I debated whether to even attempt to write anything this evening regarding my experience in Jerusalem today. I don't know if I have had too many other days in my life that were as emotional for me as today was. It will take me some time to sort out my thoughts and feelings about what I witnessed today. It feels very intense...confusing.....to be quite honest, I am not quite sure why it feels as powerful as it did today. I trust that I will sort this out over time.
We boarded our touring bus this morning in Modiin at 8:30. Riding with us was a young Israeli named Daveed. He was our guard for the day......complete with rifle in hand. Given that we were going to Jerusalem and that the trip would take us in and our of Israeli and Palestinian territory (This is just the drive from Modiin to Jerusalem) it is policy to have an armed guard with the party. I would love to tell you that I was perfectly comfortable with Daveed and his gun...but that would be a lie. It was disconcerting to say the least...... and once again was a tangible reminder of where we are and the realities of the Israel of today.
Our first stop of the day was at Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust Museum. For the next two hours we were taken through the history of the Holocaust and the attrocities commited by the Nazi's. We discussed the very long history of anti-semitism...the rise of the Nazi party....the lack of action by almost every country in the world, including the United States, to even attempt to stop the murder of 6 million Jews. We learned names of murdered children......names of non-Jews who gave their lives in their attempt to protect Jewish neighbors.....we discussed the increasing attempts on the part of many today to re write history by denying that this took place. We spent much time focusing on the 1.5 million children that were murdered. And yet, in the end, we celebrated that in spite of this attempt to wipe out world Jewry, we are still here......and in this specific instance...our discussion about this difficult and painful topic was taking place in the Jewish Homeland. We live...and we live well....and we bare witness..... to honor those that were murdered. And in the Jewish tradition of Tikkun Olam....we take on our individual and collective responsibility to make our world a better place.
We then traveled to Mr. Hertzel. Mt. Hertzel is Israel's Arlington Cemetery. Buried here along with Theodore Hertzel, are many of Israel's great leaders such as Yitzhak Rabin and Golda Meir. This is also the cemetary where many of Israel's fallen solders are buried. We visited gravesites and heard stories of several individuals who were killed in their service to Israel through its many wars. While listening to our guide, we noticed that Daveed, our guard, was cleaning a nearby grave site. He was simply clearing away some small branches and took some water from his water bottle and poured it over the grave stone, cleaning it. He then bent and kissed the grave. This was the grave of a close friend, his commander when he was in the service. He was with him the day he was killed in one of the battles with Lebanon.
For me this was an incredibly meaningful and moving moment of the day. This was no longer a story being told by our tour guide....this was not even a picture of children from the 1940's who we were told were murdered in the Holocaust. This was the so real for me. Listening to Daveed tell some of us about his friend who he cared for and clearly missed. It is said that there is not a person in Israel who has not lost a family member to war or knows someone lost to war. As I walked out of Mt. Hertzel with Daveed and our group, I fought back tears. I have rarely felt such a sense of sorrow and loss.
Once back on the tour bus, we headed for downtown Jerusalem and we had an hour to walk around an open air market and get something to eat. On the bus, our tour guide, Joel, stated that some of us might be feeling uncomfortable about coming from Yad Vashem and Mt. Hertzel and now immediately going to do something fun and entertaining. He asked if any of us were uncomfortable with this. I sure was......how was I going to be able to take a leasurely strole around the market about a morning of overwhelming sadness and loss? Joel shared that by experiencing this we now know what it is like to be Israeli. You might not know this, but Israel's memorial day, Yom Hazikaron, is followed the very next day by the Israeli Independence Day, Yom Ha'atzmaut. Given Israel's history, it is part of the Israeli mindset that you morn your dead, and then you immediately begin to celebrate and live your life again. We morned the fallen hero's this morning, Israeli's would then tell us, and they were, that it was now time to celebrate life. Oy!!!!!! what a morning!!!!!
We had only a little time in the Jerusalem market so we immediately found a place to eat. Daveed took Jared, Dan and I to a small place that according to Daveed, is the only place to get Miorav Yerushalme. Whatis this delicacy you ask? It is grilled chicken on a pita....and when I say grilled chicken, I mean all of the chicken.....chicken hearts, chicken livers, and who knows what other parts of the chicken are all thrown together with chicken pieces you and I know and love. It was really good!!!!!
We then went to the old city and to the Western Wall. Our guide, Joel, is extremely knowledgeable about history and the complexities of the old city. I would love to share with you some of what I learned but the facts were too many.......and the situation, now and for the last many centuries, is soooooo completely confusing. You know the cliche about needing a score card to keep track of things......you would need a thousand score cards to track who has conquered the land, who claims that this is the home of their religion, who believes that a small piece of land is God granted to them. I have often found myself, prior to this trip, extremely hopeful that peace will come to this part of the world. I do not want to say that I have lost hope, but you can't walk away from this without being much more realistic about the prospect of piece. Complicated and complex are words that do not do this situation justice!
