Nov 1st 2011, 00:00

This month marks the fifth anniversary of my first congregational trip to Israel and the one year anniversary of my last trip. So, if it’s November, it’s time to talk Israel. Yes, we are planning another congregational trip for next November to that most magical of places, the land of our ancestors, the homeland of the Jewish people, the historic and all-time central address of Jews. If you have never been to Israel, please consider joining Miriam and me for this life-changing experience. If it has been many years since your last trip, the time to return is now. Contact family and friends and invite them to join you and me for an experience you will never forget. Please see the enclosed flyer and send in your deposit today.

A journey to Israel is a trip like no other. A Jew does not visit Israel, we go home to Israel. There is no place on earth where you feel more comfortable, more welcomed, more included in society, and more at home away from home. Visiting Israel is a walk through time and history and being there is the very best way to show your support for the Jewish state.

Now, the Israeli people and its government are not perfect. Like all peoples and all governments they make mistakes and do things that are not popular. But especially on account of our incredibly small numbers, and given that Israel is the only state we have, all Jews have the responsibility to take pride in Israel and give Israel our support, even if we disagree with policies, positions, or actions. This can be done in a variety of ways, but I believe that the best way is to go and walk down the streets, visit and talk with our Israeli brothers and sisters, get to know the people and the land, and spending a few shekels too doesn’t hurt.

Last month, the entire Jewish people were filled with enormous joy and pride as Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was finally released after over five years of being held captive. Naturally, his freedom came at an enormous price. But this is nothing new. The Jewish people and Israelis in particular, have always had to pay an enormous price for every accomplishment, every inch of progress, every moment of peace and security. It is a price we are willing to pay because that is who we are: we value one Jewish soul above and beyond 1,000+ terrorists and criminals. Despite the pain and anguish the trade brought to the victims and families of those terrorists and criminals, and despite the very real reality that such a deal would inspire more attempts at capturing Israeli soldiers, it simply had to be done. I can only hope that this episode showed to the world who we are as a people and the values we hold to be true.

There is nothing I could write to convince you to join Miriam and me in Israel next November. You have to have that burning desire in your heart and soul. I have been to Israel five times before and lived in Jerusalem for five months in 1990. I have that burning desire in my heart and soul, and if you talk to anyone who has ever been there, you will see that they do as well. I hope that if you don’t, you will search deeper to find it and join us for a trip of a lifetime that will really change your life for the better. Please speak with Miriam or me if you have any questions or need specific arrangements. We are happy to accommodate whatever needs you may have.