To say the CCAR conference was wonderful is truly an understatement. We were kept extremely busy from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv from the Western wall to the Knesset to the IDC college campus and much more. The the Reform rabbis annual conference, which is held every seven years in Israel was truly fantastic. I was blessed to witness part of the conference during my year in Israel as a student and I was here 7 years ago for the conference and just finished another wonderful chance to be with colleagues and friends and be in my homeland. It has all gone by so fast and I have so much to reflect upon. Stay tuned as I will send some posts about some remarkable experiences we had over the last week.
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Getting ready to go "home"
I've been blessed to call many places home. Places such as Bucks County, Brooklyn, Reading, Long Island, Paris, Jerusalem and now Erie, Pa. However, in just a few days I will go to a place that will always be my home- my homeland- my promised land- ISRAEL. I'm very excited to be attending the Central Conference of American Rabbis' annual conference being held in Israel. We'll be in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv throughout the week- as well as some other travelling. Please stay tuned for much more info!
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Back Home in Jerusalem!
We arrived early this afternoon after a long (and somewhat bumpy) flight. I had the pleasure of sitting next to a delightful woman with whom I was able to speak Hebrew and really get into the groove for Israel. When I wasn't speaking with her in Hebrew, she was often speaking with Ruben in Yiddish. It was a wonderful "Jewish" experience.
While at the airport we got our cellphones squared away and picked up our rental car...interstingly enough our sales agent shared his last name with us- Ottman and claimed he was the great grandson of one of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire...so maybe we even met a prince today, too!
After a quick hello with a friend we made it to Jerusalem where we checked in and then I joined up with the group for a Welcome Dinner. It is a great bunch of people- some I've known for a while, some I've been friends with on "Facebook" and some I am having the privilege of meeting for the first time.
The weather here could NOT be more perfect. It was the most beautiful night and I slowly enjoyed my walk back to the hotel, noticing all the cats that seemed to escort me back to the hotel.
Now, I'm off to bed so I can get up VERY early and be ready to PRAY at the Kotel- the Western Wall with Women of the Wall (and so many male supporters- like Ruben). Join us by watching LIVE (or after the fact) at 1am EST at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/women-of-the-wall
Lilah Tov- Good Night from Jerusalem!
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Israel, Here we come!!!
An AMAZING opportunity has presented itself and we are heading to Israel to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "Women of the Wall." This is an amazing group of women from all different Jewish backgrounds (Reform, Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist, non-denominational, and more) that get together to pray every month and celebrate! I have had the honor of praying with these women many times since I was a rabbinical student in 2001. In fact, on our last trip to Israel, I prayed with the women the very morning of my sister-in-law's wedding.
Here is more information about this amazing and historic event-
Rosh Chodesh Kislev- the beginning of the month of Kislev (the month in which we celebrate lights and miracles with the holiday of Hanukkah) is on Monday, November 4th. You can "participate" virtually by watching the service at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/women-of-the-wall beginning at 1am on Monday Morning (EST), which will be 8am in Jerusalem.
Off to finish packing...
Saturday, November 6, 2010
L'hitraot Yisrael...See You Soon, Israel!
It has been an AMAZING visit to Israel. This week flew by so fast. It was jam packed with touring, visiting friends and family, seeing new places and revisiting some of my favorites!
I had a wonderful Shabbat with our group of rabbis (which, if I didn't mention was 26 fantastic rabbis mostly all ordained in the last 10 years). Shabbat and the entire trip was invigorating, fun, refreshing (and exhausting!). We learned how to lead a great trip to Israel, so the next step is getting you to come with me! I had a chance to spend time with fellow rabbis I've known for almost 10 years and others I just met last week. All in all, I was truly blessed.
So, now it is time for me to finish packing and prepare myself to leave one home and go to another. I've found that everytime I leave Israel, I always want to know when I'll be back, before I even leave Eretz Yisrael.
I'll end this post with prayers for Peace in the Land-Shalom B'Aretz; and Peace in our Homes-Shalom b'bayit; and Peace in our hearts-Shalom b'Lev!
Once I return to the States, I'll do my best to upload some pictures of my trip and share a few more thoughts on this fantastic experience!
Shalom v'Lehitraot Yisrael...Peace and See you Soon O' Israel!
I had a wonderful Shabbat with our group of rabbis (which, if I didn't mention was 26 fantastic rabbis mostly all ordained in the last 10 years). Shabbat and the entire trip was invigorating, fun, refreshing (and exhausting!). We learned how to lead a great trip to Israel, so the next step is getting you to come with me! I had a chance to spend time with fellow rabbis I've known for almost 10 years and others I just met last week. All in all, I was truly blessed.
So, now it is time for me to finish packing and prepare myself to leave one home and go to another. I've found that everytime I leave Israel, I always want to know when I'll be back, before I even leave Eretz Yisrael.