My time at the Western Wall was highly moving...more so than I thought it would be. As I took my place by the wall, my fingers making contact with the stone, I closed my eyes and simply listened. As I took in the many sounds of prayer, I imagined myself standing there centuries ago. This is the exact same experience I have when I hear the Shofar played. This was a powerful moment of connection to my heritage and I did not want to leave. Carol, Joshua and Rachel appeared in my heart and mind and I wished they were here to share this with me. I began this blog sharing how for many years, my connection with Judaism was minimal at best. At that moment at the wall, I was no longer experiencing a small connection. I began the day learning how my people not only survived, but have flourished in the face of the Holocaust.......I was able to honor the Israeli leaders and soldiers who have given their lives toward the creation of the State of Israel....and I was now standing in a place that has been the site of deep, personal and meaningful worship for centuries. I found myself again tearful.....unlike this morning when my tears resulted from Daveed's loss....now my tears felt calm...they came from a place of connection......maybe even from a place of self forgiveness. As I walked from the wall, I found myself, as I did in response to Shabbat two nights ago, asking questions about what I need to do to hold onto this feeling...this peace...when I return home. I dont have those answers right now....I trust they will come.
Our touring ended at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. What a pleasure it was to experience this place with Kevin and Janie, our two delegation members who are Catholic. It was crystal clear how meaningful this was for them, to be at the place that is believed to be where Christ was crucified and where he was buried.
Such powerful and various religious symbolism and meaning all within a small piece of land!
Our day ended with a wonderful and relaxing dinner.
We are up early tomorrow as we head to the north to take in some more sites. On Tuesday we begin to visit our schools.
I love you all
Keith
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
What a Day!!!!!
Hello Everyone
There is a hill in the middle of Modiin where no building is allowed. When Modiin was being constructed, graves and other artifacts were uncovered on this hill and so it has been turned into an area where people can walk and enjoy the wonderful views of Modiin. Some of what was unearthed on this piece of land was cisterns and a mikveh (ceremonial bath) that date back over 1800 years!!!! So much of Israel is a country and cities that are modern in every sense of the word. And yet, this was a reminder that I am standing on ground that has such a long, documented history. Modiin itself, is a purely planned city that is only 15 years old.....being built around archeological artifacts from thousands of years ago.
Part of our delegation took a trip to the north today.We left Modiin on Route 6, one of the primary north-south routes in Israel, I was riding with Noa and her husband, Ronin, and their daughter, Shir. On the right of the highway was a small city. Ronin shared with me that this was an Arab city called Bakaelgarbia. I learned that no Jews live in these Arab cities. In Ronin's words, they have not been "secured" for Jews. Like all residents of Israel, the people of this city have the right to vote and have representation in the Knesset, The Israeli Parliment. But while Israeli towns and cities receive state funds at a certain level, the Arab cities receive less. The residents of the Arab cities also do not serve in the Israeli army as do all other Israeli citizens. We passed several other Arab cities and the same was true for all of them. Talk about getting a sense of two peoples living in the same country...with limited interaction. Ronin said that there is a Kibbutz in Israel where Jews and Arabs are attempting to live together but this only includes about 20 families. First lesson of the day in the immensity of the diversity issue in Israel.
We continued on to our first destination of the day...Dalyat El Carmel...a Druze village in the Carmel Mountains. Our first stop was at an old monastery that belongs to the Carmelite Order, which arrived in Israel from Europe in the 17th century. It is also believed by Christians, Muslims, Druze, and Jews to be the place of the the epic battle between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. (If interested in more on this, I will leave it up to you and Google) Lesson two of the day in the diversity of Israel. We were now standing in a Catholic Monastery. The gift shop was selling Stars of David with a cross in the middle. Can't say I have even seen such a joining of these two religious symbols. Here is a statue of Elijah...
This is the view from the top of the monastery looking over the Izrael Valley. It was very hazy today so the view is limited ....but beautiful.
The grounds around the Monastery are beautiful...it also helps that Spring has sprung in Israel. We stopped for a picnic.
We then walked through the many shops in Dalyat El Carmel. We came upon a woman who was making pita. We did have her permission to take pictures as long as her face was covered. We later had this pita with our lunch.....let me tell you folks...you cant find this pita at Wegmans!!!!!!! Oh My!!!!!!! You dont even need to give me anything else for lunch!!!!!!!
Here we are enjoying lunch. The hummus was amazing!!!!! Unlike anything we can get in the states. Even our Israeli friends were raving about it.
My experience with the totality of Shabbat here in Israel was a truly spiritual moment for me. I woke this morning and again was hit with the quietness of the city on Shabbat morning. Noa and I went for a walk this morning and I had what was to be a day of experiencing the complexities of this land...........
