Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Some Final thoughts..
What a wonderful trip! Our recent B’nai Israel trip to Israel was life changing for some and dramatic for all of us. The memories, the pictures and souvenirs will long be treasured as we reflect on the eleven days that we spent together in Israel. I am so thankful that our group of 24 were able to travel safely and experience Israel from a unique B’nai Israel perspective. (see our photos at http://bnaigainesville.smugmug.com/ )
Our last Shabbat in Israel was special in a number of ways. There was the prayer at the Western Wall, the drama of being in Jerusalem for Shabbat and havdalah at a Yeshiva. But, more importantly, that last Shabbat also marked two unique events on the Jewish calendar. First, was the observance of Shabbat Zachor, the special Sabbath of Remembrance that always precedes Purim. We are commanded to read the words on that day to “remember Amalek” and the evil deeds perpetrated on the Jewish people. But one memory brings up another and when in Israel we could not help but remember the brave men and women who fought so hard, over so many years to secure the State of Israel with the hope and dream that one day we can live together in peace.
“Zachor” or “remembrance” works not only to remember the sad or difficult things that have befallen our people. We also must remember some of the good times, the richness, opulence and piety that our forefather enjoyed in the worship of God. We recall the days of the Temple when priests and levis took care to protect, as best they could, the sanctity of the Jewish people. We recall the dispersion, the shtetles in Europe and the rich life that Jews developed in Europe, Spain and North Africa. We recall the Jewish enlightenment and the development of Jewish philosophy and ethical identity. Yes, remembrance is one key to our knowing just who we are and where we came from. Memory can sustain us and bring us great richness.
But there was another facet to that last Shabbat in Israel for it was also the first parashah in the third book of the bible, named Vayikra (known in English as Leviticus). One of the interesting points of Shabbat Vayikra is that the aleph of the first word (which we know as Vayikra – translated “As God called to Moses”) is written significantly smaller than the surrounding letters. Why? Why not write the aleph the same size as the surrounding letters?
Many reasons can be given for the small “aleph” in the word. Some suggest that it points to the personality of Moses. Others suggest that it tells us something about God’s message to Moses. But the truth is neither of those reasons. No, the truth is that the word Vayikra ends in an aleph and the next word in this Hebrew sentence is “Ail” which means “God”. Both the end of “Vayikra” and the beginning of “Ail” contain the letter “aleph” and ancient Hebrew manuscripts frequently condensed letters to save valuable parchment. At some point in time, an ancient scribe, worried that either word would be misunderstood inserted a small “aleph” into “Vayikra” to indicate the correct spelling of the word and to show that this letter was inserted. This scribe worried that unless the place were saved, different meanings would corrupt our holy scripture.
It occurred to me while in Israel that these tidbits on that Shabbat could teach us all a lesson appropriate for Israel’s 60th Anniversary. You see, our memories empower us to build upon the successes of our ancestors and to not repeat the errors of our forefathers. Memory is a crucial aspect for understanding the Israeli vitality in persisting to fight for peace in the Middle East. And too, the small aleph of the word Vayikra teaches us that it is absolutely crucial to “hold the place” securely so that our future is not misunderstood. At all costs we must be ready to defend our people and our country for it is in them that the future is truly held.
There are many to be thanked for our wonderful trip to Israel but none would have traveled if it were not for the efforts of Taal, Erin, Candice, and Einat. Their support made the trip easy and memorable. Mostly though, I want to thank the 24 who traveled with me and gave me hope that one day soon our children will celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the state. They will celebrate because we will have taught them that memory is now theirs and that holding a place – whether in a text or in territory that we call the State of Israel – can be so very important.
Bvracha,
Rabbi David Kaiman
Our last Shabbat in Israel was special in a number of ways. There was the prayer at the Western Wall, the drama of being in Jerusalem for Shabbat and havdalah at a Yeshiva. But, more importantly, that last Shabbat also marked two unique events on the Jewish calendar. First, was the observance of Shabbat Zachor, the special Sabbath of Remembrance that always precedes Purim. We are commanded to read the words on that day to “remember Amalek” and the evil deeds perpetrated on the Jewish people. But one memory brings up another and when in Israel we could not help but remember the brave men and women who fought so hard, over so many years to secure the State of Israel with the hope and dream that one day we can live together in peace.
