Israel is a wonderland, a place to dream and a place ... - Temple Isaiah

Israel 2012 FROM CANTOR KENT
Join me in 2012 as
the Temple Isaiah
community journeys
to Israel.
It is no secret that I am in love with
Israel. Like any love story, it begins with
a “crush” or an unrealistic infatuation.
Over time, like other relationships,
my personal relationship with Israel
has matured. I have moved from that
adolescent high school fantasy romance
to the middle-aged stage of “let us spend
the rest of our lives together, and I accept
you for all you are even if you leave your
socks on the bedroom floor and you do not tell me when there are only two
ounces of orange juice left in the container in the fridge.” My relationship
with Israel is like that, and I have come to understand that Israel is by no
means the perfect spouse.
When I began my relationship with Israel, I did not realize the depth of
the problems with the neighbors (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt) or the
harsh disagreements between family members (Orthodox, Reform, Secular
and all those members of the “mishpocheh” somewhere in between). I was
initially attracted to Israel’s good looks (great beaches, amazing archaeology,
numerous religious sites, military prowess) and was not aware of Israel’s
hidden beauties (bustling high-tech, advances in medicine, incredible
cultural life, national parks, amazing architecture). But over time, sitting
with a plate of hummus with freshly baked pita or a cup of coffee scented
with cardamom, I have heard Israel’s subtle stories and the personal tales.
Like in any relationship, a couple of decades have given me perspective on
why this lover of mine behaves in certain ways. I do not always agree with
Israel’s actions, but, by reading and talking and talking a little more and
drinking a little more coffee and scooping up a little more hummus, I have
been afforded insight even if I do shake my head often in disbelief.
Join me in 2012 as the Temple Isaiah community journeys to Israel. Fall in
love. Meet the neighbors. Say hello to the family. And be prepared to be
swept off your feet – because when Israel embraces you, I can practically
guarantee it will be a love affair for life.
FROM Cantor Lorna Lembeck
I am a Jew by choice. There are those to whom it would seem that being born Jewish is easier than choosing to
become Jewish. But I would argue that being born Jewish and choosing to stay engaged despite sometimes feeling
disconnected, indifferent or even cut off, is far more challenging. Some of us choose to BE Jewish, but we have to
DO Jewish to stay connected. Doing Jewish requires showing up and opting in. One of the best ways to deepen,
strengthen or even jumpstart one’s connection to Judaism is to go to Israel.
I first went to Israel on a synagogue tour. One of the many locations listed on our itinerary was a short visit to
the steps at the southern edge of the Western Wall. When the ancient Israelites journeyed to the Temple for the
major festivals, they climbed these 15 steps before entering the courtyard of the Temple. The stairs were purposely
and ingeniously constructed in a way that would assure a slow and respectful ascent to the Holy Temple, and it
is believed that the Levites, beginning in a low tone of voice and steadily ascending to a higher tone, would stand
on these steps majestically singing 15 Psalms which begin with the words Shir hamalot (a song of ascents). Psalm
126, customarily recited on Shabbat before the blessing after the meal, is one of these 15 Psalms. Being more
than familiar with Psalm 126, I started singing it while simultaneously slowly climbing the stairs until I reached
the top. This, for me, was a spiritual experience. I felt it deeply. It was a moment of true connection. It was this
impromptu magical moment that inspired me to continue my studies and become a Cantor, and it could only
have happened in Israel.
Temple Isaiah is offering a congregation-wide trip to Israel in 2012. I cannot think of a better gift to give to yourself and your family. Opt in!
2 | THE ISAIAN
February 2011