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

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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
Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue HOMELESSNESS Beyond Shelter Party Contact: Rabbi Dara Frimmer Beyond Shelter works to develop systemic approaches to combat poverty and homelessness among families with children and enhance family economic security and well-being. On Sunday, March 27, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., join us for Temple Isaiah’s Fifth Annual Beyond Shelter party with children and parents from Broadway Village II. There will be games, snacks and arts and crafts. This event is family friendly! For more information, please contact Rabbi Dara Frimmer at the Temple office. Birthday Bank GLOBAL JUSTICE Join the Temple Isaiah Jewish World Watch Team (and other JWW congregations) on the Westside as we honor JWW Co-Founder and President Janice Kamenir-Reznik during JWW’s unique GLOBAL SOUL interactive dinner and program event on: Tuesday, February 1 - 6:30 p.m. For tickets, visit www.jww.org. Save the Date: Sunday, April 10, for the Contact: Allison Revivo Birthdays are a perfect time to have a conversation about how many blessings there are in our lives and how important it is to share those blessings. At this year’s birthday party, have your child identify one present that he or she would be willing to give to someone whose family cannot afford to buy their children presents. Come with your child to the Temple office and exchange your gift for a beautiful certificate of appreciation signed by the clergy recognizing your child’s generosity on his or her birthday. The certificate will be presented at the weekly Shabbat celebration. Gifts will be donated to families at Beyond Shelter. For more information, please contact Allison Revivo at alirevivo@gmail.com. For more info on these events and other ways to participate, contact Isaiah JWW chair Susan Silver at posorg@aol.com or (310) 282-8440. PUBLIC EDUCATION Congregation Based Community Organizing (CBCO) Contact: Diana Hardy Today, increasing numbers of synagogues are engaging in interfaith campaigns on vital issues of local concern, from public education to building affordable housing. We are partnering with One LA-IAF to strategize change across the city. We continue our work to strengthen local public schools. For more information, please contact Diana Hardy at dianaehardy@yahoo.com. February COLLECTIONS: Men’s clothing for paTh Toiletries Click Here for Justice: http://www.sulamcenter.org/ The one place for all your Jewish Service Learning needs! The Sulam Center helps teenagers find quality community service opportunities and learn more about how to connect service experiences to Jewish thought and values. 3 | THE ISAIAN February 2011
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Israel is a wonderland, a place to dream and a place ... - Temple Isaiah

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