“Zachor” or “remembrance” works not only to remember the sad or difficult things that have befallen our people. We also must remember some of the good times, the richness, opulence and piety that our forefather enjoyed in the worship of God. We recall the days of the Temple when priests and levis took care to protect, as best they could, the sanctity of the Jewish people. We recall the dispersion, the shtetles in Europe and the rich life that Jews developed in Europe, Spain and North Africa. We recall the Jewish enlightenment and the development of Jewish philosophy and ethical identity. Yes, remembrance is one key to our knowing just who we are and where we came from. Memory can sustain us and bring us great richness.
But there was another facet to that last Shabbat in Israel for it was also the first parashah in the third book of the bible, named Vayikra (known in English as Leviticus). One of the interesting points of Shabbat Vayikra is that the aleph of the first word (which we know as Vayikra – translated “As God called to Moses”) is written significantly smaller than the surrounding letters. Why? Why not write the aleph the same size as the surrounding letters?
Many reasons can be given for the small “aleph” in the word. Some suggest that it points to the personality of Moses. Others suggest that it tells us something about God’s message to Moses. But the truth is neither of those reasons. No, the truth is that the word Vayikra ends in an aleph and the next word in this Hebrew sentence is “Ail” which means “God”. Both the end of “Vayikra” and the beginning of “Ail” contain the letter “aleph” and ancient Hebrew manuscripts frequently condensed letters to save valuable parchment. At some point in time, an ancient scribe, worried that either word would be misunderstood inserted a small “aleph” into “Vayikra” to indicate the correct spelling of the word and to show that this letter was inserted. This scribe worried that unless the place were saved, different meanings would corrupt our holy scripture.
It occurred to me while in Israel that these tidbits on that Shabbat could teach us all a lesson appropriate for Israel’s 60th Anniversary. You see, our memories empower us to build upon the successes of our ancestors and to not repeat the errors of our forefathers. Memory is a crucial aspect for understanding the Israeli vitality in persisting to fight for peace in the Middle East. And too, the small aleph of the word Vayikra teaches us that it is absolutely crucial to “hold the place” securely so that our future is not misunderstood. At all costs we must be ready to defend our people and our country for it is in them that the future is truly held.
There are many to be thanked for our wonderful trip to Israel but none would have traveled if it were not for the efforts of Taal, Erin, Candice, and Einat. Their support made the trip easy and memorable. Mostly though, I want to thank the 24 who traveled with me and gave me hope that one day soon our children will celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the state. They will celebrate because we will have taught them that memory is now theirs and that holding a place – whether in a text or in territory that we call the State of Israel – can be so very important.
Bvracha,
Rabbi David Kaiman
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Final Day and the Trip Home
Our last day....and a very powerful! Checking out of the hotel we proceeded to Yad Vashem - Israel's Holocaust Museum. On the way to the museum we learned that this morning the German Chancellor would also be visiting the same spot. Besides the huge irony of being at the museum at the same time as the Chancellor of Germany we anticipated huge delays as security and traffic would be tough. Nevertheless we proceeded to the museum and all agreed it was powerful and for some overwhelming.
The highlight of our visit to the museum was a wonderful presentation by Cynthia W who is the daughter of our members Helen and Eli G. Cynthia is part of an exciting initiative at Yad Vashem (hopefully we'll post more on this soon) and it was so wonderful to find yet another Gainesville connection in Israel.
Lunch was at the Yad Vashem cafeteria and then we proceeded to have a bit of shopping time at Ben Yehuda Street before the final banquet in Israel for the group.
At the final dinner the members of the group each had a chance to speak of their experiences and reactions to the trip and to Israel. In many ways this was, for me, the most precious moments of the trip. Not only has Israel touched each and every participant, but the group has developed and coalesced in a very special way. Special friendships were formed by each of us on the trip and even though we all knew each other to some degree before travel (from the group meetings; from shul functions, etc) we gained a deeper appreciation for each other and have bonded in a meaningful way. Kol Hakavod to all of you.
