posting for some pictures.
Shalom!
Next, we went to the Druze village, Tirat HaCarmel. We visited someone's home, sat on the couches in the living room and shared Druze pizza (picture pita bread baked with olive oil and lots of spices - it was very good) and some hot tea. We learned about the Druze people and their faith - very unique. We then journeyed to Acco to visit the ruins of the Crusades and the vast structure they built to protect their control. It is also the location of the infamous prison that housed members of the Hagana and other fighters during the period of the British rule - the most famous being Menachim Begin.
We are here during raining season and this afternoon, the clouds opened up. Unfortunately, this shortened out day (we were unable to see the famous gardens outside the Bahai temple). We have settled in the beautiful hotel at Kibbutz Nof Giosaur. See the next posting for some pictures.
Shalom!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
We Have Arrived to Israel Safely
Dear Friends:
B’ruchim Habaim – Welcome to Israel! After 10 ½ hours on a nice Continental flight, we arrived to David Ben Burion Airport in Tel Aviv on this beautiful, sunny day here in Israel. After getting through Passport control, obtaining our luggage and walking through customs, we went outside to our deluxe motorcoach and met our wonderful guide, David Schoneveld. For those of us who have been to Israel before, we appreciated and admired the new “2000” terminal. However, we missed walking down the steps onto the tarmac and “officially” stepping onto Israeli soil.
Even though many of us did not sleep at all or only a few winks here and there, we began our touring immediately to adjust to the time change (we’re 7 hours ahead). First, we visited the site where Yitzchak Rabin was assassinated. It was a sad reminder of what happens when hatred and misunderstanding become leading forces for us. Following this visit, we went to a local mall (YES - I know, we don't have malls in New Jersey!?!?). The enviornment is the same as home, but there is definitely a Hebrew twist. He had lunch in the food court - and we saw Kosher Burger King and Kosher McDonalds.
Afterwards, we visited the Hagana Museum and the Hall where the Declaration of Independence was declared. It was very interested learning of the full formation of Israel's defense forces as well as her indepedence. To say the least, we are all exhausted and it was time to check into the hotel and get some rest and wash up.
After showers and a brief rest, we gathered to share our time together at our Welcome Dinner at a local Mid-Eastern restaurant. It was very good with the various salads, meat dishes, and delcious dessert. What a wonderful way to begin our first day!
I'm unable to upload the pictures - I'll try again tomorrow.
Rabbi Malinger
B’ruchim Habaim – Welcome to Israel! After 10 ½ hours on a nice Continental flight, we arrived to David Ben Burion Airport in Tel Aviv on this beautiful, sunny day here in Israel. After getting through Passport control, obtaining our luggage and walking through customs, we went outside to our deluxe motorcoach and met our wonderful guide, David Schoneveld. For those of us who have been to Israel before, we appreciated and admired the new “2000” terminal. However, we missed walking down the steps onto the tarmac and “officially” stepping onto Israeli soil.
Even though many of us did not sleep at all or only a few winks here and there, we began our touring immediately to adjust to the time change (we’re 7 hours ahead). First, we visited the site where Yitzchak Rabin was assassinated. It was a sad reminder of what happens when hatred and misunderstanding become leading forces for us. Following this visit, we went to a local mall (YES - I know, we don't have malls in New Jersey!?!?). The enviornment is the same as home, but there is definitely a Hebrew twist. He had lunch in the food court - and we saw Kosher Burger King and Kosher McDonalds.
Afterwards, we visited the Hagana Museum and the Hall where the Declaration of Independence was declared. It was very interested learning of the full formation of Israel's defense forces as well as her indepedence. To say the least, we are all exhausted and it was time to check into the hotel and get some rest and wash up.
After showers and a brief rest, we gathered to share our time together at our Welcome Dinner at a local Mid-Eastern restaurant. It was very good with the various salads, meat dishes, and delcious dessert. What a wonderful way to begin our first day!
I'm unable to upload the pictures - I'll try again tomorrow.
