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From the Bimah
June 2008

On Monday and Thursday, during the weekday morning services, just before the Torah is returned to the ark, psalm 24 is recited. The Psalmist raises the following question: "Who shall ascend the mountain of the Lord?"

Beyond the instructive metaphor offered by the author -- one who has clean hands and a pure heart -- the physical reality of the psalm is based on Jerusalem's elevation; the city is nearly 2,000 feet above sea level. To this day, when you travel to Israel and visit Jerusalem, you literally have the opportunity to ascend the mountain of the Lord referred to by the psalmist!

If you've never been to Jerusalem, or it has been some time since your last visit, then now is an important time to goÑIsrael is celebrating her 60th anniversary. Far too few Jews have visited Israel; in percentages, only a small number have ever "ascended the mountain of the Lord." But thankfully, tourism is back on track and there has been advertisements galore encouraging Jew and non-Jew alike to visit Israel particularly during the 60th anniversary.

As you know, our synagogue is planning a trip to Israel in October. We are scheduled to leave LAX on the 27th returning on November 6th. The itinerary is complete and readily available (call the synagogue office and we'll send you a copy) ITCÑthe travel agency which organized our last two congregational visitsÑis now accepting reservations on our behalf.

Taking into consideration all the necessary components needed to plan a successful trip, when you visit Israel -- whether on our KM synagogue tour or any other way, consider the advice offered by Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman in his handy book, Israel: A Spiritual Travel Guide. He argues that a trip to our homeland should be likened to a pilgrimage.

Pilgrims travel to "God's holy mountain," because being in Jerusalem (or any other part of Israel for that matter) is part of who they are! The land itself helps forge the pilgrim's religious identity; it is a necessary component to the story of their lives! In their hearts, the land is holy and inseparably linked to the divine.

So, this summer, or with our synagogue community in October, or any other time in the future, make sure you visit Israel!

With the rise in fuel prices, and food prices there is a cost involved to be sure. More than the cost, however, is the worth. It is profoundly worthwhile to visit Israel; dare I say even fun!

But when you go to Israel, remind yourself not to make it simply a trip -- a vacation. Work to make your visit a holy pilgrimage; work to make it a sacred, God-filled experience.

And the next time you read Psalm 24, which asks: "Who shall ascend the mountain of the Lord?" Proudly, and without hesitation, you'll be able to include yourself.

Rabbi Michael Gotlieb