Temple Emanu-El Israel Trip 2010

Blog from sarah porter

2010-03-03T01:25:00.001+02:00

It's taken me a long time to get the courage up to put up my "reflection post" because I just didn't want it to end. However, now that I'm home (yes, I got home safely – 45 minutes early in fact), I know I need to post something.

I'll start at the beginning of our trip, with a blizzard-ish take-off. We were about 2 hours late, but El Al claimed on their website we were only 6 minutes late. Once we landed and waited at baggage claim for a while, we met Ronnie and David. We started our trip with a mitzvah project – picking clementines. I could've fallen asleep right there, on the ground, but instead, I helped out with the picking (and with some of the eating!).

Tel Aviv seems so far away now. We had services in a reform temple, on the beach, had a Yemenite dinner (which was the trendsetter of the meals, I guess), explored a street market, went digging, went crawling, and much more.

We spent some quality time waiting in lines at the candle factory in Tzevat, smelling cows at a kibbutz, going to the Donna Gracia house, swimming (or should I say floating?) in the dead sea, riding camels, and eating ball-shaped food or meat-on-a-stick.

In Jerusalem, we did so much I cannot even begin to recap our time there. However, since I am NOT the first to post a "reflection", I'm sure others have talked about what we did. Although there is one thing that we did I want to talk about. The dinner with the families on Shabbat was awesome. I went to a family with a 13 year old girl and a 15 year old boy. Shiri, the girl, and I got along fabulously. Lior, the boy, cooked our whole meal. Maybe I should explain why this impressed me. We had homemade pasta and fettuccini sauce, smoked trout, veal, two types of salad, and homemade, home-glazed, crème brule. Let's just say his dad and my grandma were already arranging our wedding. Did I mention he's also a computer engineer? Anyhow, we were the last ones on the bus, but it was worth the embarrassment of being late. I miss them both, but we are friends on Facebook.

I just want to say how awesome Rabbi Mark and Sherry were. I know that I would never be able to coordinate this trip with 40 people and somehow make it all run seamlessly. I know we all appreciate them HUGELY – even if some people never won candy for being the first ones on. J

Are there moments that I think about every day that really stand out? I can't pick a few, exactly. From riding on the bus with everyone, to standing somewhere that an actual person stood 3,000 years previous, to playing Banana Grams with Karen and Rabbi Mark, to the dinner with the Israeli family, to Ronnie's funny stories that I didn't realize I would miss so much – I think about all of it! However, the one thing that REALLY stands out, the one thing I think first when I think about Israel, is the Havdalah on the final evening. The view from Rabbi Mark's porch (as Karen Solomon stated):

"I think is engraved on the inside of my eyelids. Because every time they close, that's what I see."

Sarah Porter

P.S - I miss everyone tremendously! I can't wait for the end of the month when I get to come out again over Passover with my mom. See you then!

Mission Impossible...Mission Complete

2010-02-25T00:49:00.001+02:00

My dad passed in March 1989. I became an Adult Bat Mitzvah in June 1989. From that day on, I wore his tallit (which I never knew he had since we never were members of a synagogue). It has become thread bare and sad over the years and it pained me to watch it disintegrate in front of my eyes, but I didn't know what to do - I always felt like his arms were wrapped around me when I wore it.

I was on the last Israel trip and when Mark announced this one, there was no doubt I would go. He then asked for volunteers to chant Torah at our first morning Shabbat service and there it was! I volunteered to chant Torah before I knew it! I would chant Torah in dad's Tallit and could then retire it, and I would purchase MY first tallit in Israel, knowing Mark would do a blessing at our last morning Shabbat service.

The snow almost foiled all my plans but I think I was being watched over and my plan was approved of. Three of us arrived @9 AM on Shabbat morning (our flight was canceled on Wed) and because it was Shabbat there was nobody at the airport. About an hour later we were at the hotel where Sherry met us and rushed us to the beach where 2 minutes later I was wearing my dad's tallit for the last time and chanting Torah through my tears.

Thank you, Mark and everyone involved for helping me complete my mission. I still get teary thinking about it and cried as I sat on my bed dismantling his tallit so I could keep the atarah and tzitzit and bury the remainder when the earth thaws. My sachet bag? As Barbara G. also mentioned, the first thing I put in mine was the first few words of my Torah portion and the last thing, was tzitzit from dad's tallit. I hope he is proud.

Bobi

Israel

2010-02-24T19:24:00.001+02:00

Welcome home to the Eilat fourse!

Israel.....Finally, after our two attempts to travel to Israel, we were lucky enough to be with Rabbi Mark Kaiserman, Sherry Nemiroff and Temple Emmanu-el. All our expectations were met and exceeded.

Walking through the streets of Tzefat, I suddenly saw a plaque dedicated to the Jewish congregation of Lemberg, Austria (Lvov)--where my Mothers' family lived. I have more research to do!

The many wonderful sites--Masada,the Western Wall, Beit Guvrin, Kotel Tunnels, Dead Sea, Dona Gracia House, Golan Heights, etc., etc. -- were all enhanced by our travel companions.

The wonderful camraderie of family and new friends made our trip more enjoyable than we could ever have anticipated.

"Table to Table," "Dialogue in the Dark," Yad Lakish, Shabbat services and Home Hospitality with KMZ families gave us a special connection with family and friends.

Thanks to Rabbi Mark Kaiserman, Sherry Nemiroff, family and new friends for making our Israel experience an amazing and memorable one.

Barbara and George Sesso

We Are Home

2010-02-24T14:00:00.001+02:00

The Eilat fourse landed safely in the early hours of Wed. Morn. Looking forward to the snow, Friday night services, and Purim.
What a 2 weeks for all!

-- Posted From My iPhone

back in New Jersey

2010-02-24T04:01:00.001+02:00

Coming back has taken some adjusting. No one is telling me when to get up, what to do all day, and I have to make my own meals!!
This trip has made a lasting impression on me and I will never forget it. Every time I close my eyes, I see the view of the wall from the Rabbi's balcony. I think it has been permanently seared into the inside of my eyelids.
I miss all the people in the group. It is odd only being two again.
Hope Elat was wonderful and that you have a safe trip back to New Jersey.

Karen Solomon

And in the end...

2010-02-23T22:46:00.001+02:00

In a few minutes, we head to our gate for the (hopefully uneventful) flight home.

Israel has been a tremendous experience for all 39 of us and one we hope to bring home and share with others.

From a personal perspective, thank you to each and every person who made this trip such a pleasure - from the participants, to the staff, to ITC, to the Temple staff, to all of you who read and commented on the blog.

Safe travels and next year in Jerusalem!

Rabbi Mark Kaiserman

Sitting in Ben Gurion

2010-02-23T19:05:00.003+02:00

Bunny, Lois, Sandy, and I are sitting in a café at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. We had a fun-filled day that began with an enormous buffet breakfast at the hotel. Sandy and Bunny liked it so much they ate there for 2 hours. Lois went walking on the beach. I slept in and packed.

We then relaxed on a "luxury yacht" sailing around the Gulf of Eilat and seeing Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt from the distance (as well as dolphins closer up).

We flew into Sde Dov in Tel Aviv and then drove to Ben Gurion Airport. Unfortunately, you only check in 3 hours before your flight so we have 3 hours to kill until then with very little to do in the terminal.

But a free wireless signal helps a lot.

One more post before we go,

Rabbi Mark

Petra Treasury

2010-02-22T21:50:00.003+02:00

We loved Petra! This is the Treasury at Petra, popularly known from "Indiana Jones and the last Crusade". It is carved completely out of the rock face and is one heck of a building.

Petra!

2010-02-22T21:33:00.003+02:00

Petra lives us to expectations! A bit of hassle to get to and a lot of walking, but one of the most magnificent places I have ever seen - certainly among man-made places. Everything about it was full of wonder and surprise. The colors, the variety, the shadows, the scale, the intimacy - all tremendous. The long anticipated arrival at the Treasury through the crack in the rock met my hopes. All four of us had a great time walking through the site, learning about it from our guide Ali, and then taking super-speedy carriages back to the top.

It was a long drive of border checks and bus rides, not to mention the walking, but we all felt great. Tomorrow, we have a short boat ride on the Red Sea before our flight to Tel Aviv Sde Dov, drive to Ben Gurion, and then, hopefully, uneventful flight home to Newark. Back in Newark very early on Wednesday morning.

Eilat!