We also learned that tomorrow our own Todd Hasak-Lowy will be appearing on the Israeli version of "Good Morning America" to discuss his short story book which has recently been issued in Hebrew. We can't wait to see the clip, Todd!
The trip home was ... long! But we managed the tight security and customs inspections and all arrived safely. As I write this we are back in Gainesville but dead tired after some 30 hours of travel/being awake. A final essay on the trip will be here shortly. Stay tuned.
The highlight of our visit to the museum was a wonderful presentation by Cynthia W who is the daughter of our members Helen and Eli G. Cynthia is part of an exciting initiative at Yad Vashem (hopefully we'll post more on this soon) and it was so wonderful to find yet another Gainesville connection in Israel.
Lunch was at the Yad Vashem cafeteria and then we proceeded to have a bit of shopping time at Ben Yehuda Street before the final banquet in Israel for the group.
At the final dinner the members of the group each had a chance to speak of their experiences and reactions to the trip and to Israel. In many ways this was, for me, the most precious moments of the trip. Not only has Israel touched each and every participant, but the group has developed and coalesced in a very special way. Special friendships were formed by each of us on the trip and even though we all knew each other to some degree before travel (from the group meetings; from shul functions, etc) we gained a deeper appreciation for each other and have bonded in a meaningful way. Kol Hakavod to all of you.
We also learned that tomorrow our own Todd Hasak-Lowy will be appearing on the Israeli version of "Good Morning America" to discuss his short story book which has recently been issued in Hebrew. We can't wait to see the clip, Todd!
The trip home was ... long! But we managed the tight security and customs inspections and all arrived safely. As I write this we are back in Gainesville but dead tired after some 30 hours of travel/being awake. A final essay on the trip will be here shortly. Stay tuned.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
From the Heights to the Depths
What visit to Israel could happen without a trip to Masada and the Dead Sea? Those were today's destinations and we were blessed with almost perfect cool weather. A few pictures are attached...unfortunately the water at the Dead Sea included a steep incline and not many were able to manage a dip in the water!
Tomorrow we will have our final day and journey home. Although we have a full day scheduled I'm not sure I'll be able to post tomorrow....Stay tuned though because final thoughts will be coming up during the flight home.....
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Shabbat in Yerushalayim
It truly has been a Gainesville shabbat in Jerusalem. We left the hotel before shabbat to visit the Davidson Archeological park located on the southern end of the Western wall. Areyeh, our guide, explained the digs and we learned about the Temple and its eventual destruction.
As evening approached we gathered in a corner under Robinsons Arch, at the Wall, and began our Kabbalat Shabbat service. Although it was cold and windy we found a small spot to light shabbat candles and before long our voices rang out with the songs of a spirited welcoming of shabbat. The whole group sang out and filled the space with the joy of shabbat and celebration of standing at the wall. (I was moved that just to our right another Conservative congregation, just moments behind us, began their service. We were seperated by a few feet at this moment - and probably thousands of miles apart in our home communities, but here at the Wall there was little seperating us and I reveled in their echoes of the same words, tunes and songs that connect us one to the other.)
A few took taxis back to the hotel but most of us walked through the alleyways of the Old City to celebrate shabbat dinner together. Despite the cold we were warmed by the memorable alleyways and byways that snaked through the city. Walking by the individual flats we could smell shabbat dinners prepared for familes.
And how special it was that when we arrived at the hotel and friends greeted us. Nine young people, all connected to Gainesville in one way or another were my guests for a scrumptuous meal (in general I don't put names on the blog for privacy and other reasons but all you guests know who you are - we enjoyed you Rafi, Sarah Beth, Ellie, Micah, Becky, Margo and partners!). After dinner we had a rousing Birkat Hamazon and these young people shared their special knowledge of Gainesville, their experiences in Israel and the passion and idealism that young people bring when living and spending time in this special place. We laughed and smiled and I left the group in the lobby as they continued celebrating their Gainesville connection in the lobby for more than an hour.
