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From the Desk of Rabbi David Lyon
January 20, 2012

Last Sunday, after religious school teaching and life-cycle events, I returned home to do one of my favorite Sunday afternoon activities. Lisa and I sit quietly in the family room. She watches football on TV, and I read my New York Times. She was cheering for the Texans and commenting on the game, while I was reading quietly and commenting on the articles.

                One article in particular caught my attention. Matt Gross, writing on his recent trip to Israel, reflected on his trip, “I will go pretty much anywhere, anytime.” But, he admitted, “of the world’s roughly 200 nations, there was only one --- besides Afghanistan and Iraq (which my wife has deemed too dangerous) --- that I had absolutely zero interest in ever visiting: Israel.” Through the entire article I waited to read about one redeeming moment when he was awed by history, religious diversity, or modernity in an ancient land, but it never came. It struck me as utterly offensive and stunning. I wasn’t the only one. David Harris, Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) read it and reacted to it in his blog. You have to read his blog, because it’s the only way to begin to fathom Matt Gross’ remarkably unaffected presence in the Holy Land.

Click this link

                Naturally, I’m curious to know your reaction. I’m also adamant about our own roles as travelers to Israel. I claim that we go not because we aim to move there, though some do. We go not because we are duty-bound, though a so-called pilgrimage to the Holy Land can fulfill life dreams. We go not because we long for a return to the Land, though walking in our ancestors’ footsteps awakens us intellectually and spiritually. The most reluctant travelers to Israel come away moved by the experience. They are awakened by the religious devotion of some and the modern Israeli lifestyle of many more. They are taken aback by the richness of the history and the archaeology that illuminates Biblical stories and events of the past. They are inspired by the tenacity of the western, democratic, modern, state of Israel, which, despite the conflict surrounding her, thrives and prospers. And, they are dedicated to returning home to report the facts and to dispel the myths.

                I have lived and traveled in Israel. Matt Gross didn’t see Israel. He didn’t have to find God on his journey, but had he been more introspective and less narcissistic he would have possibly discovered something larger than himself, his friends and his schwarma (beef/lamb meat found in corner markets and served in pita --- delicious but not necessarily a spiritual experience). Matt owes himself another trip to see Israel again for the first time. Perhaps Matt would like to join us on our trip!?

                But, first, you’re invited to join me, my wife, Lisa, Rabbi Scott, Cantor Mutlu, and Mike and Marcia Nichols, when we travel to Israel, June 10-19, 2012. It will surely be an experience of a lifetime. This year in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and sights north, south, east and west, will inspire you to write your own article about Israel. Go to www.beth-israel.org, and click on the link for Israel. Register today and join us. You will be INSPIRED!

                From my family to yours, Shabbat Shalom.