October-Fest Israel Update

Hey everyone, how was your respective month? I truly have had a great time here in Israel. From the moment I touched down at Ben Gurion airport, things have been incredible. There have been jubilant times, merry happenings and some blurry moments. Additionally, we as a family celebrated the arrival of our new nephew, but at the time of writing the name had not yet been disclosed. We wish Sruli and Chaya a tremendous Mazel Tov and congratulations on the yet to be Brissed (circumcised) little boy of theirs.
I had not been to Israel in 5 years and all it took was just one car ride to re-acquaint myself with the surroundings. The culture and attitude I have yet to establish. I would rather not go on the lines of practice makes perfect.
The family times together were special. The hospitality was extraordinary. There were some meals where over ten separate languages were being spoken at the table. There where other meals where 20 separate languages could be heard, however that was probably caused by a state of insobriety of some of the guests. But joy was to be found. I take off my black hat for my sisters and their husbands for making the Festivities, the success that they were.
In the few days of breathing space between all of the festivals, I found some time to hit up some of the more touristy attractions found in Israel. I travelled north to the Tishbi Vineyards and wined and dined with the exquisite dry and semi dry wines on offer. I visited the coastal city of Casarea (in Arabic it would be Qasarea or possibly Kasarea, but I'm no pedant for such things).
I visited the cities of Tel Aviv, Jaffa and Rechovot and things happened there. I saw the secular Israeli culture fused with old Biblical themes. It was a great experience to return and see the holy streets even though they are adorned with the most secular of matter.
I met up with a friend of mine at an intersection on a busy highway. These things only happen in Israel. I ate felafel, I drank Goldstar (Israel's national beer) and I travelled on Egged (Israeli bus service, at times a disservice too).
I managed to do some Museum hopping, which included the Islamic Museum of Art, the Israel Museum, the itinerant Art Focus exhibition, the Museum of Psalms, The Chagall Windows at the Great Synagouge of the Haddasah hospital and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. It was a great cultural experience to see both modern and ancient art and also that art which has an additional spiritual abstraction.
I now head back to New York, refreshed and (refressed) for the New Year ahead.
My trip to Israel has been unique and like a dream. I observe the streets of Jerusalem and wonder with amazement how the city has been built up. The construction continues. A light rail line is being installed in Jerusalem. Apartment blocks are going up. It is truly a wonderful scene to see.
Israel is small in geographic standards; it is tiny amongst its enemies, but strong in stature. It is akin to the little Sukkah that withstands the howling cyclone type winds. It is that little Sukkah that at the end of the day still stands.
Keep in touch and I'd love to hear some Festive stories from you.

Israel - The interim report

Israel – The interim report.

 

The Days of atonement have passed and we welcome in the days of Joy. Israel is an incredible place. The atmosphere of Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (day of atonement) have been electrifying. I prayed at the Mayanot institute in Nachlaot, a small neighbourhood in Jerusalem and the services were heartfelt, inspiring and rewarding. The heralding in of a new year, one blessed with many success stories, new births, good tidings and many more promising themes, was almost perfect.

 

Family time is always welcomed. There is no better way than to spend it in the heart of hearts. Jerusalem has that effect. We prayed together, we feasted together, we were together. I thank my family for their open arms (and houses) on my trip to their suburb. I thank the congregations who have hosted the festival services, and will continue to do so.

 

My stay in Israel is somewhat limited, but I have already ventured out on a few tours. I bussed down the coast to Tel Aviv-Jaffa (Yafa) and toured the old port city of Jaffa. Rich in history and one of the oldest known cities in the Bible, Jaffa offers the opportunity to sample some of the holiest parts of Israel mixed with the most secular parts of modern Israel. Jaffa, a biblical town, mentioned in the Talmud, dates back to the famous Prophet Jonah, who tried to run and hide himself from G-d. How Jonah thought this was possible remains a question. Tel Aviv, the coastal city is a modern metropolis, laden with Judaism and Western culture. Tel Aviv contains some of the holiest streets, yet provides pure secularism to its extreme. An unbalanced approach, an unhealthy environment, a disturbing future.

 

However, so holy.

 

And interim this report is. To be continued....