Rabbi Malinger
Saturday, February 14, 2009
We're Off - A Safe Journey
Jews always have been a traveling people, whether by chance or by choice. Beginning with the Torah portion Lech L’cha in the book of Genesis, God tells Abraham to leave the country of his birth to find a new land and a better life in what will become the Promised Land. Exodus chronicles the story of Passover, and the journey to escape famine becomes a journey to escape slavery.With the fall of the First Temple, the Jewish people are removed forcibly from the Promised Land by the Babylonians—although they return a few generations later to reclaim the Land. After the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans, the Jews are taken to all the lands of the Roman Empire. These migrations spread the Jewish people to every corner of the earth.
Our journeys did not stop with the Roman conquest. In search of new lands and new freedoms, many Jews left Europe—looking to America or other countries that would offer them refuge. Some resettled the Land of Israel.These journeys have continued into our day with the mass exodus of Russian Jews and with the aliyah to Israel of the Ethiopian Jews.We are a people on the move.
Today, 13 members of Temple Shalom and I leave for Israel. Prior to our take-off, we will recite the prayer called, "Tefillah HaDerech - The Travelers' Prayer."
May it be Your will, Eternal One our God and the God of our ancestors, to guide us in peace, to sustain us in peace, to lead us to our desired destination in health and joy and peace, and to bring us home in peace. Save us from every enemy and disaster on the way, and from all calamities that threaten the world. Bless the work of our hands. May we find grace, love and compassion in Your sight and in the sight of all who see us. Hear our supplication, for You listen to prayer and supplication. Blessed are You, Eternal One, who hears prayer. AMEN.
Check back for tomorrow for our first pictures from Tel Aviv! Shalom!
Our journeys did not stop with the Roman conquest. In search of new lands and new freedoms, many Jews left Europe—looking to America or other countries that would offer them refuge. Some resettled the Land of Israel.These journeys have continued into our day with the mass exodus of Russian Jews and with the aliyah to Israel of the Ethiopian Jews.We are a people on the move.
Today, 13 members of Temple Shalom and I leave for Israel. Prior to our take-off, we will recite the prayer called, "Tefillah HaDerech - The Travelers' Prayer."
May it be Your will, Eternal One our God and the God of our ancestors, to guide us in peace, to sustain us in peace, to lead us to our desired destination in health and joy and peace, and to bring us home in peace. Save us from every enemy and disaster on the way, and from all calamities that threaten the world. Bless the work of our hands. May we find grace, love and compassion in Your sight and in the sight of all who see us. Hear our supplication, for You listen to prayer and supplication. Blessed are You, Eternal One, who hears prayer. AMEN.
Check back for tomorrow for our first pictures from Tel Aviv! Shalom!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Parshat Yitro and Israel
Although American Jews and Israelis share a strong and mutual feeling of solidarity, U.S. coreligionists have a very low willingness to strengthen the relationship, according to a new study on the subject released from the Jewish Peoplehood research on February 1st. We learn that only 68% of American Jews feel connected to their Israeli counterparts. However, the research also shows that Americans possess a drastically lower level of willingness than the Israelis' when it comes to strengthening the bond. These two groups have scarce direct contact which may explain this. In contrast with past research projects, the Jewish Peoplehood survey also showed most Israelis perceive themselves as Jewish first, and only then as Israeli.
This week's parsha, Yitro, is most famous for the revelation on Mt.Sinai, but the lesser-known beginning section is just as interesting. As the Israeliteshead on out into the wilderness, they meet up with Yitro, Moses' father-in-law, who sees that Moses is surely headed towards "burn-out" from trying to deal with all the people's needs himself. So Yitro offers some good advice about trusting others with important work; he tells Moses to appoint captains on a local level, who can resolve minor problems themselves:"And they shall judge the people at all times, and it shall be that any major matter they shall bring to you, and they themselves shall judge every minor matter, thereby making it easier for you, and they shall bear [the burden] with you." (Exodus 18:22). Moses takes his father-in-law's advice, and implements the plan.
Moses understood that this lesson applied to rich and poor alike, and when he taught the local judges, he instructed them to pass onto him the "hard" cases- that is, the complex ones, whether or not they involved rich or poor.So far, so good - this is a beautiful way of expressing Judaism's ethic of fairness and the dignity of every person. Rich and poor, peasant and prince, all are equal under the law, because they are all made in the Divine Image, and thus possessed of an inherent dignity and right to redress grievances.
