From Neil Simon

Making pilgrimage to Israel with Rabbi Astrachan and temple family, rather than simply visiting as a sightseer, is deeply spiritual. The sense of being connected with our people is very moving, especially with congregants that we know and have prayed with in our synagogue. Rabbi Astrachan has led the spirituality of this trip as he does our congregation. We enjoyed welcoming Shabbat on the beach in Tel Aviv.

-- Neil

From Roberta Simon

I was born after World War II and most of my mother's family lost their lives in the Holocaust. I grew up with unsettling stories from my grandparents of how family members had lost their lives in either concentration camps or in their home villages.

Visiting Yad Vashem brought strong meaning and feeling to the stories I had heard. The reality of what happened is much stronger, more personal.

-- Roberta

Druze Hospitality

As part of today's travels we stopped for a very interesting visit to a Druze village. For information about who the Druze are, you can visit www.druze.com

During our visit to their hospitality center we enjoyed a brief lecture from a young secular Druze man, were treated to traditional hot mint tea, cookies, and herbed pita-pizza as seen being made in the following video....

Ethiopian Absorption Center

July 5 -- We had an amazing opportunity to visit an Ethiopian Absorption Center. A fantastic experience during which we learned about the 18-month absorption process, met with ulpan (Hebrew classes) students who have been in Israel only 3 weeks, another group here 3 months, and -- as can be seen in this video -- were treated to a very special Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

The Na'ot Shoe Factory

Due to poor internet facilities at Kibbutz K'far Blum, video updates of our trip were not possible. My apologies.

Today is Friday, July 6, and we have settled into our new digs at the Dan Panorama Hotel in Tel Aviv, directly across the street from the Mediterranean Sea. The view is magnificent. After our 5pm arrival earlier this evening, and checking into our rooms, we gathered in the lobby at 6:15pm for a walk to the water's edge for a brief Kabbalat Shabbat service. We were joined by our temple member, David Kislik, who is in Israel on a special service-mission with a group called Sar-El. It was a delight to see him and to have him with us for services and for an outrageous dinner buffet at the hotel. Because it was Shabbat, photos were not allowed in the dining room. Suffice it to say, the cruise lines have NOTHING on the amount and the quality of the food offered this evening. So many kinds of salads, fish, meats, soups, pates, and the desserts!!!

Yesterday we enjoyed a more leisurely day of touring while using Kibbutz K'far Blum, in Northern Israel, as our homebase for a few days. This was a beautiful kibbutz, home to many industries including cattle for milking, chickens, horses, and turkeys (all in massive quantities!!!), plus irrigation automation supplies. Among their various other specialties is their hotel. Hardly what one thinks of as "kibbutz living", this hotel was beautiful appointed. The dining room was very nice, and the food was delicious.

As we set out for our first morning of touring from the kibbutz, we stopped first at the factory outlet for the famous Na'ot Shoe company, part of a neighboring kibbutz. Here we were able to see the shoes being manufactured AND had the opportunity to purchase shoes from the outlet store. While I, personally, did not find anything to suit my tastes...I will tell you all that the kibbutz did VERY well from our group.

Here is a video of some of the excitement shared by our eager trip participants...

From Neil Simon

When we visited Masada, we had no idea what to expect. It is a forbidding, treeless mountain with the top cut off. It is hard to imagine how anything was constructed on its flat top. To see the place where the storied seige took place is beyond our description.

From Roberta Simon

I was quite surprised at the size of the Dead Sea. I didn't expect to see such a large body of water. The water looked perfectly normal from a distance, only, on getting close do you realize what an odd place it is. No boats, and muddy looking sink holes along the shore.
Floating is easy, standing isn't. You could drown in a foot of water. We had a lot of fun putting black mud all over ourselves.

It's Camel Time!!!