I'll end this post with prayers for Peace in the Land-Shalom B'Aretz; and Peace in our Homes-Shalom b'bayit; and Peace in our hearts-Shalom b'Lev!
Once I return to the States, I'll do my best to upload some pictures of my trip and share a few more thoughts on this fantastic experience!
Shalom v'Lehitraot Yisrael...Peace and See you Soon O' Israel!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Shabbat Shalom from Israel!
Shabbat Shalom! Again, we had an amzing day which included a visit to Kever Rachel- Rachel's Tomb...Rachel as in our Matriarch-Jacob's wife. It was powerful for many reasons- the history of the site and the connection to the bible and also the realistic complexities of where it is located. After a "security tour" we went to the Shuk- Machane Yehuda, and then I had a chance to do some shopping (finally)!!!
After a little shopping (not enough), we went to the Old City to prepare for Shabbat and our prayers were amazing. I am so full of emotion and so truly grateful for all the many gifts I've received from God.
After leaving our group, I had the chance to be alone and to go to the Kotel-The Western Wall and place in the cracks of the wall the notes people gave me (including one written in Korean!). I sang with women the songs of L'cha Dodi and Hinei Mah Tov- How great it is that we are all dwelling together. When I told this group of religious American women how wonderful it was for me to sing with them, they told me they had chills! (Also, interestingly enough, I saw someone "cross" herself at the wall, which meant to me that this is a holy place for so many!
From there, as I exited the Kotel I had a chance to meet with some Jewish, Israeli 11th graders who were in Jerusalem from Ashdod. I gave them a pack of our "Meshuga Bands" (www.meshugabands.com) and they LOVED them (they were even fighting over them b/c they all wanted the "Chai", so luckily I had an extra pack to give them!). I went into a store to buy a souvenir and the Israeli Arab owner, Asam and I had a great conversation about Peace. After he gave me a cup of coffee (and a great discount), together he and I prayed to God that there would be Shalom-Salam-Peace !!! As I left the area of the old city to return to my hotel to get ready for Shabbat dinner, I had a cab driver who is a Druze (which is a "secret religion" there are 100,000 Druze in Israel and 250,000 in Lebanon and 250,000 in Syria). We, too, had a great conversation.
Ok, WOW...what a day and what a trip! Hopefully I will get a chance to post at least one more time from Israel.
For now, Shabbat Shalom...
After a little shopping (not enough), we went to the Old City to prepare for Shabbat and our prayers were amazing. I am so full of emotion and so truly grateful for all the many gifts I've received from God.
After leaving our group, I had the chance to be alone and to go to the Kotel-The Western Wall and place in the cracks of the wall the notes people gave me (including one written in Korean!). I sang with women the songs of L'cha Dodi and Hinei Mah Tov- How great it is that we are all dwelling together. When I told this group of religious American women how wonderful it was for me to sing with them, they told me they had chills! (Also, interestingly enough, I saw someone "cross" herself at the wall, which meant to me that this is a holy place for so many!
From there, as I exited the Kotel I had a chance to meet with some Jewish, Israeli 11th graders who were in Jerusalem from Ashdod. I gave them a pack of our "Meshuga Bands" (www.meshugabands.com) and they LOVED them (they were even fighting over them b/c they all wanted the "Chai", so luckily I had an extra pack to give them!). I went into a store to buy a souvenir and the Israeli Arab owner, Asam and I had a great conversation about Peace. After he gave me a cup of coffee (and a great discount), together he and I prayed to God that there would be Shalom-Salam-Peace !!! As I left the area of the old city to return to my hotel to get ready for Shabbat dinner, I had a cab driver who is a Druze (which is a "secret religion" there are 100,000 Druze in Israel and 250,000 in Lebanon and 250,000 in Syria). We, too, had a great conversation.
Ok, WOW...what a day and what a trip! Hopefully I will get a chance to post at least one more time from Israel.
For now, Shabbat Shalom...
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Ani B'Yerushalayim! I am in Jerusalem!
Shalom, Shalom!
Wow, we have been so busy! Our group of 26 rabbis left Tel Aviv yesterday (Wednesday) and made our way up North. We went to Ceasaria (Kesaryia in Hebrew), which was my first time visiting this ancient city, which is one of the oldest cities in Israel. In recent years it has become a very nice resort area, yet it holds a great deal of historical importance, especially for Christians. After touring the ancient Theater, we watched a brief historical movie and then had Morning services on the beach. To say it was amazing is an understatement!
From there we stopped for lunch and then went to Tsfat and had a "mystical" time. Actually, we didn't really have a lot of time in Tsfat, but it was beautiful and of course there is something almost magical about being in the city where Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah were born. We then went to an Israeli "Dude Ranch," where I got to drive a "TomCar" (which is like a doonbuggy). Don't worry, no one got hurt!