This is so important to remember on a communal and national level - each person should be important to us,because central to our faith is that each person is important to God. Yet there is one more aspect of this interpretation that I find inspiring - a medieval rabbi's midrash sees in Moses a lawgiver of great integrity, but also a leader of great humility. In this teaching, Moses didn't reject Yitro's flawed suggestion, but listened carefully to it, took what was good in it, and quietly improved upon it, while at the same time allowing Yitro the honor of seeing his idea made into reality. That, to me, is the first implementation of Moses' attention to human dignity - that even though he had to slightly modify Yitro's plan, he did so in a way which preserved his honor and feelings.It's not always easy to treat an other's honor as your own; it requires integrity, thoughtfulness, and humility. Yet in so doing, we can better see each person - rich or poor, family or stranger, as an opportunity to meet the Sacred, and thus make inseparable our spiritual growth and our ethical horizons.
On our journey tomorrow, we will begin the process of connecting and strengthening our relationship with our Israeli brethren. May we be like Moses and find ways to honor our Israeli brothers and sisters and realize as American Jews, we all benefit with a strong relationship.
Shabbat Shalom
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Some Analysis of Israel's Elections
Israel held their National Elections on Tuesday and the results are very interesting with Kadima (the centrist party) holding a one seat edge over Likud (the conservative party). Here is an analysis according to the Haaretz Editorial Board:
"If Netanyahu prefers to cling to ideological purism and fulfill his campaign promises to oppose any territorial withdrawal or evacuation of settlements, he needs to bring the far-right and religious factions into his government. He would thereby merit the praise bestowed by his new partner in the leadership, Benny Begin, as someone who has "changed" and "returned to the Likud's roots.""
However, such a coalition would come with a threefold cost: It would face heavy international pressure to resume the peace process and stop settlement construction, it would bloat the budget with financing for the ultra-Orthodox parties' demands, and it would suffer from internal tensions between Lieberman and Shas. The second alternative, which involves bringing Kadima and perhaps even Labor into the government, would deprive Netanyahu of ideological zeal and make it hard for him to implement the economic reforms he promised. But he would thereby greatly reduce the extortionary power of Lieberman and the religious parties, and free himself of reliance on the extremists of the National Union. Such a government would reduce international pressure on Israel a little. Moreover, it would be able to conduct a more responsible fiscal policy at a time of recession, and perhaps even advance interim agreements with the Palestinians and Syria.
Netanyahu would have to contend with pressures from within his party, but he would enjoy some room to maneuver among his coalition partners. During the campaign, Netanyahu said that the worst mistake of his previous term was his decision to form a rightist government rather than a coalition with Labor. He surely remembers that the right-wing factions were the ones that brought his government down after he signed the Wye River Memorandum with Yasser Arafat. Now, he once again faces the choice between an ideological government centered around opposition to territorial withdrawals and a government that would be more attentive to the international community. Neither would be Netanyahu's dream government. But his choice of coalition partners will tell us how he intends to lead Israel in the coming years.
We will be in Jerusalem when the coalition attempts will be in full swing. Will Netanyahu partner with Livni to create a right-centrist government; or will it be a full tilt to the radical right? Only time will tell, but it is our hope and prayer that whatever the solution, a peace process will be on the agenda.
"If Netanyahu prefers to cling to ideological purism and fulfill his campaign promises to oppose any territorial withdrawal or evacuation of settlements, he needs to bring the far-right and religious factions into his government. He would thereby merit the praise bestowed by his new partner in the leadership, Benny Begin, as someone who has "changed" and "returned to the Likud's roots.""
However, such a coalition would come with a threefold cost: It would face heavy international pressure to resume the peace process and stop settlement construction, it would bloat the budget with financing for the ultra-Orthodox parties' demands, and it would suffer from internal tensions between Lieberman and Shas. The second alternative, which involves bringing Kadima and perhaps even Labor into the government, would deprive Netanyahu of ideological zeal and make it hard for him to implement the economic reforms he promised. But he would thereby greatly reduce the extortionary power of Lieberman and the religious parties, and free himself of reliance on the extremists of the National Union. Such a government would reduce international pressure on Israel a little. Moreover, it would be able to conduct a more responsible fiscal policy at a time of recession, and perhaps even advance interim agreements with the Palestinians and Syria.