2010-02-22T21:26:00.003+02:00

Eilat is beautiful. It has cooled down a little, but it has made for lovely days and relaxing nights. We enjoyed the Eilat beach right near our hotel. Unlike many beaches, the beach is made mostly of rocks. This means kids build rock castles and not sand castles.

The beach is not crowded as it is not tourist season. The water is cold, but some of us still plunged in. This area has a bunch of new huge hotels on the water. We're staying in the "classic" King Solomon. We aren't going to make it to the other side of Eilat where the dolphins and underwater observatory are. Not enough time.

We ate a delicious fish dinner on the beach on Sunday night and walked along the much crappier part of Eilat filled with the worst of junk, souvenirs, and stores. But a lovely walk for all of us. Truly a wonderful place to relax, eat, swim, and enjoy.

Rabbi Mark

Back in Livingston

2010-02-22T15:57:00.000+02:00

Back in Livingston

We are back from Israel and we had a fabulous trip. We loved it all from the harvesting to the digging, to the sightseeing, to the terrifying (for me) ride on the camel. It was all wonderful. As all of you who followed the blog know, we left in a blizzard. We got our first example of plucky Israeli attitude right there! I think most of us believed our flight would be cancelled, but we kept moving along in the boarding process. On the plane, the man sitting next to me said in a loud booming voice – This is El Al and I assure you, they will take off." And take off, they did. And, on the trip back, we had to make an emergency landing in Vienna at 3am when someone on the plane got sick. Our flights were "interesting."

We arrived in Israel early morning on February 11^th and proceeded to Table to Table where we picked clementines that were to be distributed to the poor. It was sunny, warm and beautiful. We were all in very good spirits. The weather was a magnificent surprise. Things I did not need on this trip: a turtleneck, a fleece sweater, a raincoat or umbrella, my heavy jacket, lots of layering. Who knew? Israel needs the rain, water is a very important issue, but for us, the sun and warmth were a real gift.

We had our first falafel sandwich following our harvest, at a roadside stand frequented by our excellent driver David. It was our best falafel and the one to which we compared all others after that!

Rabbi Mark and Sherry were wonderful. As a team they worked seamlessly. The thought and effort put into this trip was very evident. The itinerary was great and afforded us varied experiences that are not on a usual tour. At one very tired moment, I mentioned something to Sherry about downtime, and she looked at me, truly horrified - "Oh no, there's too much to see!" And, of course, that was so very true. Thank you both for caring so much to show us as much of Israel as could be shown in 8 days and for giving us the gifts of your knowledge, your experience and your hearts.

On the other end, our group was entirely ready to receive all that our leaders wanted to give us. It was a very good fit. To say that our group worked well together is an understatement. There was a feeling of family and togetherness and a willingness amongst all of us to watch out for each other that was truly remarkable. The three children with us, Jordan Barbour, Leah Dollinger and Sarah Porter were extraordinary with extraordinary parents and grandparents!! – Lori Werdenschlag and Alden Barbour, the Dollingers, the Werdenschlags and Judy Krafchick.

And, as an aside, to say that we were a walking pharmacy is also an understatement. Whatever you needed, one of us had it and was willing to share!

Our tour guide Ronnie was terrific, both knowledgeable and personable. With Ronnie, Mark and Sherry Israel came alive. There was so much information and insight. Ronnie gave us not only history but the current political dilemmas faced by Israel. He left us with all the philosophical questions facing the country. What choices do you make to make your country secure, what do you give up, what do you keep, who can you trust, what have you learned from history and what might be the impact now? Many difficult issues, no easy answers. From Kehilat Mevasseret Zion, a Reform synagogue in the suburbs of Jerusalem we got insights on the Reform/Orthodox conflict. For example, a new Orthodox edict on some of the public bus lines that women sit in the back of the bus was hard to believe. Some of you might remember that the rabbi of this congregation has been to our temple to speak and I think Kehilat Mevasseret Zion is still considered to be a sister congregation.

Larry and I got to visit with an old friend from Larry's graduate school days. Jacquie and Bob Saxe made aliyah and lived in Kibbutz Malkiya overlooking the Golan Heights for 25 years. A few months before our trip, we learned that Bob passed away but we were able to reconnect with Jacquie, both in Tiberias and in Tzefat, which was very special for us.

Jerusalem was very special. It is a beautiful city so rich with history and meaning. We gathered together to say a shehecheyanu as we entered the city and I could hardly believe that we were actually there. For me the Herzl Exhibit was a highlight. The vision of this man and all those who made the vision happen was extraordinary. The legacy of our grit, determination, intelligence and creativity is before you wherever you go in Israel. The first thing I told my daughter upon returning was that our oldest grandson, CJ, should be on a Birthright trip to Israel! And one of the first things we learned upon returning was that our 15 year old grandson, Josh, was now in Washington, DC on the RAC trip. We couldn't be happier.

In Jerusalem, we visited Yad LaKashish (Lifeline for the Old) and that was a wonderful experience. Yad LaKashish is a non-profit group that provides creative work opportunities and support services to over 300 needy elderly and disabled Jerusalem residents on a daily basis. The majority of participants are immigrants from areas such as the Former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, and South America. Many of us supported Yad LaKashish with purchases from the gift shop. Larry and I bought 2 tallit for the upcoming bat mitzvahs of our granddaughters

Larry and I are so happy we made this trip, especially with Rabbi Mark Kaiserman and Sherry Nemiroff and this group of extraordinary people. . To all our friends, both old and new, it was a real pleasure to travel with you. And I must say a special thanks to Amy Young, temple president for her wonderful spirit, joie de vivre and her interest in all of us.

There is much more I could write about-- the Shabbat by the water in Tel Aviv, the 2 Barbara's torah readings, the incredible taste of fruits and vegetables, the markets, sights, sounds, hearing the Arab call to prayer in the streets, driving in the West Bank…..big and small moments…. but this would go on and on. However…really, I can't close without a word or two about the scarf phenomenon. As a group, the women were into scarves IN A BIG WAY. We bought a lot of them, wore them frequently and shared ways of tying them. It was one of our unique bonding experiences throughout the trip-- truly the "tie" that bonded. Ok, ok, I couldn't help myself – but it was true. Thank you all my fellow fashionistas.

Things we could have had less of in Israel: meat on a stick and any food shaped in a ball. J Other than that, the trip couldn't have been better.

Lenore Lerner

Westward Go the Camels and More...

2010-02-22T04:38:00.001+02:00

Here are some reflections on events that we didn't get to post while we were in Israel.
A mid-day camel ride was sandwiched between a journey up (via cable car) to Masada and a dip in the Dead Sea. The day started with a bus ride to Masada. We rode the cable car up to the top of Masada to tour the remains of the fort that was built by King Herod and held off the Romans until defeat was inevitable. Those that remained did not surrender and ended their lives, not allowed the Romans to take them as slaves or kill them. Was it bravery or just the last act of defiance by a rebel stronghold?
The view from the top of the mountain was breathtaking. See some of the photos below.
Our midday meal was prepared by the Bedouin people as we dined in a tent seated on carpets and enjoying a local meal of lamb (meat balls), rice and vegetables. All of this was served with fresh baked flat bread. The meal was followed by sweet tea and strong coffee.
But what could top this local feast? Try a camel ride out over the flats. Bonnie and I were hoisted up on the saddle and westward we went in complete command of our steady camel (she seemed to sway in all four directions as we led in group formation) as we crossed the flat sands surrounding the Bedouin camp site. Bonnie wasn't sure she would hang on as the camel stood, but getting off was easy and she stayed to talk with the camel after the ride. We include a photo to prove that we did ride the Mercedes of the desert!
The day ended with a float in the Dead Sea. You really can't dive into the Dead Sea as the salt content, about 30%, makes it next to impossible to submerge yourself. In the photo you can see the salt that has crystallized along the shore line in the distance.
This was a day that included events that just can't be done in NJ!
Bonnie and Dana Hollis

Blogging on...

2010-02-21T15:17:00.002+02:00

The 2 American flights have landed (one early and one late).

Our Eilat flight arrived late as well. It is not as hot as earlier in the week, but we'll take 80s and sunny any day.

Off to get a very late lunch and enjoy the sunshine...

rabbi mark

Well Our Bags Are Packed...

2010-02-20T16:42:00.004+02:00

In just a little bit, everyone will gather on the the tremendous porch overlooking the city of Jerusalem for our farewell Havdalah - ending Shabbat and also ending our trip.

