Our last day in Israel has been a whirlwind. What should have been an hour drive between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem turned into a two hour one due to bumper to bumper traffic. The slow moving allowed us to see the tanks on the side of the highway near Latrun. Again we heard about the battles for independence and the six day war.
When we finally got to Jerusalem we had some time to shop. Many of us shopped in the Old City, both in the Arab market and in the Car do, some went to Ben Yehudah, while others shopped at Mamilla mall.
One of the most interesting and tastiest things we did was a tasting tour of Machane Yehudah. We got to experience the market - it's sounds, smells, and tastes. We tasted etrog juice, which is very popular, then we tasted cheeses from various countries, we had Tehina, halva, Georgian cheese pastries (sweet dough with a salty cheese), falafel, and various flavors of ice cream. Following our tasting, we shopped a little, many of us purchasing rugelach from Marzipan and of course most finished with an ice coffee from Aroma.
After our treats we spent time at the Israel museum, touring the 2nd Temple model and the Dead Sea scrolls. Then we explored the many different areas of the museum.
We then made our way to the Kotel for a visit before dinner and the airport.
We ended together with an amazing dinner at Olive and Fish and then headed out for our various flights or extended stays in Israel.
What a remarkable 11 days we had! New friends were made, fabulous food was eaten, lots of shopping was done, and the incredible connections we made to the land and people of Israel indescribable. There were funny moments, emotional moments, hot and tiring moments, but most of all there were many, many holy moments!
We don't say goodbye, but rather L'hitra'ot, meaning, we'll see Israel soon!
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Independance Hall reflections
We've had an unbelievable time in Israel on our UH trip. Learned a lot, saw a lot of amazing things and had a lot of fun doing it. The capstone for me was today, Independence Day, when, at the exact same time, 4:00 PM, that David Ben Gurion signed the Declaration of Independence we entered Independence Hall in Tel Aviv for a private tour with an amazing and passionate guide. To be in the same room where he signed the document on the 66th anniversary of the ceremony was truly amazing. Along with the history leading up to this event our guide taught us why the State of Israel is so important and supported by Jews all around the world, and why the Jews of the world are so important and supported by Israel. It was, to date, the highlight of my trip.
Steve Goldsmith
Steve Goldsmith
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Reflections by Myra Glazer
I have dreamed of going to Israel for 40 years. Not everyone gets to have their dream come true. I am one of those lucky ones. Israel is what everyone says it is and more. Unbelievable people, fantastic food, with a step into the historic biblical times which we have always read about and studied. Along with all of that are Israel's brilliant medical innovations, high tech growth and beautiful humanitarian hearts. No nation in the world cares for others in the world like Israel. These are just a few of the many things my husband, David, and I have learned this week.
When the sirens sounded tonight (May 4) at 8 pm, and we saw traffic stop, with people coming out of their cars to stand at attention to observe the start of Yom HaZikaron, Israel's Memorial Day, I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. This country makes us feel so proud to be Jewish because all around us are Jewish people, flags and Jewish symbols. Everyone must come to Israel at least once in their lives. We intend to return in the future, as often as we are able.
Myra Glazer
When the sirens sounded tonight (May 4) at 8 pm, and we saw traffic stop, with people coming out of their cars to stand at attention to observe the start of Yom HaZikaron, Israel's Memorial Day, I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. This country makes us feel so proud to be Jewish because all around us are Jewish people, flags and Jewish symbols. Everyone must come to Israel at least once in their lives. We intend to return in the future, as often as we are able.
Myra Glazer
Reflections by Denise Bunsick
I told my family before I left that I just couldn't believe I was really getting to go to Israel and I was really going to BE there. Now that Stan and I have been here for six days, my thoughts are that I can't believe how really amazing and overwhelming it all REALLY is!! Amazingly beautiful and overwhelmingly emotional.
We have had many wonderful experiences and we have seen many things that I never in my life thought I would have an opportunity to see, but two experiences will always be at the top of my list. Going to the wall in the Old City of Jerusalem on our very first night, was almost more emotional to me than I could comprehend. And the immediate realization that came to me as I stood there was worth all of the emotion. For the first time in my life, I felt closer ( much closer) to the God that I had always believed in. Somehow, I felt that I REALLY had arrived at a very special place in my heart.
