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By Dr. Eyal Bor
Because the world economy is experiencing some challenges, Israel
is facing hardship. Tourism has been drastically affected by having
fewer numbers of tourist groups visiting the country. Despite the
economy, members from our synagogue were able to travel to Israel for a
very successful trip. What made the trip so special was a combination of
the beautiful locations we visited and the outstanding camaraderie, chemistry,
ruach, energy, and laughter among the participants.
Here are two comments I will never forget from this trip:
Syd: “I could not believe the impression The Wall made on me. I just
burst into tears when I touched it and started to pray…I could not stop
crying… and I was so surprised to see that The Wall is not as big as I
imagined it to be.”
Michael: “What really moved me at the Air Force Museum was
seeing photos describing the three F-22 Israeli pilots flying over the
Auschwitz concentration camp… my family were Holocaust survivors and
I wished my mother would have been with us to see these pictures.”
These are just a few examples of what made the trip so special.
Members of the group developed a better understanding of the meaning
of prayers that we recite Friday evening and Shabbat morning. One gentleman
as a result of the trip has decided that his family will light Shabbat
candles.
They related to Abraham who, at the Beer Sheba’s Well, gained energy
to feed his flock. At the Tel Aviv Old Museum members felt passion,
emotion and love for Israel as they heard Ben Gurion’s voice as he
declared the State of Israel on May 14, 1948 and sang Hatikvah. In addition,
while we were in Jaffa looking out at the Mediterranean Sea, a couple
who was just about to get married that night was walking by to have
pictures taken. I took out my clarinet and asked the entire group to sing,
“Siman Tov Umazal Tov”, which was such a happy occasion. We felt as
though we were celebrating that simcha with this couple that we had
never met.
While visiting Safad the group gained new meaning and understanding
of Lecha Dodi written by Shlomo Halevi, who was inspired by this
ancient holy city. I heard people saying that Israel made them proud of
the fact that it made such significant progress in only 61 years of existence.
As a Jewish educator, I must say that it is great for me to see Israel
through different eyes. The most rewarding educational experience for me
is when I lead groups to Israel. I see the spark, the happiness and the
pride that our members gain while visiting there. I am looking forward to
the next trip in October when I can enjoy new experiences.
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