It is too early to reflect on the power of the trip, but we can say we had an amazing time, did cool things, learned a lot, and loved coming to Israel. We also lucked out with the best weather ever in Israel in February (not so much what we left in).

Most of the group heads to the airport tonight and back home to the US - New Jersey, Vermont, Colorado, and Lichtenstein (you read that right).

A few people are staying some extra days and 4 of us are headed to Eilat and then Petra.

So - the blog is NOT DONE. Check back here for 2 things:

1. Our continuing adventures in Eilat and Jordan

2. Reflections from the group as they write once they have gotten home.

Also look for info about a special Shabbat service in April where our Trip members will reflect on what the trip meant to them.

Thanks to everyone for reading the blog and making comments and helping make this adventure a shared one. It has been a joy.

Shavua Tov,

Rabbi Mark

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

2010-02-20T16:17:00.003+02:00

We went to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on a walking tour after Shabbat lunch. This is the site where many believe Jesus was buried. Today it was full of people. Part of the congestion was the installation of the new Armenian Bishop (parade in 1st 2 pics). We didn't get to delve into as much as we'd have liked - next trip!

Time ticks down... Sniff

2010-02-20T14:52:00.000+02:00

In 3.5 hours, our bags have to be outside our door! I am not ready to leave.

Today is Shabbat, which means that everything literally stops. Stores are closed, minimal traffic and a late wake-up call (7AM). We walked to Kehilat Har-El, one of the oldest Reform Synagogues in Jerusalem (as compared to a 4 year old synagogue in the suburbs last night). Services have been familiar with many of tune tunes the same as we do at Emanu-El. If you are pretty familiar with our services it was interesting to be able to recognize the differences. The prayer book they use (both synagogues) is Ha'avodah She'ba'Lev.

Rabbi got the 4 of us together before services who had purchased a new tallit and blessed them. After services we got pictures (attached).

We all walked to Beit Shmuel at the HUC for lunch. Rabbi must have pull - we got a separate room, great food and a fabulous view. We divided up after lunch,some went on a walking tour to see a number of non-jewish sites and maybe shop the arab market and a number of us walked back to the hotel to get an early start to get packing, showering etc., out of the way

Now staying at the King Solomon Hotel would not be worth anything unless it paid tribute to our own 'King Solomon' a/k/a Dick Solomon. See picture.

Tonight is Havdalah and final program on Rabbi's balcony, which wraps around the entire top floor... we could have a rock concert up there! We will then head for our final 'group' dinner and off to the airport for the trip back to the COLD. The weather here has been incredible, great for us, not so great for Israel. It is their winter and they could use water and cooler temps.

I cannot thank Mark enough for arranging this. I never thought I would make it to Israel at all, never mind 2 times, and both on Mark's watch. This one was a bit more emotional for me, but all for the good - how can one be in Israel and not get tugging at the heartstrings? There were so many new things on the itinerary that it gave the trip an updated flavor. Seeing the changes in 3.5 years was another boost. Sherry was a big help, especially keeping the flock together!! Thanks, Sherry!

To all my travel companions on the trip -- once again I have learned so much about many of you and some for the first time. What a great group of people to travel with.. Thank you

Bobi

Heading for the last Round-up

2010-02-19T23:50:00.000+02:00

Another long, busy and wonderful day! I cannot believe we are heading home tomorrow -- the time just flew by

We started off at the Herzel Museum which had a terrific presentation. We walked through the gardens to see where the Politicians are buried -- a group of Israeli soldiers were there learning themselves when I snapped a pictures of them at Rabin's grave site.

After that we headed to Yad Vashem - the memorial to those lost during the holocaust as well as where the Garden of the Righteous are honored -- a tree is planted for them - here you can find the tree for Mr/Mrs O. Schindler. I went into the children's memorial first and that was the end for me. Hearing the names of children who were holocaust victims had me in tears so I never went through the 'Adult' museum - it hurt too much. Pictures of Schindler's tree and Garden sign above

After lunch in the open-air market, we prepared for Shabbat Services at Kehilat Mevasseret Zion Synagogue and then for dinner with individual congregant families that were hosting several of us for dinner. Picture of the wonderful Host family (great company, fabulous dinner) for Sandy G and I.

Night all

Bobi

(PS.. thanks for trying to post Mer -- love you)

Shabbat at KMZ

2010-02-19T23:48:00.002+02:00

Tonight, we joyously celebrated Shabbat at Kehilat Mevasseret Zion (Kamatz or KMZ). We had a great service with Rabbi Maya Leibovich and a very packed house. Rabbi Leibovich remembered how her first fundraising stop in the US to build their lovely synagogue in this Jerusalem suburb was at Temple Emanu-El in Livingston and her work with Rabbi Peter Kasdan.

After services, we divided up to different homes for home hospitality. Everyone reported a great time. The kids were all matched with other kids their age and made new friends. Everyone ate well and connected with our generous Israeli hosts.

Tomorrow, we go to our 3rd Israeli Reform synagogue at Har-El here in Jerusalem.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Mark

Temple Emanu-El Trip to Israel 2010 - 39 strong!

2010-02-19T23:44:00.002+02:00

Menorah Smiles

2010-02-19T23:39:00.002+02:00

Various poses at the Menorah by the Knesset.

Farmer's Market on Steroids (But all natural)

2010-02-19T23:27:00.003+02:00

Machane Yehuda is a wonderful farmer's market plus much ,ore. You can got most anything there, but the pastries, fruit, and vegetables are especially amazing. While we ate fantastic rugelach from Marzipan, the sites and smells were tremendous. Plus with Purim only days away, there were costume shops, candy sales, and even (last picture) baskets of all sizes to buy for your Mishloach Manot. What fun!

Memory

2010-02-19T23:08:00.000+02:00

We started our busy 2nd-to-last day at the new Herzl Museum, which had a great multimedia presentation. See Herzl's actual desk below as well as some of group doing a Herzl imitation.
From there we saw some of the heroes of Israel buried in the the Mt. Herzl cemetery. Below are Yitchak Rabin's grave and Golda Meir's.
It was a short trip to Yad vaShem the incredible Holocaust Museum in Israel. Just a few photos of our group and of the Janusz Korczak memorial.

Rabbi Mark

Our Eighth Day, Already?

2010-02-19T00:03:00.000+02:00

Our Eighth Day, Already?

As others have noted, today was remarkable in the diversity of activities, all inspiring in their own way. For me, reaching the summit of Masada and wandering the ruins is indeed awesome. Our wonderful guide Ronnie shared the history of the place, the valor of the people, and even more importantly, the significance of these events for today and for the future.

Awesome, too, is the majesty and variety of topography of the desert. Not the flat, undulating sands of Lawrence of Arabia, but high, craggy mountains of rock anjd dry earth as well as low valleys, with assorted spindly brush and plants, an occasional group of palm trees, and gulleys from the vary occasional rain. What a landscape!

This is Day 8 of our incredible trip to Israel. We always hear about our Temple "family," but here in Israel we truly are a family, 39 strong. We're experiencing a wonderful sense of warmth, togetherness, and mutual interest. It's really a bit mindboggling that we have only been here 8 days, that a little more than a week ago 38 of us were blanketed by a snowstorm and were the only plane to leave Newark last Wednesday. And now, in 70 and 80 degree weather, we have been to the heights of Masada and the depths of the Dead Sea. Today we "climbed" Masada, visited a Bedouin camp and enjoyed a sumptuous lunch, rode on camels, and floated in the Dead Sea. I enjoyed every second.

Lois Steinberg

Camel Rides! (And the Bedouin Tent for Lunch)

2010-02-18T19:20:00.005+02:00

The Dead Sea

2010-02-18T19:16:00.001+02:00

A few Dead Sea shots. Lots of salt and floating.

Masada

2010-02-18T19:11:00.002+02:00

Because we did a separate tour of Masada with just the younger folk (see Leah's post below), I don't have many Masada photos to put up right now. But these are our 3 awesome "kids" on the trip: Leah (a Temple member), Sarah (Judy Krafchick's grandaughter), and Jordan (Sandy & Steve Werdenschlag's granddaughter).

The Camel and the Sea

2010-02-18T19:04:00.001+02:00

Can you imagine, I went on a camel ride in the desert! It wa so much fun. Lois and I rode together and Bob stayed off to be the official photographer. He did take a picture of my backside trying to climb up on the camel.

