Rabbi's Israel trip Post #4

Shavua Tov from Yerushalayim!

The EMJC Pilgrimage group spent a wonderful Friday and a amazing Shabbat here in Jerusalem. Our guide arranged for us to see a deeply moving film (which Nancy and I had seen at a USY international convention when it first came out) on Friday morning prior to our visit to the cemetery on Mt. Herzl. The movie was about a very special young man named Michael Levin. Michael grew up in Philadelphia, participated in USY and Nativ (the Conservative Movement's program in Israel between high school and college) and lived his lifelong dream of making aliyah to Israel. Through his own perseverance and moxie he enlisted in, and was accepted by, the Israeli Army. At the time of the Lebanon War in 2006, Michael was visiting his family in Philly, but immediately returned to Israel, persuaded his commanders to send him into Lebanon, and, tragically, was killed in action. His funeral (on Mt. Herzl) was attended by the thousands of people whose life Michael touched. There wasn't a dry eye in the room.

The film, "A Hero in Heaven" served as the perfect introduction to our visit to Mt. Herzl, which functions as Israel's equivalent of our Arlington National Cemetery. Not only are Theodore Herzl and leaders of Israel such as Yitzchak Rabin, Teddy Kolleck, and others buried here; thousands of Israeli soldiers are interred here, too. Our guide connected us personally to these heroes by telling us stories about many of the men and women buried and memorialized here. We felt the sacrifice Israelis have made to create and ensure the survival of the Jewish State, as well as a deeper connection to Israel. We concluded our visit by singing "Hatikva"; I know that many of our group, including me, had tears in our eyes as we sang the Jewish and Israeli national anthem.

Next we walked through Meah Shearim, the ultra religious section of Jerusalem, and saw the hustle and bustle as people rushed to prepare for Shabbat. We then visited Machane Yehudah, the outdoor market, where thousands of people were doing their Shabbat shopping. Next it was back to our hotel to prepare for Shabbat.

By the way, the King David is magnificent. The food has been outstanding -- the Shabbos meals were delectable. Over Shabbos we saw Sen. Joe Lieberman, Cong. Henry Waxman (CA), and Cong. Nita Lowey (Westchester). They are all staying at the King David for a conference. Former Pres. Bill Clinton arrived here tonight. Nancy and I have a view of the walls of the Old City from our room.

Most of the group went to the Western Wall Friday night for services. For those who do not know, there is not one single service at the Wall; there are many going on simultaneously. We davened Mincha as a group, and then were embraced by a large number of Israeli soldiers who encouraged us to daven, sing, and dance with them! (The women in our group were embraced by the female soldiers on the women's section.) The spirit, enthusiasm, and excitement were great! We walked back through the Old City to the King David and enjoyed a lovely Friday night dinner as a group, complete with "Shalom Aleichem, Kiddish, Motzi, and Birkat Hamazon."

This morning (Shabbos) several members attended services at the Conservative Synagogue, while most of us went to the Great Synagogue because, since today was Rosh Chodesh bentschen, the cantor and choir would be davening; we were not disappointed. Both groups met up with Sandy and Joe Lepelstat who are here in J'lem, too!

We enjoyed Shabbat lunch buffet as a group. Afterward, some rested, some walked, but we joined together for Havdalah to end Shabbat. Tonight most of us contributed to the Israeli economy by gift and jewelry shopping.

Tomorrow morning we leave for the Dead Sea area (Qumran, Ein Gedi, Massada, a swim in the Dead Sea) and, God willing, we will be spending the next two nights in Eilat.

Our group is marvelously "together" and everyone is having a most enjoyable and spiritually rewarding experience.

Start planning to join me on our next EMJC Israel Pilgrimage!

Shavua Tov, once again!

Rabbi Androphy