Shabbat morning saw us all off in different directions - exploring the richness of spiritual life in Jerusalem. Rebeca and I took several to the closest synagogue which happened to be Moreshet Yisrael, the Conservative synagogue on the corner of Agron Street and King George. The rabbi of that synagogue had been a Chevruta of mine during our rabbinical school years and it was wonderful to renew friendships and share in magnificent davening by talented congregants. Another guest of Moreshet Yisrael this morning was the Assistant Dean at American Jewish University in Los Angeles who is not only a former Gator but actually a current member of our Congregation! Good to see you Rabbi A! Many others attended services at Shira Hadasha - an Orthodox feminist minyan. Still more went on a walking tour of the neighborhood and two even got lost on an adventure of a lifetime!
After lunch together we all retired for a well-deserved Shabbat menucha (rest) as we prepared for Seudah Shlishit (the third Shabbat meal). At 4:30pm we walked to the Conservative Yeshiva where we were greeted by another good friend and colleague who is the Director of the Fuchsburg Center for Conservative Judaism in Jerusalem. What a beautiful facility! I was touched to see a group of Solomon Schecter students from Westchester County, New York who were on their two month Senior year trip to Israel and Poland. After a nice meal in the cafeteria we spent time in study with one of our own community members who is a third year rabbinical student at JTS. Thank you Rafi for an inspired teaching. We also met another of my colleagues who is currently doing pastoral care work for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast and who just happened to be on vacation in Jerusalem this week. Best of all we were joined by the Gottschalk family (former members of our congregation) who have returned to Isreal. Again, our congregation family spreads far! So good to see you!
After a soulful Havdalah we boarded the bus to head back to the Western Wall for a tour of the tunnels underneath the wall. Informative, inspiring and educational!
Some have now made their way back to Ben Yehudah street while many have gone to rest as we prepare for our adventure toward Masada and the Dead Sea tomorrow.
Of course there are no pictures today since I did not have my camera with me because of Shabbat (no pictures on Shabbat)....but our memories live best in our hearts and souls!
Shavua Tov (Have a good week)!
As evening approached we gathered in a corner under Robinsons Arch, at the Wall, and began our Kabbalat Shabbat service. Although it was cold and windy we found a small spot to light shabbat candles and before long our voices rang out with the songs of a spirited welcoming of shabbat. The whole group sang out and filled the space with the joy of shabbat and celebration of standing at the wall. (I was moved that just to our right another Conservative congregation, just moments behind us, began their service. We were seperated by a few feet at this moment - and probably thousands of miles apart in our home communities, but here at the Wall there was little seperating us and I reveled in their echoes of the same words, tunes and songs that connect us one to the other.)
A few took taxis back to the hotel but most of us walked through the alleyways of the Old City to celebrate shabbat dinner together. Despite the cold we were warmed by the memorable alleyways and byways that snaked through the city. Walking by the individual flats we could smell shabbat dinners prepared for familes.
And how special it was that when we arrived at the hotel and friends greeted us. Nine young people, all connected to Gainesville in one way or another were my guests for a scrumptuous meal (in general I don't put names on the blog for privacy and other reasons but all you guests know who you are - we enjoyed you Rafi, Sarah Beth, Ellie, Micah, Becky, Margo and partners!). After dinner we had a rousing Birkat Hamazon and these young people shared their special knowledge of Gainesville, their experiences in Israel and the passion and idealism that young people bring when living and spending time in this special place. We laughed and smiled and I left the group in the lobby as they continued celebrating their Gainesville connection in the lobby for more than an hour.
Shabbat morning saw us all off in different directions - exploring the richness of spiritual life in Jerusalem. Rebeca and I took several to the closest synagogue which happened to be Moreshet Yisrael, the Conservative synagogue on the corner of Agron Street and King George. The rabbi of that synagogue had been a Chevruta of mine during our rabbinical school years and it was wonderful to renew friendships and share in magnificent davening by talented congregants. Another guest of Moreshet Yisrael this morning was the Assistant Dean at American Jewish University in Los Angeles who is not only a former Gator but actually a current member of our Congregation! Good to see you Rabbi A! Many others attended services at Shira Hadasha - an Orthodox feminist minyan. Still more went on a walking tour of the neighborhood and two even got lost on an adventure of a lifetime!
