Farewell...for now

Day #11

For those returning to Los Angeles tonight, the stay in the Bedouin tent was a perfect way to get exhausted! We can’t say we slept through the night, especially with the winds blowing through our tent so vigorously. Some of us woke up to offer morning prayers in the picturesque and expansive desert landscape. Despite the cool winds, the words and gestures were an inspiring beginning to our final day in Israel.

Our final breakfast in Israel was as delicious as our first, bountiful arrays of cheeses, fruits and cereals. This morning we were treated to authentic Bedouin bread, plain and with Za’atar, the delicious spice with oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds, and some salt. There was also “Ribat Halav” or “Dulce de Leche” or “Caramel” spread on the table. YUMMMMY!

Our drive to Masada was short as we entered from the West and climbed the Roman Ramp to the top. Each time one visits Masada it seems like there are still incredible artifacts and stories to be discovered and revealed. Most notably, there has been a change in recent years with the use of Masada as a place to induct young soldiers into the military. For so many years, the brave heroism of the zealots and their incredible stand off with the Roman legions has been an inspiring way to dedicate oneself to service in the Army. However, the complete story is that the zealots killed themselves rather than succumb to the Romans, while the builders of the Ramp, for example, were Jewish slaves. The notion that suicide is not a heroic act has impressed the army and they no longer use the space for ceremonies. There was a ceremony taking place this morning in the synagogue there, however, A Bar Mitzvah of a young man on a Birthright trip! Our group spontaneously sang Siman Tov! Mazal Tov! to him and we offered him what VBS B’nai Mitzvah receive on their B’nai Mitzvah. Tzedakah boxes, kiddush cups, and of course the free year of USY! [Dani, our secular guide and professed anti-religionist commented he has been forced to conduct B’nai mitzvah in his capacity as a tour guide. We think we’re seeing him crack a little bit with us Conservative Jews, but he’d never tell!]

We all worked up a good sweat as we hiked down the snake path. The park was crowded with groups, Birthright, Israeli, and tour groups like ours. We could barely move down the path and it felt great to see so many people there.

After the night in the tent, and the hike up Masada, our visit to the Dead Sea was well needed and deserved. Floating in the Dead Sea is a heroic feat. If you didn’t know you had a slight scratch or cut somewhere on your body, the salty water would reveal it instantly! After a few minutes of braving the actual Dead Sea and the breezy winds at the shore, we all got smart and made our way to the heated pool indoors and luxuriated in the fresh water spa for the afternoon.

After cleaning up, we got on the bus and made our way back up to Jerusalem. Conversations turned to reflections on this incredible journey we’ve taken together and discussion and suggestions for future VBS trips was shared. We all learned a lot on this trip and know better how to plan a trip like this for next time.

We arrived in Jerusalem for just enough time to shop quickly and walk over to our restaurant for our final dinner at the Anna Ticho House. For 10 days we have nearly perfect weather without a drop of rain. The rain came down in our final hours in Jerusalem – giving new meaning to the concept that rain is ‘bracha’ or blessing. We were surely blessed to have such incredible weather throughout the trip!

At dinner, we went around and shared two thoughts on our experiences together. “What was one thing you are taking home with you from Israel?” and “What is one thing you are leaving behind?” Our reflections were sweet and grateful sharing that our time was absolutely unforgettable.

I remarked that I am leaving behind the bitter memories of 2001-2 and taking home a promising future for Israel. I also shared that I am taking home some tremendous qualities from the 14 participants in this pioneering journey. I learned wonderful qualities of care and concern, model parenting skills, and sensitivities to others’ needs. I learned when to speak and when to listen, and I learned that Israel can mean so many different things to each one of us. I finally shared that I believe I am leaving behind a little part of each person who participated in this trip, because I think our hearts were sown into the fabric of Israel a little more tightly and colorfully during this trip. I sincerely believed we were all transformed by this experience and I was honored to be present as those changes unfolded.

We are extremely grateful to Dani Slubski, our dynamic guide who truly made himself present and shared his wisdom with us freely throughout our 10 days together. We hope he will visit us in Los Angeles when he comes to visit his family here.

We are grateful for each other as we recognized that we all got along so well, that the children were extremely present and participated wonderfully. Our group ranged in age from 9 – 89 and we truly worked well together. Our deepest admiration goes to Ruth Markman, our 89 year old sage who braved the journey to travel with her rabbi. Even though she missed a few of the adventures along the way, she was appreciated by us all for her strength and generous spirit! Her strength became our strength and we hope to return with new resolve to keep Israel in our hearts and our minds for many years to come.