The amazingly beautiful time ( one of them!!) was last Wednesday when Stan and I climbed Masada together. It was challenging, long and hot. But the combination of triumph and the view from the top of the region and the Dead Sea is something that I will never forget and feel SO fortunate to have experienced.
We are very lucky to be with such a wonderful group of people, including Cori and Rabbi Rosenberg who have proved to be great leaders and great friends!!
Getting ready for sunset and Yom Hazikkaron in a few hours. To be here on Israel Independence Day - just another day of overwhelming and amazing!!
See everyone soon!
Denise Bunsick
Potato gathering with Leket
This morning we had the opportunity to work with Leket and get our hands dirty with the soil of Israel. We helped feed the poor by gathering potatoes in a large field.
This morning when we were told that we were picking potatoes many of us were worried. What does picking mean? Don't potatoes grow underground? Are we using shovels? How long will we be out there?
When we arrived at the Leket fields, owned by the Weitzman institute but lent to Leket for farming, in order to feed Israel's hungry, there were large tractors already plowing. After a brief explanation we arrived at the fields, were given blue crates, and we set out to gather and pick up the potatoes that had been pulled from the ground by the tractors. Once we filled our crates, we then dumped the potatoes in much larger crates, which when filled weigh 400 kilos. This morning our group collected 1200 kilos of potatoes, which we learned will serve 300 families potatoes for a week.
It is not easy to bend over and gather potatoes, nor to carry filled baskets. Thankfully the group worked wonderfully together and some bent over while others lifted. While we were not able to clear the entire field we learned that a group of 100 kids was coming behind us.
As we finished picking (which we did beginning at 8:30 am) the temperature hit right around 100 degrees. It was a hot day!
This morning when we were told that we were picking potatoes many of us were worried. What does picking mean? Don't potatoes grow underground? Are we using shovels? How long will we be out there?
When we arrived at the Leket fields, owned by the Weitzman institute but lent to Leket for farming, in order to feed Israel's hungry, there were large tractors already plowing. After a brief explanation we arrived at the fields, were given blue crates, and we set out to gather and pick up the potatoes that had been pulled from the ground by the tractors. Once we filled our crates, we then dumped the potatoes in much larger crates, which when filled weigh 400 kilos. This morning our group collected 1200 kilos of potatoes, which we learned will serve 300 families potatoes for a week.
It is not easy to bend over and gather potatoes, nor to carry filled baskets. Thankfully the group worked wonderfully together and some bent over while others lifted. While we were not able to clear the entire field we learned that a group of 100 kids was coming behind us.
As we finished picking (which we did beginning at 8:30 am) the temperature hit right around 100 degrees. It was a hot day!
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Ayalon Institute
The best-kept secret of Israel's fight for independence might also be the most unbelievable.
This morning we visited the Ayalon Institute in Kibbutzim Hill, Rehovot, which is a museum in rememberance of Israel's secret bullet factory. This factory, our guide explained, produced millions of bullets right under the noses -- literally -- of the British.
This clandestine operation, produced by youngsters mostly in their teens, turned out more than 2 million bullets for the Haganah within an underground tunnel. The tunnel was "hidden" by a kibbutz above ground that housed a laundry and bakery to help deflect attention from what was happening beneath them. Some 45 people worked in the underground factory, producing the bullets -- the Haganah's largest facility for manufacturing 9 millimeter bullets for the "Sten" machine gun.
Meanwhile, the British were fooled, thinking everything was above board with the laundry and bakery facilities.
After the end of the British Mandate of Palestine in 1948, the Haganah became the core of the Israel Defense Force (IDF).
We were all amazed by the story of these brave -- and innovative -- youngsters who were major contributors to Israel's fight for independence.
This morning we visited the Ayalon Institute in Kibbutzim Hill, Rehovot, which is a museum in rememberance of Israel's secret bullet factory. This factory, our guide explained, produced millions of bullets right under the noses -- literally -- of the British.