On our way out of Jerusalem, heading North toward the Sea of Galilee, our group had the opportunity to ride a camel. I must say, despite OUR excitement...the camel was less than a willing participant in this activity. I suppose he(or she)has learned there isn't much say in the matter, but "enthusiastic" would not be a word I would use to describe either camel OR owner. Of course it would be impossible to post videos of all who rode -- and that, in itself is an overstatement of the activity -- but here is Barbara Joseph, who was not only a trooper, but also an inspiration to us all. Unfortunately I missed shooting her initial expression as the camel lunged upward. Imagine, if you will, a momentary panic -- followed by a minute of uncertainly -- followed by a lifetime of pride in the accomplishment.

I was proud of her. Enjoy...

Thoughts from Ed Marut

July 1, 2007

Our third day in Israel and everything gets better and better. We sifted through discarded earth that was removed from in front of one of the Old City's walls. Neil found an ancient coin. The rest of us found pottery shards, tile pieces, mosaic, and glass. It will all be sifted through again by experts. We then learned about some of the history of how Jerusalem was built, and the levels of each period. We went to the Western Wall where we deposited messages, prayed, and meditated. To be at our holiest site is a feeling that can not be described by words. To stand there stirs up such emotions. We toured the tunnels underground next to the wall and exited at the Muslim Quarter. We continued to the Jewish Quarter for lunch. Our tour day ended by visiting the tour of David. We are one set of exhausted pilgrims. But not exhausted enough to meet Rabbi later in the evening on Ben Yehuda Street for some unbelievably delicious custom-mixed yogurt. Mmmmmm.

July 2

Although it was too hot to climb up Masada (I actually listened to other people), three of us took the challenge to walk down. It gave us some perspective of how difficult it was to get there in ancient times. Herod built the first temple known outside Jerusalem there. As fun, we floated in the Dead Sea and did mud packs. Oh Boy!!!!!

July 3

Today we experienced Yad Vashem. It should be mandatory that leaders of nations be subjected to its power. We planted trees and served as messengers, bringing prayers from friends back home to the Wall. At the Wall, I donned tefillin for the first time. This entire trip has been an emotional roller coaster. It is truly an experience that all people should be able to have. Shalom for now.....Ed.

Dead Sea Mud...

What a great experience to float in the Dead Sea. Even more, it was so much fun playing in the Dead Sea mud! Never mind the therapeutic claims made regarding this mineral rich (36% mineral content) mud, our group had a great time smearing it all over ourselves, smearing it on others, and trying not to fall into the many sink-holes under the water. Here's a quick video of the experience....

Ahavaaaaaah!

Today was a great touring day. We headed out from the hotel -- as usual -- at 8:00am. The late nights and the early mornings are starting to catch up with some of us (myself included) but we are plugging along. From Jerusalem we headed slightly North, then East and down...down....down..... to Masada and the Dead Sea -- the lowest spot on earth. It was an amazing journey, driving from densely-populated Jerusalem, through a tunnel under the Mt. of Olives, and emerging in the desert, in the middle of nothing. Passing herds of sheep and frail Bedouin dwellings, we eventually found ourselves at a newly-rebuilt welcome center at the base of Masada.

Tickets in hand...we boarded the cable car and headed to the top of this remarkable natural fortress. After touring through remarkable heat for almost 2 hours, learning about the struggles, triumphs, and difficult decisions made by the zealots who occupied the mountain, we once again boarded the cable car and headed back to the base of the mountain. Three brave men from our group opted for the more difficult 1-mile snake path route, walking nearly 30 minutes to the bottom.

After time in the gift shop (of course!) and a nice lunch in the air conditioned cafeteria, we boarded the bus on our way to the Dead Sea.

Just before going to the Dead Sea, we stopped at the famous Ahava Factory Outlet. Here, we watched workers on the assembly line manufacturing one of the many all natural Ahava creams and lotions produced by the Ahava company. Also, those who wanted, were given the opportunity to shop in the outlet store. For some, purchases made today will definitely put them over the luggage weight limit for the flight home!

