I am sitting in the airport and writing the last blog for our family trip. Yesterday, we enjoyed the pool and grounds of Kibbutz Hagoshrim and then participated in different electives--horseback riding, jeep touring, and zip lining. I was pleased to be the official photographer for the zip lining and am happy to report that Rabbi Berg did in fact go down the zip line at Manara Cliff.
We then prepared for our last Shabbat in Israel (for this trip). After a meal with literally 6 different soups and probably 30 different dishes and desserts, we agreed it will be quite a change to return to the US and not have so many options for breakfast and dinner--the food has been wonderful and there has probably been too much of it for most of us! We had our services outside and used it as an opportunity to reflect on the past 10 days. Between each prayer, we reviewed the events of a day in our trip and invited people to share thoughts. Our day in Yokneam garnered the most reactions--clearly making a personal connection here in Israel meant a lot. We heard from children and adults and are certain that this has been a life-changing/eye-opening/spiritually-meaningful experience for everyone. One of the most poignant things for our children was to be in Israel and not be a minority, compared to being a Jew in the United States. In Israel, our young people discovered friendships with one another and a sense of acceptance and belonging which happens here, where Judaism is the majority.
This morning was "kayaking" (rafting) down the Jordan River. Perhaps it would have been better earlier in the trip, because it was definitely a "team-building" activity with six people and two paddles per boat!
All that was left was a short trip to the Golan for those who did not need a lot of packing time, then a drive back to Tel Aviv for dinner and airport. Mazal tov to Isaac S. who lost a tooth during dinner (this is a good thing, in case you were worried).
The hugs and kisses, emails and phone numbers, being exchanged tell us that this trip has fulfilled its goal of bringing our Temple members closer together. Somewhat familiar faces from Sunday mornings are now friends; everyone is bonded by this special experience. This group was outstanding and really felt a sense of community the whole time.
For me, this was my first Temple Israel trip, and I have loved seeing Israel through our participants' eyes. The questions, reflections, comments, and stories that we have shared have led me to think and grow as a person and a rabbi. The pride that I felt in watching our young people become b'nei mitzvah in Jerusalem and experience Israel was overwhelming--I pray that they, and all of us, pack a little of Israel in our suitcase (beyond the souvenirs). May each of us take some of this feeling of belonging and holiness back home to share with others.
If you are reading this and starting to think that you want to come experience Israel with your Temple family, start thinking now about our 2015 trip! Questions can go to Rabbi Rau, Rabbi Berg, or myself--we hope you will join us for what all of our 2013 families would say is the trip of a lifetime!
Shavua Tov, a good week for us all.
Rabbi Lapidus
No comments:
Post a Comment