Netanyahu would have to contend with pressures from within his party, but he would enjoy some room to maneuver among his coalition partners. During the campaign, Netanyahu said that the worst mistake of his previous term was his decision to form a rightist government rather than a coalition with Labor. He surely remembers that the right-wing factions were the ones that brought his government down after he signed the Wye River Memorandum with Yasser Arafat. Now, he once again faces the choice between an ideological government centered around opposition to territorial withdrawals and a government that would be more attentive to the international community. Neither would be Netanyahu's dream government. But his choice of coalition partners will tell us how he intends to lead Israel in the coming years.
We will be in Jerusalem when the coalition attempts will be in full swing. Will Netanyahu partner with Livni to create a right-centrist government; or will it be a full tilt to the radical right? Only time will tell, but it is our hope and prayer that whatever the solution, a peace process will be on the agenda.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Mitzvot as We Travel to Israel
As we finalize our packing for Israel, we will fulfill some mitzvot during our travels. First, some of us have collected excess school supplies and will be donating them to the Ethiopian Absorption Center in Jerusalem. This is the lesson of our tradition that we are following:
If there is a poor person among you... you shall open your hand to him... (Deut. 15:7-8) All Jews are like brothers and sisters, as we see from the Rambam in Hilchot Matnat Aniyim (10:2). As we learn in the Talmud, giving tzedakah is equal to all other mitzvot. (Bava Basra 9a) We also learn that one should give with a smile... and also offer kind words. Ultimately, by giving tzedakah, one demonstrates that one understands that the purpose of life is to help others, as it says, "This world is built on kindness: (Psalms 89:1).
The second mitzvah we will perform is Prayer. Our tradition has always taught that as a nation every individual is indispensable and the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts. This is especially true in the world of Jewish prayer. According to the Zohar, Judaism's esoteric text, the power of prayer increases exponentially, as the number of people who join together to pray increases. A Jerusalem sage, HaRav HaGaon Mustafi, teaches that according to a formula derived from the Zohar:
1 person who says Psalms alone has the power of 1;
2 people saying Psalms together have the power equivalent to 21 individuals
3 people saying Psalms together have the power of 321 individuals
4 people saying Psalms together have the power of 4321 individuals
5 people saying Psalms together have the power of 54,321 individuals
6 people saying Psalms together have the power of 654,321 individuals and so on... With each individual that joins the group the power of the group continues to multiply exponentially so according to this formula, if there are 10 people in a group they have the prayer power equivalent to 10,987,654,321 individuals saying Psalms on their own!
We will bring your prayers to place into the crevices at the Western Wall as well as offer tzedakah to those in need. May all of us soon have a world filled with peace and wholeness.
If there is a poor person among you... you shall open your hand to him... (Deut. 15:7-8) All Jews are like brothers and sisters, as we see from the Rambam in Hilchot Matnat Aniyim (10:2). As we learn in the Talmud, giving tzedakah is equal to all other mitzvot. (Bava Basra 9a) We also learn that one should give with a smile... and also offer kind words. Ultimately, by giving tzedakah, one demonstrates that one understands that the purpose of life is to help others, as it says, "This world is built on kindness: (Psalms 89:1).
The second mitzvah we will perform is Prayer. Our tradition has always taught that as a nation every individual is indispensable and the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts. This is especially true in the world of Jewish prayer. According to the Zohar, Judaism's esoteric text, the power of prayer increases exponentially, as the number of people who join together to pray increases. A Jerusalem sage, HaRav HaGaon Mustafi, teaches that according to a formula derived from the Zohar:
1 person who says Psalms alone has the power of 1;
2 people saying Psalms together have the power equivalent to 21 individuals
3 people saying Psalms together have the power of 321 individuals
4 people saying Psalms together have the power of 4321 individuals
5 people saying Psalms together have the power of 54,321 individuals
6 people saying Psalms together have the power of 654,321 individuals and so on... With each individual that joins the group the power of the group continues to multiply exponentially so according to this formula, if there are 10 people in a group they have the prayer power equivalent to 10,987,654,321 individuals saying Psalms on their own!
