Ruben and I have had a packed week and a half in Israel. It has been amazing for us to connect with the land, our friends and our family! We met with my cousin Elaina and her new husband who both moved to Israel and were married in Jerusalem last month. We had a fantastic time with Ruben's brother Levy who made "Aliyah" (moved to Israel) and is now serving in the Israeli Army. We spent Shabbat with him and had a chance to hang out a bit on Sunday and even took him to dinner! We've met with friends and made new ones- like our cab driver/tour guide "Shookie." We even connected with the land by taking a dip into the Dead Sea. It was a reviving experience for both of us.
Today, we spent our last day in Israel (for now) with Jason and Oshri. Jason was a congregant of mine in Joplin, MO. After he completed his conversion to Judaism, I suggested he go to Israel on Birthright. He did and fell in love with Israel. A few years later, after he finished college he even decided to make Aliyah! It was wonderful for the four of us to walk around old Jaffa (Yafo) and then go to the famous "Shuk Hapishpashim" (the flea market). We then went to my FAVORITE market in Israel- Nachlaot Binyamin, which is the artists' market. I bought a few things but shopping isn't Ruben's favorite thing to do and I didn't want to need to buy a new suitcase! Oshri (Jason's friend and now mine too) and I took a quick stoll in the Shuk HaCarmel (The Carmel Shuk) and then we went to lunch. We went to a place called Yotvata ba Ir (Yotvata in the City). Yotvata is a kibbutz in the south of Israel famous for its milk and now they have restaurants all over the country like the one we went to in Tel Aviv.(They have the best chocolate milk.) We had a great lunch and then said goodbye to Jason and Oshri. Ruben and I walked along the beach in Tel Aviv and then returned to pack up and get ready to leave.
Now, we are almost on our way to the airport...On the radio in the hotel as I write this is Daughtry's "I'm going home." While it is incredibly appropriate for the moment, I also feel as if I'm leaving home. Every time I come to Israel I feel closer to the land and the people. I'm so happy I could share this with all of you!
Stay tuned for an update in the next day or so with more pictures and memories. Feel free to comment!!!
B'Shalom- In Peace
Rabbi Emily