This clandestine operation, produced by youngsters mostly in their teens, turned out more than 2 million bullets for the Haganah within an underground tunnel. The tunnel was "hidden" by a kibbutz above ground that housed a laundry and bakery to help deflect attention from what was happening beneath them. Some 45 people worked in the underground factory, producing the bullets -- the Haganah's largest facility for manufacturing 9 millimeter bullets for the "Sten" machine gun.
Meanwhile, the British were fooled, thinking everything was above board with the laundry and bakery facilities.
After the end of the British Mandate of Palestine in 1948, the Haganah became the core of the Israel Defense Force (IDF).
We were all amazed by the story of these brave -- and innovative -- youngsters who were major contributors to Israel's fight for independence.
Friday, May 2, 2014
May 2 - Tulip winery, Yokneam, shopping in Tel Aviv
A few of us began our day watching the sun rise over the Kinneret (see our earlier post). Following a large, tasty breakfast at Kibbutz Ginosar, we spent a little time in the kibbutz hotel gift shop. We were intrigued by what we think was an exercise showcase.
Our first stop of the day was to Tulip Winery. The winery is in a village called Kfar Tikvah (village of hope). This is a village that was established fifty years ago by parents of young adults with special needs. The village and the nearby city of Tivon are is now home to many special needs adults, who live independently or in group homes and work regularly. When Tulip winery was created it was with the idea that they would have workers from Kfar Tikvah. They help with the grape harvest, separating the grapes, and building wooden crates for the wine. After an introduction to the winery we tasted an espero, just merlot, and a white blend. All three were quite nice. A few of us bought wine and/or other gifts such as jellies, olive oils, and wine vinegars.
Next, we visited our St. Louis partnership city, Yokneam. We took a bus tour and learned the history of the city. We saw the development of the residential areas, from remodeled original buildings to brand new, almost mansion like homes. We also toured the high tech business area and met with a local entrepreneur. We capped off our visit to Yokneam with an incredible lunch at Tandukah. The food did not stop! Salads, olive spread, roasted garlic, rice, potatoes, roasted onions, kabobs, sausage, chicken, turkish coffee, mint tea, and incredible chocolate!
Then we arrived in Tel Aviv for afternoon shopping on Nahalat Binyamin and in Carmel market. It was incredibly packed and our bags were checked as we entered the pedestrian mall.
After checking into our hotel, we gathered together on the deck of the pool, overlooking the beach and welcomed in Shabbat with blessings, fresh challah from the market, and Tulip wine
Finally, we capped off the evening with a great dinner at Derby Bar at the Tel Aviv port.
Our first stop of the day was to Tulip Winery. The winery is in a village called Kfar Tikvah (village of hope). This is a village that was established fifty years ago by parents of young adults with special needs. The village and the nearby city of Tivon are is now home to many special needs adults, who live independently or in group homes and work regularly. When Tulip winery was created it was with the idea that they would have workers from Kfar Tikvah. They help with the grape harvest, separating the grapes, and building wooden crates for the wine. After an introduction to the winery we tasted an espero, just merlot, and a white blend. All three were quite nice. A few of us bought wine and/or other gifts such as jellies, olive oils, and wine vinegars.
Next, we visited our St. Louis partnership city, Yokneam. We took a bus tour and learned the history of the city. We saw the development of the residential areas, from remodeled original buildings to brand new, almost mansion like homes. We also toured the high tech business area and met with a local entrepreneur. We capped off our visit to Yokneam with an incredible lunch at Tandukah. The food did not stop! Salads, olive spread, roasted garlic, rice, potatoes, roasted onions, kabobs, sausage, chicken, turkish coffee, mint tea, and incredible chocolate!
Then we arrived in Tel Aviv for afternoon shopping on Nahalat Binyamin and in Carmel market. It was incredibly packed and our bags were checked as we entered the pedestrian mall.
After checking into our hotel, we gathered together on the deck of the pool, overlooking the beach and welcomed in Shabbat with blessings, fresh challah from the market, and Tulip wine
Finally, we capped off the evening with a great dinner at Derby Bar at the Tel Aviv port.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Visit to IDF Base by Myron Holtzman, May 1, 2014
Another one of the incredible experiences on our adventure through Israel was visiting the troops at one of the country's Army bases in the Golan Heights.