We will bring your prayers to place into the crevices at the Western Wall as well as offer tzedakah to those in need. May all of us soon have a world filled with peace and wholeness.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Israel's National Elections
Today, Israel is holding elections. We'll be there on Sunday when the winning party will formally begin the process of forming a coalition. I've attached a commentary written by HaAretz, a daily newspaper in Israel:
This morning, Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu will be asking himself how the devil he managed to lose about 10 seats in the polls in less than two months - one seat for every two advisors - and thereby turn a certain victory into a tight race, a walk in the park into a stretcher march. This morning, Tzipi Livni will be asking herself how the devil she will manage to form a government, even if her Kadima party edges out Likud. And whether a government that will exist only by the grace of Yisrael Beiteinu head Avigdor Lieberman really represents the different, cleaner brand of politics she promised, or advances her stated goal of making peace. This morning, Ehud Barak will be asking himself how the devil, despite the fighting in Gaza and the admiration it won him, his Labor Party is once again shedding seats, to the point where he was forced to admit publicly that he is running only for the post of defense minister, not prime minister. Is the Defense Ministry really his glass ceiling?
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This morning, Avigdor Lieberman will be asking himself whether his great victory may not turn out to be his downfall. What if, for instance, the attorney general bars him from serving as a senior minister because of the police investigation against him? Or if the entire world ostracizes him as an Israeli Jean-Marie Le Pen, forcing future prime ministers to leave him out of their governments? Or if his meteoric rise prompts the law enforcement agencies to finally finish their eternal investigation and recommend that he be indicted? Tonight, the race for the public's votes will end and the race for the parties' votes - their recommendation to the president as to who should be prime minister - will begin. What started as one of the most boring, low-energy campaigns in memory has almost overnight turned into a political drama. But it is a drama with definite limits: It is already clear that the Likud-rightist-religious bloc will come out ahead. The question that generates the drama - whether Likud or Kadima will emerge as the largest party - is actually of secondary importance. Regardless of which party wins more votes, the candidate who gets the president's nod to try to form a government next week will be the one with the best chance of doing so. If, as people from both parties claimed yesterday, the gap between Likud and Kadima has continued to narrow, the race will be decided by three things: organization, organization and organization.
All those floating voters will finally have to decide. They will not be happy with their choice, but they always end up voting. Voting and crying. Yesterday's big event was Barak's public admission that he is running for defense minister, not prime minister. The penny finally dropped - as always with him, belatedly. His associates urged him to go one step further and declare that Livni will not form the next government, so there is no point in voting for her. But that was too much for him. His preference would be for the three major parties to sit together in the next government, perhaps with one or two religious parties thrown in. And that could yet come to pass.
As for yesterday's comic interlude, we had Netanyahu's joint appearance with the national orphan, Yitzhak Rabin's son Yuval. In a stumbling speech, Rabin announced that Netanyahu had "promised" to form a unity government. He then muttered under his breath that he himself intended to vote Labor. But that did not matter: Netanyahu had already gotten the picture he wanted. What Rabin's parents would have thought of their son's performance is better left to the imagination.
Knowing that we will be there watching this process is exciting!
This morning, Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu will be asking himself how the devil he managed to lose about 10 seats in the polls in less than two months - one seat for every two advisors - and thereby turn a certain victory into a tight race, a walk in the park into a stretcher march. This morning, Tzipi Livni will be asking herself how the devil she will manage to form a government, even if her Kadima party edges out Likud. And whether a government that will exist only by the grace of Yisrael Beiteinu head Avigdor Lieberman really represents the different, cleaner brand of politics she promised, or advances her stated goal of making peace. This morning, Ehud Barak will be asking himself how the devil, despite the fighting in Gaza and the admiration it won him, his Labor Party is once again shedding seats, to the point where he was forced to admit publicly that he is running only for the post of defense minister, not prime minister. Is the Defense Ministry really his glass ceiling?