Here is a short video from the Ahavah factory/store...

July 1 -- Video #2

We later in the morning we had our first opportunity to visit The Kotel...the Western Wall. As one might imagine, the chance to visit this place is emotionally overwhelming. It is, as our guide suggested to the group, the closest one might consider possible to approach God. This section of the western retaining wall -- built to support the Temple Mount -- brings out great emotional response from all who visit.

On this particular morning we had the good fortune to watch several groups of very young yeshiva children visiting the Wall with their teachers. Click below to watch a short video of these spirited kids...

July 1 -- Video #1

This morning -- following our 6:30am wake-up and 7:00am breakfast, we boarded the bus to begin our first full day of touring: The Old City of Jerusalem. What a wonderful introduction to historical-Israel! As our guide, Danny, narrated and lectured, our very capable driver, Nir, somehow managed to navigate the narrow and twisting streets of Jerusalem. Through the Kidron Valley, on the road to Bethlehem, we stopped only minutes from the Damascus Gate at a make-shift archaeological campsite. After learning about the project from the organization's spokesman, we began our search through buckets of rocks and debris shuttled to the site from a dig that took place directly underneath the Temple Mount.

Truly a remarkable engineering project....we had the opportunity to find pottery, glass, mosaic tiles, metals, bones, coins, and other interesting objects that had simply been dumped in piles by the excavators back in 1990.

Click below to enjoy a brief video "starring" Jacques Wolfner...

Thoughts from Roberta Simon

As I stood on my balcony overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem and was looking out, I said the Shema and I thought what a beautiful way to start the day. It meant so much more to me. I felt as though I had finally arrived.

Yesterday we walked on Ben Yehuda Street at night. To see all the youth congregating there after Shabbat, they were having so much fun. They are just like any other youth having a good time.

The havdallah service was very beautiful standing by the windmill in Yemin Moshe overlooking the walls to the Old City. The rabbi conducted the service.

Looking forward to another wonderful day in Jerusalem.

-- Roberta

Today's Video #2

After dinner, most of us walked up to Ben Yehuda Street -- the popular outdoor pedestrian shopping mall. Shabbat had just ended, and it seemed as if the entire teenage population of Jerusalem had come out of the woodworks to enjoy a night out.

Today's Video #1

Formal touring will begin Sunday (today) with our 6:30am wake-up, 7:15am breakfast, and then an 8:00am departure by bus to our archaeological dig, followed by a full day exploring the Old City of Jerusalem.

Here is a video from last night's dinner at one of my favorite Jerusalem restaurants, Minaret. A traditional Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant, we were treated to multiple courses including delicious and unusual salads, endless skewers of chicken, lamb, and beef, and ending with an overflowing plate of baklava.

We Have Arrived!

Good evening friends and families...

While it may be 4:30pm back in New York, it is 11:30pm here in Jerusalem -- Friday, June 29. Shabbat arrived without us, unfortunately. Due to some issues with El Al in New York, we did not depart the US until close to 2:00am EDT. Arrival in Tel Aviv came at about 6:45pm, Israel time. We would have been here a little earlier, but there was an oil spill on the arrivals runway that had to be cleaned up before we could land. So we circled for a short time.

Once through passport control, we were met immediately by a representative from the tour company, as promised. Everything was smooth sailing....until the Wolfners realized one of their suitcases wasn't coming around the belt. The Ayelet agent very proficiently helped guide them through the process of filing a claim, and we are hopeful that their suitcase will arrive in Jerusalem before their 2-days of emergency clothing they were so fortunate to put in their carry-on luggage runs out.

Because we arrived so late, and had the luggage issue, we were unable to visit the Wall this evening. In fact, we did not arrive to our beautiful hotel until 9:15pm. We walked into the hotel....checked in....and were ushered into the dining room so they could serve us dinner. Fortunately for us the food was absolutely delicious.

