As I prepare to greet my third Shabbat in Israel, I now have a chance to reflect on what I love about this country.
I love Shabbat. I love that the market across the street from our apartment is open 24/6. I love that as we shop at Machaneh Yehudah (the Jerusalem outdoor market) to buy our challah, rugala and food for Shabbat, everyone else is doing the same thing. I love that the parking on the street is free throughout Shabbat and that when Shabbat ends at a very later hour on Saturday night, all the stores and restaurants open and people flock to the streets until midnight.
I love that every street sign is connected to history. To get to our home, we pass by King David Street, Ramban (Nachmanides) Street and Rambam (Maimonides) Street. I am constantly challenged to look up the names of the streets to see which Zionist leader, Rabbi, or historic Israeli event is being remembered. We park on Harav Chen Street and our rental car is in front of the historic building where the UN came up with the 1947 Partition Plan for Palestine.
I love that Israel never forgets its past. There are archeological digs everywhere we walk and there are monuments and memorials wherever we go – from the monument outside our Beth El group’s hotel in Tel Aviv marking the bombing of the Dolphinarium discotheque in 2001 to Latrun, the national site displaying the 150 tanks that served and remembering the 4,965 soldiers in tanks who fell fighting for our homeland.
I love that Israelis live life fully. In the face of political, economic and serious security struggles, they choose not to focus on the negative but on the positive. They celebrate constantly.
I love that my family is now connected to this place. They have created amazing memories here and are getting to know their extended family. We talk about what we’ll do when we return.
At this point, hundreds of Beth El congregants have made their way to our Israel. Whatever your desire – to travel with empty nesters, to travel with families, to travel on your own, we will help you plan your trip so that you can come to love this place that is home to all of us.
– Rabbi Judy Schindler
16 Responses
We miss you, Judy, but we’re truly happy that you are having such an enjoyable and meaningful Sabatical with your family. We miss you terribly, but are thrilled that you are getting the rest that you so richly deserve.
Warmest regards,
Marshall & Faylinda
As I read this, I can feel your happiness and see why you love Israel. I look forward to one day experiencing all the beautiful wonders of Israel!
Rabbi Judy – it is so wonderful to read about Jerusalem through your eyes. You are in our thoughts and prayers too. What a place to see a sign or a wonder!
Rabbi Judy,
You brought up many memories of Israel and Shabbat, in particular I always remember the quiet Friday evenings and families and friends getting together for the Shabbat meal.
And somehow even though the weekend was only one day it seemed to last longer and was more restful than the two day weekend we have here.
Sounds like you are having a great time and a well deserved rest.
Looking forward to seeing you renewed and recharged back at Beth-El and reading more of your impressions of this wonderful country Israel.
Stefan Pienkny
Rabbi Judy, It is so very beautiful to read about Jerusalem through your eyes. It makes my heart want to visit. Someday, I hope my dream will come true. You Chip and the boys are in my thoughts and prayers. I look forward to your returning to your Beth-El family.
Rabbi Judy,
I just read this to my Dad in Delray Hospital as he is recovering from hip replacement surgery. He is up and walking and doing well. After a challenging session with the occupational therapist (putting on socks is much harder than walking), we both enjoyed your warm and interesting words….we are so happy that your heart and mind are so filled up with Israeli energy and life…
Love,
Mindy and Herb
Rabbi Judy, how much you are missed but please have a great time in our country. You and some others have finally brought me home. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Be safe and enjoy the rest, you certainly deserve it.
Bill & Harriet Teasdale
Rabbii Judy and Family.
So happy to hear that you are so loving Israel. Enjoy your time together and we will look forward to the many good stories that you will have to share. We miss you . Betsy and Phil
Happy you’re happy–& hopefully relaxed. How wonderful that your guys feel connected to the land!
Rabbi Judy, Chip, and guys…How Wonderful to feel the joy you exude! I hope you can sense ours too when we tell you that we surprised Jesse and Hannah and the airport and have spent the last day and a half seeing Israel through their smitten eyes and hearts. What a trip! Beyond their wildest dreams! “A life-changing experience”…(I quote). Thank you for all you are and do for all of us. We wish you the rich and memorable vacation you so deserve.
Much love,
Mary and Bob
Dear Judy,
Your enthusiasm for life, no matter where you are is especially heightened by your love of the land and people of Israel. We are so thrilled that you have made this sabatical, and that you and your boys are enjoying all it has to offer. You bring back all of the joy from our trip to Israel. We miss you, and look forward to learning more about your adventures when you return. Stay well.
Love,
Diggie and Lee
Judy, why couldn’t you engage in a little mischief and dress up a female
as a male to flaunt the silly regulations at the wall?
Love,
Walter+Elizabeth Klein
Thank you Walter and Elizabeth for offering your tongue-in-cheek comment.
Despite our temptation toward civil disobedience, the reality of the situation is that any such actions might cause an actual riot and serious bodily harm.
We hope Rabbi Judy enjoys her Sabbatical in safety and returns to us whole and refreshed.
Dear Judy,
Such a feeling of the glow and magic of Jerusalem filled our hearts as we read your ‘passion’. We are grateful that you share it with us, and look forward to seeing you again with that glow shining from you.
Israel is our homeland in so many ways, and you exude the comfort of home. You call out to all of us to share with you in its most deepest of our spiritual ‘recognition’ of that one place where we can really unite together as both a people and a place. How fortunate that you are the role model in our community as a woman and a leader, and as a faithful Jew.
Racelle Weiman
Rabbi Judy…My being in Israel was partially achieved through your eyes and your words! I really want to visit so that I too will fall in love .Now that I am somewhat healthier it might turn into a possibility. I am thrilled for you and your family that you finally have some ME time. You are missed, I hope that you have taken off your watch, slowed your pace and are enjoying every minute with your family.
Tim & I can’t wait to travel with you on next March’s Israel trip! With an “official tourguide” and 2 “unofficial” tourguides, what could be better? Love following your travels. Enjoy a much deserved respite and renewal!!! Love to you.