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This morning, Avigdor Lieberman will be asking himself whether his great victory may not turn out to be his downfall. What if, for instance, the attorney general bars him from serving as a senior minister because of the police investigation against him? Or if the entire world ostracizes him as an Israeli Jean-Marie Le Pen, forcing future prime ministers to leave him out of their governments? Or if his meteoric rise prompts the law enforcement agencies to finally finish their eternal investigation and recommend that he be indicted? Tonight, the race for the public's votes will end and the race for the parties' votes - their recommendation to the president as to who should be prime minister - will begin. What started as one of the most boring, low-energy campaigns in memory has almost overnight turned into a political drama. But it is a drama with definite limits: It is already clear that the Likud-rightist-religious bloc will come out ahead. The question that generates the drama - whether Likud or Kadima will emerge as the largest party - is actually of secondary importance. Regardless of which party wins more votes, the candidate who gets the president's nod to try to form a government next week will be the one with the best chance of doing so. If, as people from both parties claimed yesterday, the gap between Likud and Kadima has continued to narrow, the race will be decided by three things: organization, organization and organization.
All those floating voters will finally have to decide. They will not be happy with their choice, but they always end up voting. Voting and crying. Yesterday's big event was Barak's public admission that he is running for defense minister, not prime minister. The penny finally dropped - as always with him, belatedly. His associates urged him to go one step further and declare that Livni will not form the next government, so there is no point in voting for her. But that was too much for him. His preference would be for the three major parties to sit together in the next government, perhaps with one or two religious parties thrown in. And that could yet come to pass.
As for yesterday's comic interlude, we had Netanyahu's joint appearance with the national orphan, Yitzhak Rabin's son Yuval. In a stumbling speech, Rabin announced that Netanyahu had "promised" to form a unity government. He then muttered under his breath that he himself intended to vote Labor. But that did not matter: Netanyahu had already gotten the picture he wanted. What Rabin's parents would have thought of their son's performance is better left to the imagination.
Knowing that we will be there watching this process is exciting!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Tu B'Shevat is Coming
We celebrate Tu B’Shevat - the New Year of Trees on Monday, February 9th. It is at this season that most of the trees in Eretz Yisrael begin to bud. We rejoice in the rebuilding of the land of Israel by planting trees. It is customary for Jews who live in the diaspora to eat fruit grown in Israel as a means of identifying with the Holy Land. It is also a tradition to eat a fruit that has not been previously eaten during the year so that we may recite the blessing of “shehechayanu. May this Tu B’Shevat bring true blessing for all of us.
In this week’s parsha, we read of the miraculous splitting and crossing of the Sea of Reeds, when Moses leads the Jewish people in exultation and song (Exodus 15). The Shira, however, is more than a song. There is no English word that can adequately convey its meaning. It is an expression of jubilation that springs from the inner recesses of the soul. At the splitting of the Sea of Reeds, the Jewish people witnessed that which even prophets did not behold. The heavens opened as they beheld angels, the Patriarchs and the Matriarchs. A simple handmaiden was able to point and cry out in joy, “This is my God...”But there is yet another dimension to this song of Moses that makes it so special; this uniqueness is to be found in the Hebrew word, “Oz” with which Moses commenced the song. It was with this very same word, “Oz” that Moses previously questioned God and complained “mei Oz”...” - “From the time I came to Pharaoh to speak in your Name, he (Pharaoh) did evil to this people, but You did not rescue Your people (Exodus, 5:23) And now, with this very same word “Oz”, Moses proclaims God’s praise.
Sometimes we sing songs of praise to God for having saved us from danger and suffering and through our song we acknowledge the miracles God made on our behalf. That gratitude however takes on a totally different dimension when we become aware that even the danger, the suffering that we experienced, was for our own benefit - and that our affliction helped us to realize our potential and achieve our purpose. Our bondage in Egypt prepared us for Sinai and the acceptance of God’s Covenant. Only a nation that endured suffering can understand the meaning of chesed - loving kindness. Only such a nation can be worthy of appreciating God’s Covenant and all the responsibilities entailed therein - to become a “light unto the nations” - witnesses to God’s Presence.