We were so amazed by the spirit and dedication of these young soldiers who greeted us with open arms. Seeing these young men (many as young as 18) made one realize why Israel's defense was in good hands.
Located close to the borders of Lebanon and Syria, the base command is helping to train troops as one of the country's first defenses against Israel's enemies.
Avi, a project manager for Connections Israel which connects visitors to Israel with the IDF and a former IDF soldier himself, introduced us to a 20-year old young man from Brooklyn, NY, who volunteered to enlist in the Israeli Army. He explained many aspects of the camp, including how his particular battalion goes through a rotation of training every 3 months -- moving onto another camp to learn new skills.
However, even in this tense situation, these men, who were at first a little standoffish, soon became our friends and were eager to take take photos and chat with us about their experiences.
One of the highlights of the evening was when several of the troops gave us a demonstration of some of the weaponry they used -- from the M16 rifle to grenade launchers. They even allowed several of us to hold the weapons so that we could see how they felt. As things lightened up, they even draped some ammunition around my shoulders as I held several weapons. They even began calling me "Rambo."
We then just "hung out" with them for awhile while a couple of the troops grilled hamburgers and kebabs for our dinner.
We truly enjoyed this stop on our journey.
We were so amazed by the spirit and dedication of these young soldiers who greeted us with open arms. Seeing these young men (many as young as 18) made one realize why Israel's defense was in good hands.
Located close to the borders of Lebanon and Syria, the base command is helping to train troops as one of the country's first defenses against Israel's enemies.
Avi, a project manager for Connections Israel which connects visitors to Israel with the IDF and a former IDF soldier himself, introduced us to a 20-year old young man from Brooklyn, NY, who volunteered to enlist in the Israeli Army. He explained many aspects of the camp, including how his particular battalion goes through a rotation of training every 3 months -- moving onto another camp to learn new skills.
However, even in this tense situation, these men, who were at first a little standoffish, soon became our friends and were eager to take take photos and chat with us about their experiences.
One of the highlights of the evening was when several of the troops gave us a demonstration of some of the weaponry they used -- from the M16 rifle to grenade launchers. They even allowed several of us to hold the weapons so that we could see how they felt. As things lightened up, they even draped some ammunition around my shoulders as I held several weapons. They even began calling me "Rambo."
We then just "hung out" with them for awhile while a couple of the troops grilled hamburgers and kebabs for our dinner.
We truly enjoyed this stop on our journey.
Boker tov Israel, sunrise over the Kinneret, May, 2, 2014
tikkun olam
We had the incredible opportunity to hear from Dr. Anthony Luder, Director of Pediatrics at Ziv Medical Center in Tzfat. Dr. Luder spoke of Ziv's involvement in treating wounded Syrian civilians, who are left injured on Israel's boarder. What seemed to have initially begun as a few people and what they thought initially was a one time event has turned into Israel treating over 900 Syrian civilians, 266 of whom have been treated at Ziv. These patients, often very severely injured, have been treated at no cost to them. Rather, Israel has absorbed the costs and continues to help these Syrians.
We learned that 90% of those treated are male and 17% are children.
Israel has no idea if these men are rebels in Syria's civil war, as they deny it, but regardless these Israeli doctors say that for humanitarian reasons they cannot turn these patients away.
What is happening is that injured and sick Syrians are being left on Israel's border at locations heavily patrolled by the IDF. The IDF picks them up, brings them to an army field hospital and treats them or sends them to a civilian hospital. From there they are treated and then returned to the border, to return to Syria. Whether patients are treated for a day or a few months, they are returned to the border.
All of this is done at tremendous cost to Israel, from providing surgeries, medicines, to providing prosthetic limbs. Why is Israel doing this? Dr. Luder says because its what we do, its tikkun olam, what we can do to make the world just a little better.
We were honored to hear from Dr. Ludor and inspired and proud of this humanitarian work of Israel, so of course we left tzedakah and a small piece of the spirit of our St Louis Jewish community and the many dollars that were given to us to perform this mitzvah.
