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From the Bimah
November 2005

When was the last time you visited Israel?

Think about it. Outside of those of you who have close family and friends who live there, when was your last visit?

The majority of Jews have never been. Most visitors to Israel are religious Christians. For them, traveling to Israel is likened to a pilgrimage, not merely a visit; it is a spiritual experience.

Similarly, religious Muslims go to Israel's capital in order to fulfill the requirement of paying homage to one of Islam's three holy sites; Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem.

Since 2004, twenty percent more tourists visited Israel than the year earlier. Once Israeli and Palestinian fighting began in September 2000, Israeli tourism suffered gravely.

This year, the Tourism Ministry predicts over one million tourists will visit by the year's end. As positive as that number sounds, the predicted figure does not bring the tourism numbers up to where they were before the fighting erupted in September 2000.

This year, our synagogue community has a wonderful opportunity to further add to the once again growing number of tourists visiting Israel.

We have scheduled a community-wide trip beginning in December. Slated as a Conservative movement mega mission, we leave on the 14th returning the second night of Hanukkah on the 26th . (A later departure and return is also offered for families with kids still in school before their winter break).

Throughout our entire Pacific Southwest region, we are soliciting families and individuals wanting to tour our holy land.

Arriving in Israel on the 15th of December, the tour offers three tracks.

Track number one is for first-time visitors. While the itinerary is subject to change, the first track will include extensive time in Jerusalem, a visit to Masada, and the newly re-opened national Holocaust Memorial Museum, Yad Vashem.

The trip continues westward to Tel Aviv, then on to the north along the Mediterranean coast, to Haifa and the Golan Heights. These are just some of the points of interest covered on the 13 day excursion.

For more regular visitors to Israel, track two will include a sharper focus on some of the social-political issues facing the country. Take for example, a visit with the leadership of Jerusalem's Armenian community. In order to better understand how new immigrants to Israel find their way in their newly adopted homeland; we will visit an absorption center in Mevasseret Tzion.

While in Tel Aviv, we hope to spend some time in a hands-on volunteer project center that benefits underprivileged residents. Heading south to Beersheba, we will have the opportunity to visit with a Masorati (Conservative) congregation, all the while, exploring with Israeli peers some of the unique challenges committed, non-Orthodox Jews face in the Jewish state.

Leaving the Negev, track two gradually heads along the north-west coast. Points of interest include Tzefat, Tzippori, and Haifa where we will see a local exhibit celebrating co-existence in honor of the December holidays of Hanukkah, Christmas and Ramadan by local Jewish, Christian and Muslim artists.

The third track is geared for families with children. Activities for all ages with a particular sensitivity to the needs of young kids rounds out that track. Israel loves children and this third track will take advantage of its many diverse offerings. The country's biblical zoo, mini-Israel and crafting mosaics in the style of antiquity are just some of the activities included in this age-appropriate tour.

Listed are only just a few destination points the trip will include. More than anything, it is offered so that you can show your solidarity with our fellow Jews living in Israel, and of course, "re-charge," or further strengthen your spiritual batteries.

I love being in Israel, and I think you will too. Consider taking the trip -- making the "pilgrimage." It is a wonderful value, financially, socially, and religiously.

For more details and a copy of the proposed itineraries, with prices, please contact our office. Grab your passport and start packing!

Rabbi Michael Gotlieb