Israel has been a part of my life, since as far back as I can remember. As a child we had long discussions around the dinner table. While it was expected that you could bring up any topic of your choosing, the adults always discussed Politics and Israel. Every discussion centered on ” what was good for the Jews and was it good for Israel”? As children, we sat listened, ate and waited for our time to participate. This was no setting for shrinking violets, you either jumped into the conversation or remained silently eating and watching the grown up ” fireworks”. Please don’t get the wrong impression , they weren’t rude, but they were boisterous robust loud passionate discussions. Frequently, interrupted by everyone at the Table. That was Breakfast and dinner, discussion and more discussion. All under a canopy of love for each , our love of America and our love of Israel..
Which is one reason, when confronted with choosing a party or Israel for my son’s Bar Mitzvah, he chose a Bar Mitzvah at the Wailing Wall, the Kotel, in June 1979″.
I’ve been to Israel 9 times since then and every time it is a new experience. Lately, unlike my earlier trips, I have been less involved with seeing the sights then immersing my self in the culture and the people and the Geo political questions being posed today. I have many passions and Israel is at the top of my list.
As an observant Reform Jew, I care deeply about my Jewishness and the survival of the State of Israel. Which leads me back to the Country repeatedly, as I try to understand their culture and their place in our World. I want to be part of the solution for their survival, it is a long tradition of TIKUN OLAM. .
If there is Peace to be made with the Palestinians, I want to be part of the process and bring the problems , the challenges and the small victories to the forefront of your attention.
We are on a quest together, to learn to understand and to see our neighbors , for a better understanding, hopefully leading to Peace in our time. As we have said for generations” Next Year in Jerusalem“! May all of you visit the land of Israel for discovery of the past and it’s impact on our World.
Go in Peace and return home at Peace. The journey continues covering many chapters., as I explore the sights and psyche , of the Jewish people and their State today. We all have a choice.
