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!
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