Bob did the Dead Sea. He was floating in his green bathing suit while I took the The pictures.

The desert was not as we imagined, it is dry and hilly with some cliffs. It was more beautiful than we could have imagined.

Masada was incredible. To be in the place where we have heard the story of bravery and suicide is one of the highlights of this trip. The views from Masada are breathtaking.

Arleen and Bob

Masada by Leah

2010-02-18T19:02:00.004+02:00

Today Me, Jordan, Jordan’s parents, and Sarah went with the Rabbi split from the group to look around on the mountain. When we split Rabbi told us the following story…. A long time ago the Jewish people were forced to leave Jerusalem. Moast people left but some people went up on a mountain and they lived there. The Roman soldiers couldn’t get up because if they went up on the snake path one by one we would of shot them one by one. Because the Romans couldn’t get up we didn’t go down. One day a Roman said that they should build a big ramp up to the mountain. Very soon they started to build. When they saw the Romans they killed themselves and died. 2 women and 3 kids hid but later became slaves.

By Leah Dollinger

The Western Wall

2010-02-18T19:02:00.003+02:00

I stood before the Western Wall yesterday. So many powerful emotions swept through me. I touched the wall. I put my head to the wall and kissed it. I prayed. I cried. I stood there and put many messages into the cracks of the wall. Deeply personal messages and prayers. Messages of the heart. Messages from friends. Messages from other classes from Temple Emanu-El. And messages from my own students.

I stood at the wall and I was overcome. Mom and Dad, do you feel my presence? Are you here with me? Do you know that I’m finally in Israel at the holiest of holy places? And I am a part of you and all who have come before me.

I stood at the Western Wall yesterday for one of the most monumental experiences of my life…

Bonnie Hollis

The Old City

2010-02-18T19:02:00.001+02:00

Looking out over the old city of Jerusalem into the hillside of Mt. Olive is a sight of a lifetime. You are looking at the history of people who came before us. It is so alive and moving. You sense the human spirit struggling to make a life in a land where the seeds of three religions were planted and grew.

The Western Wall or Wailing Wall, the foundation of the old city, a place of prayer, and a place where peace should be…yet its history is anything but… The city surrounding, where cultures are separated, yet somehow blended in a sprawling, intertwining series of streets and avenues filled with shops and people from all over the world; here to see where it all began.

The feelings and sights are embedded in your heart and head. One does not just see Jerusalem, one lives and breathes in the essence of human kind when you are in Jerusalem.

Dana Hollis

A Poem

2010-02-18T19:00:00.001+02:00

Thousands of years
Separate us from the beginnings.
Yet no space exists
From then to now,
Tears flow.
Hearts filled with prayer and awe.
At the Western Wall.
At the Western Wall.

Karen Solomon

The Western Wall

2010-02-18T18:59:00.001+02:00

I prayed at the Western Wall yesterday; I cried at the Western Wall yesterday. It was one of the most moving moments of my life. I cannot explain the emotions; one must experience this for one’s self. Thank you, Rabbi Mark, for organizing this second Temple Emanu-el journey. Today we are driving to Massada, another historical place with emotional implications.

Dick Solomon

Masada

2010-02-18T12:56:00.002+02:00

This is such a great trip. Kudos to the Rabbi and Sherry for all of their hard work in arranging this trip and making all the necessary adjustments on the fly as necessary. Yesterday at the wall was awesome. I said the Shemah at the wall wearing tallit and teffilin and cried. I don't know why - but I cried.
Today we went to masada. The most amazing thing was that while we walked at a medium pace down the mountain, a blind young man with a guide and no stick passed us on the way down.

Jay Freireich
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Chagall Windows

2010-02-17T22:59:00.001+02:00

Enjoy

What a Day!

2010-02-17T22:53:00.000+02:00

Greetings

Another day above and beyond expectations. Visited Lifeline for the Old where their motto is "Do not forsake me when I grow old...when my strength fails, do not abandon me. (psalm 75). I also purchased my new tallit there (made by the seniors) I am one happy camper.

The wall -- this is my 2nd visit and I still was not prepared for my emotional reaction...fortunately it happened after I took some pictures -- attached are Karen & Dick S., Bonnie H and a long shot of the women's side.

When the rest of the group went to the Kotel Tunnels, Barbara & Ed G, and I went to the Hadassah Hospital in Kerem to see the Chagall windows (we had done the Kotel so we didn't want to miss this opportunity.) Seeing the size, the brilliant colors and an explanation of each window, it's tribe, and what the items in that window represented was incredible. Pictures attached in next email

The Sound and Light (laser) show at the .Tower of David just after it got dark was stunning and unique.

Must get some sleep - Masada, Camel Rides and the Dead Sea tomorrow

Bobi

Generations

2010-02-17T22:46:00.002+02:00

Today we did one of the things I always think of as representative of a trip to Israel - we went to the Western wall. I found out that the wall was not the western wall of the 2^nd Temple, but rather of the 'retaining wall' around the Temple. In order to accommodate more people, a platform was built around the Temple and a wall was built around this platform. It is from this that the Western wall remains. This is the same wall in what is now known as 'the old city' which has been visited and prayed at for about 2000 years.

Since we had to separate men from women, I had the pleasure of experiencing this with my daughter. Once we made it to the front and we were able to touch the actual wall, I put one hand on the wall and the other on Leah's head and thought that this was truly "L'dor vador" in so many ways.

Speaking of generations, we also got to visit Yad LaKashish - Lifeline for the Old. It was here that we got to see many older people doing some amazingly beautiful handicrafts. The organization was created to provide the elderly with the opportunity to remain active in society. Since they are an independent group and do not take any money from the government, they are funded by donations as well as any monies made in the gift shop. I, along with many others in the group, felt privileged to partake in the mitzvah of Tzedakah by shopping : ).

Continuing with the generational theme, we ended our day with a Sound and Light spectacular that told the story of Jerusalem on the walls of Jerusalem - truly amazing.

It was a totally FULL and exhausting day, both physically and mentally -- and it was SABABA!

- Helane Dollinger

Sound! Light! Sales!

2010-02-17T22:21:00.002+02:00

Today we did some retail spirituality. A healthy buying experiences at Lifeline for the Aged led to about 1/2 the group exploring the excellent Judaica of the Cardo this afternoon.

In the early evening, we all went to the Sound and Light Show at the Citadel. I have been to the Citadel many times before to see the museum (and once for an incredible Chihuly exhibit). I had never seen this show, which was impressive and original in its presentation and use of the great space of the museum. Everyone loved it.

Afterwards, we spread out in Jerusalem heading towards Ben Yehuda Street, with some of us stopping at the higher end stores (think Mall at Short Hills) at the Mamilla Mall next to the Old City.

It was a cool, but beautiful night and everyone had tasty dinners and, despite general exhaustion, was in a great mood. It seems most of the items bought were for friends or family, so a post, email, or comment might just help you get what you want. But there is little shopping time left in our remaining three days in Israel.

Tomorrow, and wake up to head to Masada. Due to timing and the varied physical needs of the group, we will be taking the cable car both up and down. The weather is supposed to cool slightly tomorrow, so we look forward to hot, but manageable temperatures at the Dead Sea.

More late tomorrow (our time) when we get back from the Negev trip,

All the best from 39 happy campers,

Rabbi Mark

Lifeline for the Old (Yad LaKashish)

2010-02-17T17:19:00.002+02:00

We spent the morning meeting the "older" artists of Lifeline for the Aged. This is a tremendous organization that gives seniors something to do every morning - sharing their skills and talents in creating crafts. They received wages and other benefits for their work - and some have been doing it for almost 2 decades. Most of them are immigrants.

We loved it there and helped the cause with many purchases in the Gift Shop. You can learn more about them at www.lifeline.org.il.

The Western Wall

2010-02-17T17:10:00.003+02:00

We had a wonderful time in the Old City as we explored the Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall, and the tunnels under the city along the Western Wall. We even saw some young Orthodox boys getting ready for Purim.

Greetings from Jerusalem

2010-02-17T16:51:00.003+02:00

Some shots of the sites and wonder of the city of Jerusalem.

Artists,Crusaders, Kabbalists and Caro

2010-02-16T23:24:00.000+02:00

One of the best parts of this trip (I was on the one in 2006) is all the new places we are visiting and people and places we are learning. We left the Golan Heights and headed toward Jerusalem via Tzfat and Belvoir Castle in the Jordanian Gilad Mountains.