Most of us have retired to our rooms for our first night in Israel. Tomorrow we will start early, with breakfast at 8am in preparation for a 9am walk to the Hebrew Union College for Shabbat morning worship, a lecture about Progressive Judaism in Israel, and lunch. In the afternoon many of us will head into the Arab market (the "Shuk") to do some exploring and shopping -- a real treat, and an amazing experience.

Before signing off for the night...here is "Today's Video"...

Faithfully,
Rabbi Jeffrey Astrachan

Today's Video

I invite you to click on the "comments" link below any of the posts you see, and leave us a short note to let us know your thoughts. We look forward to hearing from each of you, as much as we hope you look forward to hearing from us.

Faithfully,
Rabbi Astrachan

Neil & roberta's test blog

This is our very first blog posting-ever! We are focussed on a packing list. We have gotten various pieces of advice on dress. Our neihbor (a lady) says she felt "too much like a tourist" in shorts, despite the august heat. Others have advised "comfort first".

The common theme has been "prepare for the heat-be prepared to hydrate properly"

On the more spiritual side-not one sinle friend, relative, etc. failed to be moved by the spirit and history.

Be prepared to be blown away by old Jerusalem.

Ed's Excitement!

This is a first in many ways. I'm getting more and more excited each day that we are closer to Israel. The weekly readings that have been sent by Rabbi are changing my attitude from going on vacation to opening my mind to an experience that I will never forget. To breathe the air that our ancestors drew is in itself "mind blowing". Shelley and I have inventoried everything that we will need. The only thing left is to go to the airport and get on the plane. I know that when I get off the plane it will be a feeling that I will always remember. Talk to you soon, ED.

This Month In Jerusalem!!!

Well...it's finally here!!!

It's June 4 and we're just a few weeks away from departure. I am beginning to put final touches on the details: The itinerary is set; our final meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 19 at 7:00pm at the temple; and I've got my clothes and travel-accessories spread all over the guest-bed waiting for final inspection before going into the suitcase!

This is when the excitement really begins to build. And yet, there are those who have raised concerns regarding the violence that seems to be, again, escalating around Israel's borders. I certainly understand the concerns, the anxiety, and perhaps the second-guessing about traveling into a potentially dangerous region of the world. But this is Israel -- our Homeland. And this is not a vacation -- it is a Mission. We are traveling to Israel not only to learn, first-hand, about this great Land.... we are traveling to Israel as a show of support -- spiritually, emotionally, politically, financially, and every other way possible.

I am so greatly looking forward to eating falafel on Ben Yehuda Street (Mmmm, Melech HaFelafel is calling to me...), standing at the Kotel with my son, sharing in Shabbat worship on the beach in Tel Aviv, and so much more...

24 days, and counting....

Upgraded! and Recommendations...

I'm happy to report an upgrade to our lodging in Jerusalem. Thanks to another traveling group that grew larger than expected, we were moved from the Sheraton Plaza in Jerusalem (a 4-star hotel) to the beautiful Inbal Hotel (a 5-star hotel). For those of you who might have been to Israel in years past, you might remember this as the "LaRomme" Hotel.

We're only about 5-1/2 weeks away from departure and the excitement is building. I know I've started shopping for my travel items. Found a good score at Harmon Drugs for those interested. In the first aisle...with all the travel-sized products, I found 3-packs of Tide detergent specifically for traveling. The package is designed for washing just a few items in a sink with warm water. I recommend purchasing these since we don't really know what laundering facilities will be available to us.

For what it's worth, I also recommend purchasing CHEWABLE tablets of Immodium, Pepto, and other stomach remedies. Since we ARE traveling to another country with different seasonings, spices, etc, one never knows how a body will tolerate the unique foods. BE PREPARED!

Our Itinerary

I thought this would be a good time to share with everyone a preview of all the places we plan to visit along the way...

