December 28, 2007
Travels
We have journeyed fast and extensively these past few days. From our ascent up Masada either by hike or cable car, we uncovered ancient archeology, explored Jewish history, and discussed the evolving thought in modern Israel. We desended Masada and took and found much fun in the mud and minerals of the Dead Sea. Many pictures were taken, but privacy is best.
On Wednesday morning we were treated to an elightening lecture on the politics of Israel before we began our journey to the north. Along the way many in our group were treated to a wonderful visit at Yemin Orde youth aliyah village - one of Israel's most innovative educational institutions. Others - well they simply went to the dogs. Their visit to the Israel Guide Dog Cente helped us understand one of many of Israel's social service organizations. Did you know a dog spoke Hebrew.
We continued up the coast to the north stopping in Caesarea on the Mediteranean and Haifa along the way.
We enjoyed the hospitality of another of Israel's Reform congregations and discussed life at the synagague in times of peace and war.
This was taken in their safe room.
Our hotel in the north was simply a place of beauty. Your blogers massage was wonderful - sorry for the lack of contact - time was limited and we had to make choices.
Israel's northern borders provide the visual reality and landscape to discuss security issues along the Golan Heghts and the war in Lebonon 18 months ago. We did both - on land and in jeep. The landscapes are magnificent and the issues brought to life are deep and varied.
While in the north, took time for reflection in Safed, a center of Jewish mysticism for hundreds of years. This time, on a beatiful plateau, provided moments of personal reflection and an opportunity to take collective experiences and find personal meaning.
As we began our journey toward Tel Aviv and the conclusion of our trip we visited with our "Partnership 2000" region at a local school and community center
and learned of the model emergency preparadness and training at the Western Galilee Hospital, who built a complete underground hospital that was able to support on going and emergency medical needs as the region suffered shelling during the war.
We arrived in Tel Aviv in time for Shabbat with another of our partner Reform congregations and others.
As the sun sets over the Mediteranean and Shabbat begins, we begin our last day in Israel - at least this week. Our shared experiences are many, and our personal reflections may only be just beginning. We look forward to sharing many of them with you upon our return. Many thoughts will be meant for all to hear, while others may require more quiet, personal moments. Others still will call us back to this place of history, of blessing, of hope.
Shabbat Shalom
Posted by LRobins on December 28, 2007 11:53 PM