Tzfat (Safed) is the home of mystics, artists, Kabbalists and Rabbi Joseph ben Ephraim Caro. We did not make it to the candle factory last time but I more than made up for it on this trip - think their rent is covered for the month, but OH what beautiful goodies I got! The Kabbalah practiced there is NOT Madonna' Kabbalah. It is a discipline and school of thought concerned with the mystical aspect of Judaism going back to at least the 16th century.

And speaking of the 16th century, remember the pictures with the fabulous costumes posted yesterday (and on the web site's main page) which were from the Dona Gracia House? Joseph Caro and Dona Gracia worked together to help the Marranos (Sephardic Jews in the Iberian peninsula who were forced to adopt Christianity under threat of expulsion but who continued to practice Judaism) secretly flee.

Bottom line, Rabbi Caro wrote the Shulhan Arukh,(in Sephardic tradition) considered by many to be the ultimate authorities in Halacha (jewish law). This may all sound very dry, but when you visit places and put the dots together of our history, it is kind of fascinating. I have attached a picture of the Torah Scroll hand witting by Caro as well as the outside of the'Judith' Gallery. Hopefully Ill get to post fun stuff another time.-just trying to cover what other's haven't

Bobi

Seeing the Sites as Romans Did

2010-02-16T22:35:00.001+02:00

Valentine's Day is Love Day in Israel. Not a big event at all. However we all went to Tzippori near Tiberias which is a dig site of a city that was built by Rome. There Jews and Romans lived together for years in peace. Bonnie discovered olive trees. There were also almond trees (blooming with white/pink blossoms) and we have the picture to prove it. The city is almost completely excavated and much of the streets and some of the building floors have been restored. The tile floors are amazing. Dinner at night by the Sea of Galilee was an event. The fish and Turkish coffee hit the spot!

Bonnie and Dana Hollis

A pizza eating cat and Crausader Castle Belvoir

2010-02-16T21:43:00.001+02:00

History, Geography & Geology

2010-02-16T21:28:00.002+02:00

Today we were in Tzefat, which was old, quaint, and mystical. Also, there was good shopping. We saw two synagogues that have great history. Shoppers were happy with the candle factory store, and quite few tallitot were purchased in other stores. A short stop for lunch, and then on to a castle erected by Crusaders. It was really big. Something else I learned yesterday was that a VERY long time ago, there were volcanic activity in Israel. Lots of the rock was basalt. The other interesting fact we learned was that the Rift Valley begins in Syria, and extends all the way down to Africa, to Tanzania and Kenya.

We are enjoying unbelievable weather and are so fortunate. Thanks to all our family and friends that are sending comments. We love to hear from you!! Tonight we will be in Jerusalem.

Karen and Dick Solomon

Great Trip!!!!

2010-02-16T21:28:00.001+02:00

We are having a super great trip to Israel ….as I write this we are driving along a very safe section of the West Bank. We have taken a lot of photo’s so far.

Claudi, Stephen, Mia and Jason , Pam, Kevin, Howie, and M.E……we miss you all a lot.This one of our best trips.

George and Barbara Sesso

In the Bunker in the Golan Heights

2010-02-16T21:27:00.003+02:00

Leaving Tiberias (600 ft below sea level) on the shore of the Sea of Galilee we climbed up the Golan Heights. This was the area that Israel claimed after the Six-Day War. It looks east to Syria. Even though Bonnie knew intellectually that Syria was in close proximity (about a mile away), it still seemed shocking anyway seeing it right out there. When you see and hear the actual locations, it is stunning. You feel more than ever such an intense desire for Israel to be protected at all costs,

While we were there the IDF was conducting exercises and we could hear the tanks shooting off rounds. Their presence was everywhere.

We also got to climb down into a bunker, on top of Mt. Bental. We learned that the inside of the bunker was laid out in a zig-zag pattern to protect the occupants such that if a section of the bunker was hit, only one room could be damaged, thus protecting the remaining occupants.

Earlier we went on a jeep ride starting out near the Sea of Galilee and ending up on one of the hills in the Golan Heights. We drove through orchards, rivers and streams that empty into the Sea of Galilee, and pastures on the hillsides. It was a thrill ride worth an E ticket!

Bonnie and Dana Hollis

News from Sarah & Judy’s Sightline

2010-02-16T21:27:00.001+02:00

The trip at the halfway point has exceeded our expectations. Ronnie, our guide, who is with us all the time, is one of the best teachers and helpers I have ever encountered on a group trip.

I feel very safe in Israel, especially with so many “Jewish Mothers”. I feel like I am being constantly protected.

Sarah is a joy to be with, and the three girls, Jordan, 7+, Leah, 9, and Sarah, 13, have been MARVELOUS .

I miss Jay and Shari, Steve, Danielle, Jack and Lauren and hope I can return on another Temple Emanu-El trip with them as well as with Dana and Bryce.

Now we are heading to Jerusalem and will keep you posted.

All my love,

Judy, aka Nanny and Ma!!!!!!

From the Galilee to Tzefat where we enjoyed the Candle Factory

2010-02-16T21:25:00.002+02:00

Note from Kabbut Lavi

2010-02-16T00:00:00.001+02:00

I have been lax about posting on the blog. So let me make a few
comments. First at the airport as we waited for our harrowing take
off, I was interviewed by somebody from Verizon VIOS about where we
were going and my reaction to the storm. Since we don't have VIOS I
won't no whether he got my good side (assuming of course that I have
one)! As you have already read, the weather here has been
magnificent. The Israelis have been extremely nice. Our Shabbat in
Tel Aviv was perfect; a very touching service led by Rabbi Kaiserman,
which made me feel like I really was in Israel. We took a long walk
on the beach with wonderful company, wading in the water; people
watching and ending with an outstanding dinner. All in all the day
rated a ten out of ten. Today, however was a special day for Lenore
and me as we got to meet and have dinner with a dear friend, Jacquie,
from my graduate school days. She lives on a kibbutz near the Golan
Heights and has lived there for about 25 years. We have not seen her
in all that time and will see her once more tomorrow before we move
on to Jerusalem. So this has been a special trip for us for many
reasons.

Larry Lerner

Sent from my iPod

To Close Today's Stories

2010-02-15T23:02:00.001+02:00

Bobi

Dialogue in the Dark

2010-02-15T22:04:00.001+02:00

2/14/2010

Today we visited the Holon Museum to experience "Dialogue in the Dark". This was an exhibit designed to simulate what it is like to be blind. Before we entered the exhibit, each member of our small group (10 people), was given a cane, and shown how to use it. Once we walked into the exhibit, we were in TOTAL darkness. I felt very anxious, and was not sure if I would be able make it through for 1.5 hours. However, I gathered my courage, took a deep breath, and stepped inside, where I was greeted by the voice of our guide Maggie. Her friendly voice and reassuring words helped to reduce the claustrophobic feelings that I was having. After introducing herself to each member of our group, Maggie prodded us to begin our adventure.

We learned to use the cane to navigate our way through the exhibit. We used our senses of sound, touch and smell to identify the things around us. We began in an area with grass and trees and plants (the rainforest?), followed by a beach, a boat, and a busy street corner. Surprisingly, I no longer felt anxious or scared…rather, I was intensely focused on the task at hand, using my remaining senses to solve the puzzles of daily life. I didn't have the luxury of feeling scared…I was simply too busy. We were then all led into a room, where we lay down on the floor, and listened to music. It was very relaxing, and the music was somehow more intense than usual.

At the end of our adventure, we were taken to a "bar" to purchase drinks and snacks, and to enjoy a conversation in the dark with our little group. There, I felt some frustration, not with my inability to see, but rather with the cacophony of sounds in the bar. My senses were overloaded. Our group sat around a table and shared our experiences, and Maggie encouraged us to ask any questions that we had. We learned that all of the guide's were vision impaired or blind, and Maggie shared her own personal experience.

Afterwards on the bus, we discussed our trip to Holon. Ronnie (our tour guide), felt that the experience was good, as it showed that Israel was just a normal country, and that everything we visited didn't need to be about religion and history. To me, the experience was enlightening. Rarely has time moved so quickly…the hour and a half tour felt like no more than 15 minutes. The experience showed that living with a disability is not as scary as it might seem. Rather than closing doors, I felt more connected to myself and my senses.

