Blog

From the Desk of Rabbi David Lyon
November 4, 2011

We’re going to Israel! Congregation Beth Israel’s trip to Israel is planned for June 10-19, 2012. The details are now available on our website at www.beth-israel.org. Click on the “Our Communities” menu and you’ll find a link to “Join us on our Trip to Israel”. You’ll find the itinerary, a registration form, and lots of information.

                Why go now? There is no time like the present to travel to Israel. Sometimes we say we’ll wait until the political climate is better. Nu? The political climate has been thorny for thousands of years and you’re going to wait until it subsides? Our trip is always safe. We never go beyond reasonable boundaries and security is always a top priority.

                Who’s going? You’re going and you’re bringing your friends and family with you. This is a trip for first-timers and those who have gone in the past. We have a two-track system that will allow familiar travelers to see sights they haven’t seen and for first-timers to have the trip of a lifetime. In addition, we aim to see technological and innovative companies and demonstrations that make Israel a part of the past and the future.

                Where are we going? From north to south, and east to west, we cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Our hotels are first class, our meals are first rate, and our time is planned to provide meaningful experiences at every point along the way.

                What are we going to do? We’ll use all our senses when we’re in Israel. We’ll see, smell, touch, hear, and taste what we’ve never known and what we’ll never forget. We’ll worship, too, but not in the familiar ways. In Jerusalem, looking over the Old City, on Masada, at Yad Vashem, and in the hills of the Galilee, we’ll find words deep in our hearts and souls we could only find in Israel.

                Perhaps you have questions before you sign up. Please call me or Marcia Nichols, our trip chair. We’re eager to talk to you and answer your questions.

                It just so happens that this week we read in Torah from Genesis 12:1, where God says to Abram (Abraham), “Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” It’s a good sign that it’s time for us to leave home (though not forever) to visit the land that God showed our ancestors. What’s more, commentaries on this portion suggest that Abraham didn’t leave just for God; rather, he left for himself. The Hebrew “Lech-lecha” teaches that Abraham learned more about himself when he valued the journey and its purpose, personally. How could he have remained the same after such an experience? The Hebrew tells us that he didn’t. He was changed forever. This land flowing with milk and honey, technology and prosperity is for us to see and cherish. What do you hope to see there? How do you hope the experience might inspire you?

                In advance of our trip, we will hold classes to prepare and even learn a little Hebrew. This is a unique and fun experience we don’t want you to miss. “Next year in Jersualem” is not so far off as you once thought. My wife, Lisa, and I look forward to leading the trip and to welcoming you in Israel.

                From my family to yours, Shabbat Shalom.