Dear friends:The days are passing by quickly in Israel. Let me give you an overview of our adventures…
When we arrived, it was cloudy and cold. Our driver took us to an overlook of the Old City, but it was too misty to see the Temple Mount or the Dome of the Rock.
Our next day was busy, busy, busy. We started out by touring the Old City. What a difference in the level of security, comparing now to 1993. However, we certainly did not feel unsafe. This was just a sign of the times.
First was the Kotel, or Western Wall. We all offered our own silent, individual prayer. Next were the Western Wall tunnels, which were fascinating. Our guide, Adrien, gave an excellent introduction, a blending of religion, history and politics, going back more than 2000 years. What struck me was how our guide said different peoples measure time: Americans measure time in decades; Europeans in centuries; Middle Easteners in millennia.
On a more personal note, it felt great to hear so much Hebrew. I am beginning to understand more than I ever expected. Another observation: There are many more “black hats” (i.e. Ultra-Orthodox) in the city than during my year in Israel in 1993-94. I had been told by my colleagues that this would be the case.
From what we have seen of the city, it is breathing and vibrant and exciting … which is optimistic and encouraging. The streets are bustling, and the shops are open. Tour buses are everywhere, and I have seen Koreans, Indians, French, Germans, British, and of course, Americans.
Another activity was a visit to Yad Eliezer, a Jerusalem food bank. We packed 39 large boxes for the needy. The volunteer work was good for our souls. I was reminded of the Torah teaching that the needy will always be present in our midst; therefore, we are never to close our hand to those who need our help. Some lessons of Torah are as contemporary today as they were thousands of years ago. We are having an amazing time and are safe and sound.
Until my next note… take care!
L’shalom
Rabbi Barry
