Reflections from Israel 2010

Shalom Temple Chai Family,

With snow storms all around us it seemed that we were doomed to be stranded in the airports but it was truly a Chanukah Miracle. We were the only afternoon flight to depart O'Hare for the east coast and some 5 hours later in a driving blizzard the wings of El Al lifted us into the skies and safely brought us to the Holy Land.

It was an incredibly ambitious itinerary geared toward educating the 70 first-timers with snippets of history, adventure and reality. There were many highlights but the first day visit to the Ayalon bullet factory and Palmach Museum left an indelible impression of how difficult the fight for Independence was to be.

I think the impact of our visit across the green line to Kfar Eztion presented a better understanding of the past and current settlement issues. We were extremely fortunate to have access to the rarely visited Gush Etzion IDF base where we were able to show our appreciation to the young soldiers for protecting Jerusalem and our Homeland.

Of course the emotion and excitement on Shabbat at the Kotel was overwhelming and transformative. The B'nei Mitzvah day was of Biblical proportion as 41 Chaisters began their 5:30 AM march up the snake path to view the sunrise from the top of Masada. The two groups merged at the Ein Gedi Synagogue where the three B'nei Mitzvah's read torah as they stood proudly over the Hebrew and Arabic inscriptions in the ancient mosaic floors of the Byzantine era. We danced and sang as we awaited our Jeep Chariots to take us deep into the Judean Desert for our feast and celebration.

With the realization of the close proximity of Syria and Lebanon the strategic significance of the Golan became much more obvious as we completed our final two days in the North.

It was an amazing group of devoted congregants, from "The Bubbies Gone Wild" to our children and young adults who were thoughtful, respectful and appreciative of every aspect of the incredible journey being unveiled before them.

In the year and a half of planning, meetings, Israeli films, falafel/schwarma, new relationships, more falafel/schwarma and then to be in Israel for the final metamorphosis into one beautiful cohesive family is beyond words.

With much pride to be part of this extraordinary family,

Steve Sukenik
Temple Chai

Israel Committee Chair