One of my true priorities as a rabbi is to connect people with Israel.
Most summers, we are able to lead a Temple Emanu-El mission to Israel where we spend some of the most meaningful ten days of our congregational life.
This summer was no exception.
More than two dozen of us toured the country, and I was delighted how quickly our group bonded with one another, and to this land which has been at the center of our spiritual consciousness since time began.
This is the reason that I delight in bringing our people to Israel. To witness them, and empower them as I’m able to, recognize that miracles on a grand scale are not mere fantasy… to see what happens when they recognize themselves as a vital part of this Jewish story… and to share our part in what just might be a common destiny.
Of course, this happens at first in small ways, through stories, and tastes, and echoes off of the Jerusalem stone.
This Friday night I am pleased to welcome some of the folks from our trip to join me on the bima to share an experience, a story, a realization, a connection.
Please join us. We plan to have fun.
Shabbat shalom!
P.S. The dates for our Israel trip next summer are June 7th-17th. Stay tuned for more information, as well as the testimonials from the amazing congregants who just returned from the trip of their life.