Michael Dollinger

Going to the Golan

2010-02-15T22:02:00.002+02:00

This morning we had the incredible experience of going on a jeep tour to the Golan Heights--think Pink Jeep tour in Sedona. We went in groups of 6 or 7 per jeep. Ours was open on the sides and we enjoyed sampling the wild mustard that grew on the side of the road--just reached out and picked some. We also were bombarded by the wind and low branches and have the scratches to show for it. When some of the jeeps got stuck in the mud, we laughed and worried until one of the other jeeps pulled us out.

When my children were young, I always told them to say, "tushe bumper" whenever we drove over railroad tracks. This ride was king of all "tushe bumpers". And what a ride it was.

Sandy Goodman

Amazing day!

2010-02-15T21:27:00.002+02:00

We had an amazing day in the north.

We started at Dona Gracia's House in Tiberias. An oft forgotten Jewish heroine of the 16th century, we learned her incredible story and then all dressed up in period costumes. Photos below (but many more likely to come).

We traveled by jeep to see the beauty of the north. It is the "green" season - rainy, growing - but the weather was magnificent (again!). Some of the jeeps got stuck going up a hill and each had to be towed. Action photos below.

We headed to Har Bental and saw the strategic vitality of the Golan Heights as we stared at the Syrian border just ahead in the distance.

Then we went to a Golan Winery and sampled some tasty local bottles.

Finally, delicious dinner in the town of Tiberias on the Sea of Galillee/Kinneret.

A fun and exciting day perhaps topped by tomorrow as we visit Tzfat and then head to Jerusalem!

Love from Israel to everyone,

Rabbi Mark

The Fabulous Style at Donna Gracia's House (Click on photos to enlarge)

2010-02-15T21:24:00.003+02:00

Lookouts and Wineries

2010-02-15T21:19:00.003+02:00

First photo is Har Bental - an Israel lookout point in the Golan Heights at the Syrian Border. Featured are Diana and Maria.

Other photos are when we went to the Golan Winery. Our three underage participants were all appropriate and still had fun - Sarah, Leah, and Jordan.

The Jeep Ride - Pulling Up a Stuck Jeep

2010-02-15T21:15:00.001+02:00

Surviving the jeep ride in Golan

2010-02-15T21:00:00.000+02:00

What a terrific time we had. Not knowing what the ride would be like ahead of time and not sure of our destination, we casually climbed into the jeeps.

I am not even sure how to explain how much fun we had.

I guess it was a little bit like a safari with muddy dirt roads, (one way roads, happily) little streams we had to navigate, and very few animals, though we did see a gazelle.

We’ll show you the pictures of one of our jeeps pulling another one up a muddy hill!

The scenery and the views were magnificent. Looking down on from the ‘heights,’ and realizing how easily the fishermen on Kinneret could be shot at, everyone in our group really understood the importance of the Golan Heights for Israel’s security.

The foliage along the dirt roads was lovely. There were mango trees grafted onto avocado trees, orchards of red oranges, and wild bulrushes along the streams. It reminded me a lot of the truck rides we used to take when I was studying in Israel in 1961. So much that we have done this time brings back my memories of that wonderful year in “Oz.”

Having just ascended a ‘volcanic’ mountain to see the g’vul (border) with Syria, and the bunkers that were there from the 1973 Yom Kippur War, I have to hope that our guide Ronny’s words may come true. He is the best guide I have been lucky to have here in Israel, and I’ll post some of his words later.

Leah Schwartz

Comments - Your Friends & Family Want to Hear from You

2010-02-14T22:45:00.005+02:00

Tonight, after a tasty dinner at Kibbutz Lavi, I read all the comments on the blog to the group. Like mail call in the army decades ago, some people had LOTS of family and friends who shared thoughts on the blog. Some had none. They were sad. Maybe they cried. May not. But many more comments on the site would make everyone feel loved and missed.

(Just click the link titled "# comments" after a post and enter your comment. Make sure to identify yourself)

Rabbi Mark

PS That's goes for my family too!

Some beautiful shots of Tzippori and Israel

2010-02-14T22:39:00.000+02:00

More Shabbat in Tel Aviv Photos

2010-02-14T22:32:00.002+02:00

Shabbat morning photos along with one of Judy Krafchick dancing with the Tel Aviv HUGE Israel Dancing group on Shabbat afternoon.

Shabbat Shalom

2010-02-14T22:06:00.000+02:00

“Whatever possessed me to say yes to this?” I whined as I tripped over the same spot in my Torah portion one more time. Sitting in the lounge of the Dan Panorama with several people reading over my shoulder, I wondered why I had agreed to chant a Torah portion. Just because Sherry asked me didn’t mean I had to say yes. But say yes I did—and here I was on Friday night trying to get it right.

And then it was Saturday morning. We sat in a semicircle looking at the sea, under an intensely blue sky, participating in the beautiful service Rabbi wrote for us. Time for the Torah. Mike and Lenore held the Torah right in front of my face; Karen’s Courtyard pen was a perfect yad. And chanting Torah here, in this place, was…it’s hard even to find a word to describe it. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a feeling unlike any other I can imagine.

So now I know what possessed me: the spirit of this place, reaching all the way to the Hillel room! And I will forever be glad I said yes.

Barbara Gross

Truly B'Shert

2010-02-14T17:57:00.001+02:00

I started my first post on Feb 11 saying how 'Good Things Come in Threes' and thinking I had a better understanding of B'Shert. I continued with that understanding in my 2nd post on Feb 12. When we finally arrived yesterday and made it from the plane to the beach for Shabbat Morning Services two minutes before I was to chant my Torah Portion, it totally sealed the deal. As they say, 'This one was for you, Daddy." My partner in chanting, Barbara Gross (who was fabulous as usual) and I both felt it was an experience of a lifetime, especially using our 'Bic' Yad! My heartfelt thanks to Rabbi and my temple family who helped 'vamp' till we got there, and to those who saved me goodies from the things I missed doing so I wouldn't feel as if I missed out.

Till next time -- with Pictures

Bobi Littman

Tzippori

2010-02-14T17:48:00.003+02:00

Tzippori is a ruin of a Roman and Jewish city in the Galilee in the north. This is the city where Judah HaNasi compiled the Mishnah. There are incredible Roman and Jewish mosiacs discovered in the city as the floor of homes, halls, streets, and the synagogue.

Below are photos of a Nile River seen - broad and close up.

Also an example of how a mosaic is formed with the different layers of floor. See a picture of Ronny our guide telling us about mosaics. And also a picture of an ineffective guard.

Here at Long Last

2010-02-14T17:32:00.001+02:00

Neither snow nor hail, nor Continental, nor the slaying of first - born (wait, that’s from a Jewish holiday) could keep us from finally arriving in Tel Aviv! We convincingly got the Rabbi to slow down the Shabbat services on the beach to allow us to join in the service shortly after our arrival. We were so thrilled to finally be in Israel and with everybody and at such a special service...

We walked along the beach for miles at Tel Aviv; people were sunning, swimming, tossing Frisbees, and playing paddle ball and it was unusually warm 80 degrees for this time of year. Even though we had little or no sleep since we took off on Friday, we managed to make it a night out complete with a dinner at a great local spot where the food never ended!

Sherry advised Bonnie, “Don’t forget you have to have your luggage out of your room promptly at 7:30 am on Sunday or they won’t put it on the bus.” Not to miss any opportunity Bonnie was promptly busting Sherry with, “What do you mean? I’m not even checked in yet! I’ve never seen my room! I know, to save time for 7:30 Dana and I will just sleep in the lobby, ok Sherry?”

Met up with Ori in the evening, a business associate of Dana’s who has been in voice and e-mail communication for three years but never a face - to - face meeting. The three of us walked to the beach along the promenade and sat on a bench overlooking Jaffa, which was lit up with beautiful lights. It was a beautiful sight and we also got a free history lesson from Ori as well.

Bonnie and Dana Hollis

Shabbat on the Beach

2010-02-14T17:31:00.001+02:00

Sitting on the beach in Tel Aviv, facing the Mediterranean and praying with the congregation on Shabbat morning was an incredible experience. Who could imagine praying like this anywhere else in the world!

Arleen and Bob Silver

Crawling in the tunnel

2010-02-14T17:30:00.000+02:00

When the group split up Me , Jordan and a bunch of other people chose to go to the under ground tunnels. In the tunnels there were lots of small holes to crawl through. The only light we had were some tiny candles, it was sort of hard to see. There were lots and lots of pigeon holes all over the wall. (Jordan thinks there were to many holes). The building was made of chalk bricks. (I think the bricks looked nice and rectangular even though they were over 2,000 years old).