After lunch together we all retired for a well-deserved Shabbat menucha (rest) as we prepared for Seudah Shlishit (the third Shabbat meal). At 4:30pm we walked to the Conservative Yeshiva where we were greeted by another good friend and colleague who is the Director of the Fuchsburg Center for Conservative Judaism in Jerusalem. What a beautiful facility! I was touched to see a group of Solomon Schecter students from Westchester County, New York who were on their two month Senior year trip to Israel and Poland. After a nice meal in the cafeteria we spent time in study with one of our own community members who is a third year rabbinical student at JTS. Thank you Rafi for an inspired teaching. We also met another of my colleagues who is currently doing pastoral care work for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast and who just happened to be on vacation in Jerusalem this week. Best of all we were joined by the Gottschalk family (former members of our congregation) who have returned to Isreal. Again, our congregation family spreads far! So good to see you!
After a soulful Havdalah we boarded the bus to head back to the Western Wall for a tour of the tunnels underneath the wall. Informative, inspiring and educational!
Some have now made their way back to Ben Yehudah street while many have gone to rest as we prepare for our adventure toward Masada and the Dead Sea tomorrow.
Of course there are no pictures today since I did not have my camera with me because of Shabbat (no pictures on Shabbat)....but our memories live best in our hearts and souls!
Shavua Tov (Have a good week)!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Jerusalem of Gold
Shabbat is approaching and I wanted to get a post up here before sundown in Israel. We are so pleased that today Yardena and Amos Kedar have joined our tour through Monday. Here in Jerusalem we feel that with the Kedars with us we share in a special shabbat wholeness in the city of peace...the city of Shalom.
Today has been a wonderful adventure. We started early and went directly to the City of David presentation and had some panoramic views of the city built by King David. From there we traveled a short distance to the Warren Tunnel and explanations of the tunnel for the Shiloach spring.
Then on to the old Jewish Quarter of the city for a bite to eat and some all important shopping! Once a bit of shopping was out of our system we walked down to the Kotel (Western Wall) where we had a full explanation and then went to the wall (Men on left and women on right) to daven a quick mincha before returning to the bus and the hotel.
In a little bit we will return to the Kotel area where we will tour the Davidson Archeological museum area and then to the Robinson Arch where we will daven Kabbalat Shabbat together (this is a special area designated for Conservative egalitarian services) and then walk back to the hotel.
Tonight we have a very festive shabbat dinner planned --- we are being joined by some very special guests: Our own Gainesville students and friends who are in Yerushayim this year studying! Also we have a friend and former student who made aliyah and possibly one of my rabbinic colleagues who is also visiting in Yerushayim today. So several guests at our shabbat table tonight! Another feeling of wholeness for shabbat!
Tomorrow we are spreading out through the city for some interesting Shabbat services and in the evening a special Seudah Shlishit at the Conservative Yeshiva. More later! Shabbat Shalom.
Today has been a wonderful adventure. We started early and went directly to the City of David presentation and had some panoramic views of the city built by King David. From there we traveled a short distance to the Warren Tunnel and explanations of the tunnel for the Shiloach spring.
Then on to the old Jewish Quarter of the city for a bite to eat and some all important shopping! Once a bit of shopping was out of our system we walked down to the Kotel (Western Wall) where we had a full explanation and then went to the wall (Men on left and women on right) to daven a quick mincha before returning to the bus and the hotel.
In a little bit we will return to the Kotel area where we will tour the Davidson Archeological museum area and then to the Robinson Arch where we will daven Kabbalat Shabbat together (this is a special area designated for Conservative egalitarian services) and then walk back to the hotel.
Tonight we have a very festive shabbat dinner planned --- we are being joined by some very special guests: Our own Gainesville students and friends who are in Yerushayim this year studying! Also we have a friend and former student who made aliyah and possibly one of my rabbinic colleagues who is also visiting in Yerushayim today. So several guests at our shabbat table tonight! Another feeling of wholeness for shabbat!
Tomorrow we are spreading out through the city for some interesting Shabbat services and in the evening a special Seudah Shlishit at the Conservative Yeshiva. More later! Shabbat Shalom.
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