We can't wait to hear more about Ziv and these incredible Israeli doctors!
We learned that 90% of those treated are male and 17% are children.
Israel has no idea if these men are rebels in Syria's civil war, as they deny it, but regardless these Israeli doctors say that for humanitarian reasons they cannot turn these patients away.
What is happening is that injured and sick Syrians are being left on Israel's border at locations heavily patrolled by the IDF. The IDF picks them up, brings them to an army field hospital and treats them or sends them to a civilian hospital. From there they are treated and then returned to the border, to return to Syria. Whether patients are treated for a day or a few months, they are returned to the border.
All of this is done at tremendous cost to Israel, from providing surgeries, medicines, to providing prosthetic limbs. Why is Israel doing this? Dr. Luder says because its what we do, its tikkun olam, what we can do to make the world just a little better.
We were honored to hear from Dr. Ludor and inspired and proud of this humanitarian work of Israel, so of course we left tzedakah and a small piece of the spirit of our St Louis Jewish community and the many dollars that were given to us to perform this mitzvah.
We can't wait to hear more about Ziv and these incredible Israeli doctors!
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Wednesday, April 30
The UH Israel Tour had an amazing day. About half of us left the hotel very early to hike the Snake path at Masada. For many the long, trail up to Masada was a bucket list item. There was a wonderful camaraderie along the way. At the top we were joined by the others. We toured Masada with our guide who showed us all the splendors of King Herod. After a quick lunch we headed to a spa along the Dead Sea. What a relaxing afternoon. We experienced the total spa treatment complete with a sulphur spa dip, mud bath and float in the Dead Sea. On the way home to the hotel our day was topped off by seeing where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Such an incredible experience. More to come from others on the tour. Ron Gieseke
Friday, April 25, 2014
Preparing for Israel and Holiness - by Rabbi Brigitte Rosenberg
Kedoshim t’hiyu. . . You shall be holy
These are the opening words from this week’s parashah,
Kedoshim. It is always a familiar
parashah, yet each year we come to it, I wonder, “what does it mean to be holy?” Is holiness about how I live my life daily?
Is it about being a “moral/ethical” person? Is it about how many mitzvoth I do,
both ritual and ethical? Is it how often I attend services, pray on my own. .
.? The list of questions goes on and on
depending on my frame of mind that year.
This year as we read Kedoshim, I am packing for a congregational
trip to Israel. As the new week begins,
I will lead fifty adults to Israel, 80% of whom have never been before. With Israel on the horizon, one can imagine
that my questions about holiness, surround Israel and this visit.
What does it mean to be holy? Does this mean a visit to Israel?
Is holiness praying at the kotel? Is holiness ensuring that one’s children
visit Israel? Is holiness walking in the
footsteps, standing on the ground where our forefathers and mothers stood?
Yes, yes, yes, and yes.
While I have been to Israel a number of times and even lived there for
an extended period, I am excited and feel blessed and honored to be a part of
this journey with our group. I feel
blessed to see Israel through their eyes, eyes that have not yet seen the
beauty of this country, nor felt the power of being in a Jewish state. As always, I look forward to walking the path
of those who came before me. I love that
I can stand in Jaffa where the prophet Jonah once stood. I always feel the power at Masada and think
of those who gave their lives on that mountain.
I look forward to observing the power of Yom HaZikaron, to experiencing
that moment of silence and the wail of the siren; and of course I am excited
for the craziness of Yom Ha’atzma’ut and celebrating 66 years of the Modern
State of Israel.
Just a week ago we said, “next year in Jerusalem,” and how
wonderful that instead of waiting for next year, we can shout out, “This year
in Jerusalem,” and begin to experience holy moments and create incredible, lifelong holy
memories of a land we hold so dear. Holiness is in the sites that we will visit –
religious, historic, and modern.
Holiness is in the people that we will meet – Israelis on the street, those
in our sister region Yokneam/Megiddo, those in the hospital we will visit in
the North, the soldiers we will sit with and share a meal. Holiness will be in our experiences, as we “see,
hear, feel, taste, and touch” this Promised Land, our Promised Land.
Kedoshim t’hiyu. . . You shall be holy.
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