Leah Dollinger :-)

THE SOLOMON SAGA CONTINUES!!

2010-02-14T17:27:00.001+02:00

After the dig we drove back to Tel Aviv, to go the produce market and the arts and crafts market at Nachalat Binyamim. We, Dick and I, had a different agenda, which he will explain himself. The group shared a Shabbat dinner at the hotel, a very grand buffet. Rabbi Mark sat in the lobby with his computer and lots of people brought their cameras to try and have him download their photos so he could post them on the blog. There was a wire problem and the downloading took forever. So, we played Bananagrams to pass the time. Sarah liked learning how to play.

- Karen Solomon

As Karen indicated above, I had a different agenda when we arrived at the market area in Nachalat Binyamim. The sneakers, which I purchased and wore for two weeks before we left, absolutely killed my feet during the first walking tour, so our objective was to buy new sneakers. Since then the trip’s walking explorations have been a pleasure. On Shabbat morning Rabbi Mark, Sherry and Amy organized Services complete with a VERY SMALL print Torah provided by the Tour Company. The scene was wonderful, a mini-pavilion near the beach, with the sun shining and the Mediterranean Sea flowing against the shore.

- Dick Solomon

Museum for the blind

2010-02-14T11:45:00.002+02:00

What an interesting and worthwhile experience to go through various conditions in complete darkness and use my other senses to navigate through. Thank you Rabbi for putting this on out itinerary.

- Jay Freirich

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Old Jaffa - Saturday

2010-02-13T16:25:00.000+02:00

We just came back from a walk to Old Jaffa with my mothers, about 2 1/2 miles. It was wonderful. We could learn alot about spending time with family. Today is all about family-it was beautiful!!!

- Diana Tabankin

Shabbat Afternoon

2010-02-13T16:21:00.002+02:00

Shabbat afternoon included delicious food, long walks on the beautiful beach (with sunny warm skies), Israeli dancing, naps, and, of course, ice cream.

Shabbat Morning!

2010-02-13T16:13:00.006+02:00

This morning, we celebrated Shabbat with just our group at the beautiful park across from our hotel overlooking the Mediterranean sea. We sang and were truly relaxed to enjoy the morning highlighted by the mid-service arrival of Dana & Bonnie Hollis and Bobi Su Littman straight from the airport. It was just in time for Bobi Su and Barbara Gross to chant Torah amazingly.

Jordan and Leah carried our Torah, Amy Young did Presidential announcements, and everyone shared in the fun of the morning.

[More photos to come later]

Photos and Comments

2010-02-13T00:15:00.002+02:00

Finally had the chance to put up some photos. Will do our best to keep them coming throughout the trip.

Every day, I share any comments posted with the appropriate people who might be interested. Everyone LOVES hearing that someone they love posted a comment. Please do so! But make sure to identify yourself so I can direct the comment to the right person on the trip.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Mark

Some shopping in Tel Aviv

2010-02-13T00:09:00.001+02:00

Opening Night Dinner at a Yemenite Restaurant

2010-02-13T00:02:00.002+02:00

Cave Crawl

2010-02-12T23:56:00.002+02:00

Some of us went for a cave crawl through a mostly untouched series of holes and caves. Much fun. A bit messy. Photos don't do it justice.

Digging and Finding Much Archaeological Loot!

2010-02-12T23:37:00.004+02:00

Picking Clementines for the needy (We ate some too)

2010-02-12T23:28:00.003+02:00

Last shot in America.... One of the first shots in Israel...

2010-02-12T23:07:00.006+02:00

Here in israel

2010-02-12T22:21:00.002+02:00

This has been an great adventure so far. The planning, the packing, the anxiety and the snow. We got through it all. The only flight to leave Newark airport in a blizzard and we are here. Over the past 2 days we have harvested crops, been jet lagged, dug in the dirt, crawled through caves and eaten a tremendous amount of food. Oh, but I forgot - the shopping and of course Shabbat services in Tel Aviv.

The best thing for me have been the wonderful people that I am getting to know on a more personal level. Each person's story is different and I am intrigued by the camaraderie amongst the group.

At this moment I consider myself the luckiest Educator to be with these people.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom from Tel Aviv.

Sherry

Shabbat Shalom from israel

2010-02-12T21:54:00.002+02:00

Shabbat Shalom, it's your temple president! We shared our first Shabbat experience in Israel beginning with services at a Reform synagogue in downtown Tel Aviv called Beit Daniel.The Rabbi and I sat next to each other, comparing our service to theirs. Many of the songs and prayers were the same...but when it came to understanding the sermon, we were lost. Our jet lag caught up with us at that point. Luckily, the TotShabbat children showed up and we were revived just by how cute they were.

Next was our Shabbat buffet dinner back at the hotel. Seem like all we are doing on this trip is eating! The salads were incredible, lots of entrees, and desserts but no coffee or tea. So some of us drank ourselves silly instead.

So now it's late and we all ate too much and we are hanging out in the hotel lounge and supporting Barbara Gross in her preparation for her torah reading at Shabbat morning services at the park across from the hotel. Of course Shabbat will not be complete without my Temple announcements!

We are really on the go --no rest for the weary - but we're having a really good time doing it!

Shabbat Shalom!

Amy Young and my co writer, Lenore Lerner

At the Airport and Raring to Go!!

2010-02-12T21:02:00.000+02:00

Hi Group!!

The 3 of us arrived safely and are now ensconced in the President's Club schmoozing, eating and drinking (yeah booze).

We are more than excited that this is now at long last a reality! We have said our Travelers Prayer, turned around 3 times, thrown salt over our shoulders and knocked on wood - so we are good to go.

We even took a picture for you while we said our prayer! See you tomorrow in Tel Aviv

Shabbat Shalom

Bobi, Bonnie and Dana

WE ARE HERE!

2010-02-12T15:09:00.000+02:00

We arrived in spite of the snowstorm; El AL always flies! The weather is beautiful and we are so glad to be here. We picked Clementines yesterday which reminded us of apple picking years ago. Today was digging at an archeological site which was incredible. We were in a site more than 2000 years old . We found the base of a home which the people were looking for the last nine years. Have to go now as it is shopping time at the fruit market and an art colony

Arleen and Bob Silver

The Reluctant Flyer

2010-02-12T15:08:00.002+02:00

Wow, here we are in Israel. It was an unbelievable leap of faith to think of traveling 10 hours to get here. We had a few days of intense anxiety while we watched weather reports after weather reports hoping that the news would change,. It did not. The atmosphere was tense indeed as 35 of us arrived at the airport waiting for what most of thought would be a cancellation. As the hours passed by we realized that El Al was going, no matter what . The plane lifted powerfully and majestically through the snow storm and through the clouds. It only took minutes before we saw the sun through the windows. I was never so happy to be up in the air!

The weather is beautiful and we are now beginning to feel that we are really here. We’ve gone Clementine picking and some touring of Jaffa. Yesterday was actually more like three days, so much happened. We had a wonderful dinner at a Yemenite restaurant and then much needed sleep. Our breakfast buffet this morning was a wonder array of Middle Eastern food.

Just leaving the “dig.” It was not something I wanted to do but it was very interesting.

Now I will pass the blog onto some one else. Our group, our leaders and our guide are all wonderful. Looking forward to the rest of the week.

Lenore and Larry

The Reluctant Archeologist

2010-02-12T15:08:00.001+02:00

This morning was truly a revelation. If there was one event on our itinerary that I was sure I would NOT do, it was to go on an archeological dig. Neither did Richard, and we had decided to explore Tel Aviv on our own this morning. But as luck would have it, he was unable to come on this adventure, so by default I did go on the dig. And I am so glad that I did.

Driving to the site, viewing the countryside, seeing vineyards, love groves, flowers in bloom, grazing cattle along the way really made Israel come alive. And getting into the cave, shoveling through the dirt and rocks was actually fun. None to mention the experience of actually finding bits of pottery and bone in the debris. These shreds were used by real people in this real place 2200 years ago! And I and others are finding them today. How exciting!

So I am really delighted that I was here, at Tel Maresha.

Lois

Digging for our Roots

2010-02-12T15:07:00.001+02:00

We went on our dig this morning. It took about a half hour to get to Beit Guvrin. We got a history lesson about King Herod and the Maccabees as we rode out to the site. It turned out that the archeologist in charge and leading our group was Ian Stern. He had been at Temple Emanu-El several years ago presenting an Adult Education program. He did a great job of explaining the site, the work, and how to participate in the digging.