After some fun at the rance, we went to Kibbutz Kfar Blum and had an opportunity to learn about that kibbutz and the entire kibbutz movement. This is very meaningful to me, as I spent one of the best summers of my life on Kibbutz Kfar Hanasi (which is in the Galilee, near the town of Rosh Pina). Being back on a kibbutz (communal community) was very powerful, and the hotel at Kfar Blum was great. After dinner and our evening program I took a walk with 6 other rabbis on my trip to the Jordan River. After we got lost for a while (and I wasn't even trying to lead), we finally found our way (in the dark) to the river. Being with friends and getting some fresh air was truly a wonderful to end the night!
This morning we left the Kibbutz and went on a tour of the area around the Northof Israel (which is one of the most beautiful parts of the country). This led us to a wonderful discussion about the issues of security as we looked out and saw the Golan Heights and saw Israel's neighbors. We stopped at the Kinneret Cemetery to see the graves of some of Israel's pioneers which sits above Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) and which I think is one of the most beautiful spots in the entire world. We continued on to Jerusalem and after stopping to say a few prayers upon entering the Holy City, we continued on our tour.
Our formal programming for today ended with a tour to Yad Vashem- Israel's Holocaust Memorial/Museum. While I've been there a number of times before, today was incredibly powerful. I was so emotional and yet so grateful for this opportunity to pay tribute to rigtheous who made a difference and pay respects to those who were murdered.
I finished the night by going to one of my favorite restaurants, "Cafe B'gina" (Cafe in the Garden) for dinner with my friend Dr. Melissa Ser. It was wonderful to catch up with her and hear all about her sons and her husband and the very exciting life she leads as an educator in Israel. And the food was, of course, "tayim ma'od" (very delicious)! I had a few of my favorite dishes and we truly had a great time!
Ok, well, I'm so thoroughly exhausted that I know I'll really appreciate Shabbat. However, we have a pretty full day planned for tomorrow before Shabbat begins, so for now I'm off to bed.
Again, Lila Tov-Good night!
Wow, we have been so busy! Our group of 26 rabbis left Tel Aviv yesterday (Wednesday) and made our way up North. We went to Ceasaria (Kesaryia in Hebrew), which was my first time visiting this ancient city, which is one of the oldest cities in Israel. In recent years it has become a very nice resort area, yet it holds a great deal of historical importance, especially for Christians. After touring the ancient Theater, we watched a brief historical movie and then had Morning services on the beach. To say it was amazing is an understatement!
From there we stopped for lunch and then went to Tsfat and had a "mystical" time. Actually, we didn't really have a lot of time in Tsfat, but it was beautiful and of course there is something almost magical about being in the city where Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah were born. We then went to an Israeli "Dude Ranch," where I got to drive a "TomCar" (which is like a doonbuggy). Don't worry, no one got hurt!
After some fun at the rance, we went to Kibbutz Kfar Blum and had an opportunity to learn about that kibbutz and the entire kibbutz movement. This is very meaningful to me, as I spent one of the best summers of my life on Kibbutz Kfar Hanasi (which is in the Galilee, near the town of Rosh Pina). Being back on a kibbutz (communal community) was very powerful, and the hotel at Kfar Blum was great. After dinner and our evening program I took a walk with 6 other rabbis on my trip to the Jordan River. After we got lost for a while (and I wasn't even trying to lead), we finally found our way (in the dark) to the river. Being with friends and getting some fresh air was truly a wonderful to end the night!
This morning we left the Kibbutz and went on a tour of the area around the Northof Israel (which is one of the most beautiful parts of the country). This led us to a wonderful discussion about the issues of security as we looked out and saw the Golan Heights and saw Israel's neighbors. We stopped at the Kinneret Cemetery to see the graves of some of Israel's pioneers which sits above Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) and which I think is one of the most beautiful spots in the entire world. We continued on to Jerusalem and after stopping to say a few prayers upon entering the Holy City, we continued on our tour.
Our formal programming for today ended with a tour to Yad Vashem- Israel's Holocaust Memorial/Museum. While I've been there a number of times before, today was incredibly powerful. I was so emotional and yet so grateful for this opportunity to pay tribute to rigtheous who made a difference and pay respects to those who were murdered.
I finished the night by going to one of my favorite restaurants, "Cafe B'gina" (Cafe in the Garden) for dinner with my friend Dr. Melissa Ser. It was wonderful to catch up with her and hear all about her sons and her husband and the very exciting life she leads as an educator in Israel. And the food was, of course, "tayim ma'od" (very delicious)! I had a few of my favorite dishes and we truly had a great time!
Ok, well, I'm so thoroughly exhausted that I know I'll really appreciate Shabbat. However, we have a pretty full day planned for tomorrow before Shabbat begins, so for now I'm off to bed.
Again, Lila Tov-Good night!
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