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From the Bimah
March 2008

When was the last time you visited Israel? Most Jews have never been. The largest population of visitors to Israel is religious Christians. For them, traveling to Israel is likened to a pilgrimage; not merely a visit, but a spiritual calling.

This coming October, our synagogue community has an extraordinary opportunity to visit our religious birthplace. We have scheduled a trip to Israel leaving Monday the 27th of October, returning Thursday November 6th. Though details are still being discussed here are some of the proposed highlights.

The first two nights are scheduled in Tel Aviv. One night is open for shopping, restaurants, friends and family. Using Tel Aviv's convenient location, from there we hope to visit the Weitzman Institute in Rehovot and the Holon and Palmach Museums. There will be an opportunity to engage in lively study with my friend and colleague Rabbi David LazarÑwhat's visiting Israel without some study; we are the people of the book, are we not?

Leaving Tel Aviv for Haifa we'll attempt to stop in Caesarea with its charm and wealth of ancient ruins, particularly its impressive Roman amphitheatre and aqueduct. On to Acco and a visit to Turkish Baths and a British prison active during Britain's control of the region, and a Tunisian synagogue.

From beautiful Haifa we are on to Jerusalem, but before we arrive, we will make a brief stop in the mystical city of Tzefat. Once there you will have an opportunity to visit some of the Kabalistic city's famous synagogues and art boutiques. In Jerusalem we will spend time at the Western Wall, soak in the breathtaking view of the old City from Mount Scopus. We will spend Shabbat in Jerusalem, where you'll have the option of attending services at the Conservative CenterÑlater in the day; consider participating in a walking tour of the ancient city's world famous four quarters.

So much to do, so much to see, yet so little time: among the items included in our proposed itinerary, Yad VashemÑIsrael's Holocaust Memorial Museum, Har HerzlÑone of the country's military cemeteries and a visit to an IDF (Israel Defense Force) army base. We will visit the Dead Sea, Masada, Ein Gedi, and possibly a Moshav that is home to Cochin Jews (from India), along with a Bedouin center in the village of Lakiya.

Listed here are only a few destination points the trip will ideally include. More than anything, the trip 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 tripÑmaking the "pilgrimage." More details and a copy of the finalized itinerary and prices will follow in the weeks ahead. Mark your calendar and start packing!

Rabbi Michael Gotlieb