Our itinerary is packed from morning until evening with lots of learning, exploring, fun activities, and delicious food. Here are the highlights of our trip:

Thursday, June 28 Departure -- Evening departure from JFK to Israel.

Friday, June 29 Welcome to Israel! Arrival in Israel...Travel to Jerusalem...Shehechiyanu and Kabbalat Shabbat at the Western Wall...Overnight in Jerusalem.

Saturday, June 30 Shabbat Shalom! Services at the Hebrew Union College...Lunch with Rabbi Uri Regev of the World Union for Progressive Judaism...Free afternoon...Havdallah atop Yemin Moshe overlooking the Old City walls...Dinner at Minaret Restaurant...Overnight in Jerusalem.

Sunday, July 1 The Old City Archeological experience sifting for finds from the Temple Mount at Emek Tzurim...Mount Zion...Jewish Quarter...Hurva Synagogue...Cardo...Roman ruins and shopping area...Southern excavations...Davidson Center...Western Wall Tunnel Tour...Dinner and Shopping along Ben Yehuda Street. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Monday, July 2 Dead Sea Area Masada (option to hike up)...Ein Gedi Waterfall...Time to float in the Dead Sea...Free evening...Overnight in Jerusalem.

Tuesday, July 3 New Jerusalem Hadassah Hospital...Chagall Windows...Yad Vashem...Valley of the Lost Communities...Mount Herzl Cemetery...Overnight in Jerusalem.

Wednesday, July 4 The Jordan Valley Beit Shean Roman excavations...Visit to an Ethiopian Absorption Center...Swim in the hot springs of Gan Sachne...Overnight at Kibbutz K'far Blum Guesthouse.

Thursday, July 5 The Mystical North Meet with Kibbutz representatives to discuss communal living in Israel...Visit to Safed where we see the H'ari and Caro Synagogues as well as the amazing artists' quarter...Hike the Jordan River source at Tel Dan...Jeep tour up to the Golan...Har Bental viewpoint into Syria...Kayak down the Jordan River...Dinner and overnight at the Kibbutz.

Friday, July 6 The Northern Coast Explore the Grottoes of Rosh Hanikrah...Visit Akko with its crusader fortress...Home hospitality in a Druze Village...Kabbalat Shabbat on the Beach in Tel Aviv...Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Saturday, July 7 Shabbat Shalom! Day at Leisure in Tel Aviv - enjoy the beach, the weather, and the city life! ...Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Sunday, July 8 Tel Aviv/Return Home Tel Aviv overview...Ayalon Institute - Secret Bullet Factory...Rabin Square...Independence Hall...Free Time...Farewell dinner at Maganda Restaurant in the Yeminite Quarter...Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for flight home.

Monday, July 9 Arrival Home -- Exhausted! with memories that last a lifetime!

Please Share Your Thoughts...

We are now just 8 weeks! away from the start of our incredible journey to HaAretz (Literally: The Land), something we have been dreaming of for over a year. It looks like there will be 16 people traveling together on this mission -- all members of Temple Beth Elohim. We range from an elementary school student (my son) who has never been to Israel, to grandparents who are well-seasoned world-travelers.

Of course, we are all very excited about the trip.

Final payments have been made. Tickets have been purchased. Passports are up-to-date. Shopping has begun. We've had one meeting with a rep from the tour company (Ayelet Tours, Inc.) and another one planned for May 1. At that time it will be fun to say:

"Next Month In Jerusalem!"

My hope is that each of you who reads this blog will also try to contribute something to it. Even if it's a simple one-liner response to something someone else posted...we want to hear from you.

Once we arrive in Israel, at least one person from the group will post something from each day's experiences on this site. In addition, I will post my own thoughts along with pictures that highlight our activities.

We all look forward to sharing as much of our experience as possible with as many people as possible. As our journey unfolds, please remember that each of you -- our family and friends -- are with us in our hearts (if not on the bus).

Faithfully,
Rabbi Jeffrey R. Astrachan