Shabbat Shalom
In this week’s parsha, we read of the miraculous splitting and crossing of the Sea of Reeds, when Moses leads the Jewish people in exultation and song (Exodus 15). The Shira, however, is more than a song. There is no English word that can adequately convey its meaning. It is an expression of jubilation that springs from the inner recesses of the soul. At the splitting of the Sea of Reeds, the Jewish people witnessed that which even prophets did not behold. The heavens opened as they beheld angels, the Patriarchs and the Matriarchs. A simple handmaiden was able to point and cry out in joy, “This is my God...”But there is yet another dimension to this song of Moses that makes it so special; this uniqueness is to be found in the Hebrew word, “Oz” with which Moses commenced the song. It was with this very same word, “Oz” that Moses previously questioned God and complained “mei Oz”...” - “From the time I came to Pharaoh to speak in your Name, he (Pharaoh) did evil to this people, but You did not rescue Your people (Exodus, 5:23) And now, with this very same word “Oz”, Moses proclaims God’s praise.
Sometimes we sing songs of praise to God for having saved us from danger and suffering and through our song we acknowledge the miracles God made on our behalf. That gratitude however takes on a totally different dimension when we become aware that even the danger, the suffering that we experienced, was for our own benefit - and that our affliction helped us to realize our potential and achieve our purpose. Our bondage in Egypt prepared us for Sinai and the acceptance of God’s Covenant. Only a nation that endured suffering can understand the meaning of chesed - loving kindness. Only such a nation can be worthy of appreciating God’s Covenant and all the responsibilities entailed therein - to become a “light unto the nations” - witnesses to God’s Presence.
Shabbat Shalom
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Something to Think About as We Prepare
Israel is like a museum. You will see relics that date from antiquity, buildings that are not considered old unless they were built thousands of years ago. Israel offers you a time portal, almost like the ones you see in science fiction movies, through which to see the past. Virtually every step you take is on ground many consider to be holy. You can visit all the sites and have a wonderful time and learn a lot, but if you think of Israel only as a museum, a place no different than Rome or Athens, you will miss perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Israel -- the vibrancy of the modern Jewish state and its people. Israel has increasingly become Westernized and "Americanized," but it is still a place very different from any other on earth.
The Israeli poet, Yehuda Amichai offers the following insight:
Once I sat on the steps by a gate at David's Tower. I placed my two heavy baskets at my side. A group of tourists was standing around their guide and I became their target marker. "You see that man with the baskets? Just right of his head there's an arch from the Roman period. Just right of his head." "But he's moving, he's moving!" I said to myself: Redemption will come only if their guide tells them, "You see that arch from the Roman period? It's not important: but next to it, left and down a bit, there sits a man who's bought fruit and vegetables for his family."
You are in Israel to have fun, make friends, experience different cultures and learn about your heritage. It is a trip of a lifetime, so make the most of it!
The Israeli poet, Yehuda Amichai offers the following insight:
Once I sat on the steps by a gate at David's Tower. I placed my two heavy baskets at my side. A group of tourists was standing around their guide and I became their target marker. "You see that man with the baskets? Just right of his head there's an arch from the Roman period. Just right of his head." "But he's moving, he's moving!" I said to myself: Redemption will come only if their guide tells them, "You see that arch from the Roman period? It's not important: but next to it, left and down a bit, there sits a man who's bought fruit and vegetables for his family."
You are in Israel to have fun, make friends, experience different cultures and learn about your heritage. It is a trip of a lifetime, so make the most of it!
Israel 2009
Dear Friends:
Today begins the final preparation for the Israel Trip that departs on February 14th. There are 14 of us going, some for the very first time and some for their second, forth, fifth or more time. I will share with all of you our adventure as well as photos of our trip. It is my intention to educate as well as to share my thoughts of what is going on in the holy land. Come and experience the journey with us. I look forward to your comments.
L'Shalom,
Rabbi Malinger
Today begins the final preparation for the Israel Trip that departs on February 14th. There are 14 of us going, some for the very first time and some for their second, forth, fifth or more time. I will share with all of you our adventure as well as photos of our trip. It is my intention to educate as well as to share my thoughts of what is going on in the holy land. Come and experience the journey with us. I look forward to your comments.
L'Shalom,
Rabbi Malinger
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