The best part of all of this for us, besides finding some pottery shards, and pieces of animal bones was the face it put on all of the Bible study we’ve been doing at Temple for so many years. To be in a place where early Jews lived, worked, fought and died was amazing and very exciting.

Karen and Dick Solomon

Archaeological dig

2010-02-12T13:34:00.002+02:00

We had a great time today at the archaeological dig. We found bones and pottery and sifted for gold. We did not declare we found any gold.

We then went through the "crawl" cave where he had to walk like crabs at parts to traverse it. Gale even did that optional part. Very interesting.

Jay Freireich

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Lichtenstein?

2010-02-12T08:35:00.002+02:00

Karl Przybilla,

Your wife didn't know this - when was Lichtenstein founded?

(Learning about it from Marion),

Rabbi Mark

Good Things Come in Threes

2010-02-11T22:22:00.001+02:00

And so it is with us! Bonnie got cleared by the Dr to fly so the 3 of us will be leaving for Israel tomorrow (Friday) at 3:55 PM and will be there Shabbat Morning (maybe in time for brunch).

We have had 2 days of aggravation, frustration, tears and joy, trying to beat external and internal obstacles so we can finally be with all of you. Guess this is the meaning of B'Shert!

Have a good time, but not TOO much fun -- till we get there

להתראות בשבת

Bobi

Amazing Israel Trip

2010-02-11T21:42:00.002+02:00

This tour group is a great one. Everyone is doing so great, despite the trip to the airport and the hectic takeoff. We are all really bonding, and everyone is in high spirits, although, very tired. So far, as to who will fall asleep first, bets are on Rabbi Mark and Sarah. We are so lucky and blessed to be here.

-Judy Krafchick

We're Lucky We Made It to Newark Airport

2010-02-11T21:21:00.003+02:00

Lori, Alden, & Jordan, and Sandy & I, and Sandy Goodman, and Helane, Mike, & Leah Dollinger, are all lucky to have made it here. Livingston Taxi cancelled at the last minute, without telling us -- we only discovered it accidentally -- and we scrambled to find another means to get from Livingston to Newark Airport. We are grateful to East Hanover Taxi, who rescued us!

Steve Werdenschlag

The beginning

2010-02-11T21:09:00.003+02:00

So, as a price for checking my email on Rabbi Mark's computer, I was told I needed to write a blog entry. Here goes....

Well, after a difficult take-off, we finally made it up in the sky and after 10 hours of knee-cramping seats, we landed in Tel Aviv! Most people slept on the flight, though I couldn't so I watched "My One and Only" four times, as well as "An Education", "Amelia", and "The Invention of Lying". When we touched down, we went to baggage claim, where there was a technical error so lots of people were just climbing on the carousel to grab their luggage. We then went to Table-2-Table and picked clementines, went to a short trip to Old Yafo and came to the hotel. Thank goodness the water is drinkable and the beds are comfortable! We then went to dinner, with 3 tables piled high with food for 2 hours! I am off to bed for the first time in at least a day and a half. I feel blessed that we were able to take off from NJ despite the weather, and that I am here with everyone, and safe.

-Sarah Porter

Yemenite for Dinner

2010-02-11T20:50:00.003+02:00

We had a big meal of delicious Yemenite Food for dinner - endless "salatim", grilled meats, and, of course, french fries. We then walked back to the hotel to work off some calories and prepare for our first night of sleep. Lots of nodding heads and heavy lids right now, so we sign off until machar (tomorrow in Hebrew).

Rabbi Mark

In a cavern, In a canyon (well, really in an orchard)

2010-02-11T15:49:00.003+02:00

Day 1 in Israel was wonderful. To come from a blizzard to gorgeous 75+ degree temperatures in a sunny but cool sky along the Mediterranean was heaven.

We began our trip with a mitzvah. Through "Table to Table" and "Leket Yisrael" we went to a great orchard full of magnificent citrus fruits. Our task was to pick clementines. The trees bubbled over with the fruits from the low branches to the glorious ones out of our reach. As they were delicate, a quick pull ripped the skin. To punish ourselves for making the fruit unstorable, we made sure to eat that one - and to punish ourselves over and over.
In about an hour, we collected a ton of fruit - but seemed to barely make a dent in the trees. The orchard only uses volunteers to pick fruit and gives all of their produce to the needy throughout Israel. We had a blast and hope to work with them in the US as their office is in Teaneck.

Lunch was our first falafel and was promised by our bus driver David that it was "the best in Israel." He may be right. The Rehovot felafel stand was stupendous. A quick visit to Jaffa, the ancient port city and current artist haven, led us to the Dan Panorama Hotel. Now we have a few hours to relax, unpack, shower, and get ready for dinner as we try to reset our body clocks.

Comments from earlier posts have been shared and we will continue to share them as long as you post them!

Yemenite food for dinner. Yum!
Rabbi Mark

Made it to Israel!!

2010-02-11T09:05:00.001+02:00

The take-off was a little scary. But seconds later it was blue skies and safe flying.
We landed an hour late, full of great spirits arriving to Israel - most of us for the first time.

75 degree temperatures and a relaxed first day await!

Rabbi Mark

-- Posted From My iPhone

See What You Left Behind

2010-02-11T00:16:00.001+02:00

For all our friends that took off this afternoon on the El Al flight we though you would like to see what you left behind (besides us) so I've attached a couple of photos of the weather here in Livingston. We will be following you on our re-scheduled Continential flights and catch up with you in Tel Aviv. Enjoy the start of our tour and we will see you all when we get there! Oh yea which one doesn't belong?

We are on the plane!!

2010-02-10T19:53:00.000+02:00

We are on the plane and getting ready to close door and take off. Everyone is very hopeful as the weather outside seems more accomodating.
I have to turn off the phone soon, so if there are no more posts until Thursday morning, it is because we took off.
Lots of hope,
Rabbi Mark

-- Posted From My iPhone

All at Airport

2010-02-10T17:56:00.000+02:00

The 35 of us flying on El Al have all arrived at snowy Newark Airport. We are hopeful that El Al - the only flight out of this terminal - will still go as scheduled. Lots of optimism and good spirits right now.
Will post an update as we learn more.

Rabbi Mark

-- Posted From My iPhone

Snow Continues but Flight is Still Scheduled

2010-02-10T14:51:00.003+02:00

El Al says as long as the airport is still open and they can get a runway plowed, the flight will still go. It may be delayed, but it is still scheduled to go. The plane landed at 5:30am this morning. Other planes (international, big ones like ours) have taken off this morning. The roads to the airport are apparently drivable with caution.

The plan still is for us to go to the airport, check-in, wait, and hope for the best. Bring your patience and we'll make an adventure out of it.

Drive safely. Call me if you'd like.

See you at airport,
Rabbi Mark

Snow begins...

2010-02-10T06:34:00.003+02:00

Hi all! Well, this is an odd way to begin our trip.

As of now, the El Al flight is still scheduled to depart. El Al claims they almost NEVER cancel a flight.
The weather seems to allow a chance that we can go. Overnight snow won't be tremendous which will allow us to get to the airport.
The heaviest snow will fall starting at noon. There is even a completely unfounded rumor that El Al sometimes takes off early (since everyone checks in so early). So make sure to get to the airport and get your boarding pass to part of the system.
Everyone should check the El Al site tomorrow morning for updates and if it isn't cancelled then head to the airport. But be prepared for delays and frustration.

Right now, I know of 6 people who are in hotels at the airport.
Also 3 people (the Hollises and Bobi Su) have had their flight cancelled and look to be going out a little late.

We'll do out best to keep everyone posted through a variety of means if we learn anything. I will post occasionally on the blog from the airport to keep friends and family updated without you having to call everyone. Tell them to check here.

And remember, it is 78° in Tel Aviv on Thursday. We just have to get there!

Rabbi Mark

EL AL trip members-flight info

2010-02-10T04:49:00.002+02:00

HELLO ALL THAT ARE TAKING EL AL.
as of now, our flight is still on for 1:30 p.m tomorrow afternoon!!!!
if you want to keep updated, go to:
http://www.elal.co.il/ELAL/English/FlightInfo/ArrivalsDepartues/

and check our flight info (2/10. flight #28)

Thanks so much, hope everyone reads this
-Sarah Porter (Judy K's granddaughter)