Part of our delegation took a trip to the north today.We left Modiin on Route 6, one of the primary north-south routes in Israel, I was riding with Noa and her husband, Ronin, and their daughter, Shir. On the right of the highway was a small city. Ronin shared with me that this was an Arab city called Bakaelgarbia. I learned that no Jews live in these Arab cities. In Ronin's words, they have not been "secured" for Jews. Like all residents of Israel, the people of this city have the right to vote and have representation in the Knesset, The Israeli Parliment. But while Israeli towns and cities receive state funds at a certain level, the Arab cities receive less. The residents of the Arab cities also do not serve in the Israeli army as do all other Israeli citizens. We passed several other Arab cities and the same was true for all of them. Talk about getting a sense of two peoples living in the same country...with limited interaction. Ronin said that there is a Kibbutz in Israel where Jews and Arabs are attempting to live together but this only includes about 20 families. First lesson of the day in the immensity of the diversity issue in Israel.
We continued on to our first destination of the day...Dalyat El Carmel...a Druze village in the Carmel Mountains. Our first stop was at an old monastery that belongs to the Carmelite Order, which arrived in Israel from Europe in the 17th century. It is also believed by Christians, Muslims, Druze, and Jews to be the place of the the epic battle between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. (If interested in more on this, I will leave it up to you and Google) Lesson two of the day in the diversity of Israel. We were now standing in a Catholic Monastery. The gift shop was selling Stars of David with a cross in the middle. Can't say I have even seen such a joining of these two religious symbols. Here is a statue of Elijah...
We then walked through the many shops in Dalyat El Carmel. We came upon a woman who was making pita. We did have her permission to take pictures as long as her face was covered. We later had this pita with our lunch.....let me tell you folks...you cant find this pita at Wegmans!!!!!!! Oh My!!!!!!! You dont even need to give me anything else for lunch!!!!!!!
Here we are enjoying lunch. The hummus was amazing!!!!! Unlike anything we can get in the states. Even our Israeli friends were raving about it. Oh...and by the way....to any of my friends who had any concerns about my safety on this trip....the only threat to my physical welfare will be from eating too much!!!!!!
The Druze are a Muslim people who enjoy a much more positive relationship with the Jewish State. They serve in the army and do much business with the Jews. Yet another facet of religious and cultural diversity in Israel.
From here, we drove to Haifa, one of the primary port cities in Israel. We were only there for a few minutes but from our vantage point, could easily see the beauty of the city.
From left, Kevin, Noa, Ronin, Shir and myself
For our last lesson in the religious and cultural diversity of this region, I present to you the Shrine of the Bab Terraces and Gardens. This breathtaking spot overlooks the port of Hiafa. The Bab was one of the central figures of the Bha'i faith, he was martyred in Iran in 1850. These imaculate gardens are maintained by people of this faith in his honor.
Our day came to an end with a quick stop for coffee on the water in Tel Aviv. As Ronin told me, Tel Aviv is Israel's Big Apple. This is where much business is done and it is the Israeli city that most resembles what most of us think of when we picture a city. It was dark by the time we arrived but it was so relaxing walking along their boardwalk and a fabulous way to end an amazing day.
Tomorrow only gets better...we are off to spend the day in Jerusalem!!!!!
I love you all
Keith
P.S. - For those of you who might be interested in other blogs from this trip:
Jan Katz: http://edsinmodiin11.wordpress.com/
Dan Irving: http://danielnirving.wordpress.com/
Friday, March 18, 2011
First Day in Israel
Set down in Israel today at 11:45 AM following a smooth and uneventful 11 hour flight. I was immediately wisked off to an Ecological Farm located just outside of Modiin. This farm is a work in progress as they experiment with various forms of farming that are friendly to our environment and support sustainable models of agriculture. Here are some pictures:
My host, Noa Winik, then picked me up and brought me to her home in Modiin for Shabbat dinner. It is difficult to imagine that just 15 years ago there was little to nothing where now stands a growing city of 80,000 people. Modiin is a truly planned city. The goal was to create a city directly between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Modiin is a beautful city, clean, up to date, planned with families in mind,,,plenty of parks and play areas. As mid afternoon came, it was apparent that the entire city was preparing for Shabbat. I have never experienced anything like this...It was as if the entire city takes a deep clensing, relaxing breath as the week comes to an end. There was a calmness in the air as everyone was preparing for Shabbat. It was an awesome experience. We do not experience this in the States. Noa and I, along with her daughter Shir, walked to Shabbat services. Almost directly across the street from each other is a Conservative and Reform Temple. We attended parts of both. At the Reform service, I was welcomed by several congregants that are aware of the Partnership between Rochester and Modiin. Although the entire service was in Hebrew, I felt welcome and connected. As we walked back to Noa's apartment, the days sunlight fading, the wonderful smells of Shabbat dinners cooking was a powerful reminder that in spite of the secularism that abounds in Israel, Shabbat is sacred. A time to slow, be with family and friends, and re-energize after a week of work. A time to rekindle ones connection with Judaism. I enjoyed a wonderful dinner with Noa and her extended family....about 25 people around the table. We sang songs...laughed.....and enjoyed each others company. I missed not having Carol and the kids with me. I noticed a calmness in me that I do not often feel and a sense of profound connection to the Noa and the people of Modiin. How do I even attempt to re create this at home? What do I need to do different to make Shabbat sacred when I return to home? These questions will fill my thoughts throughout the remainder of the week.
Some pics of Modiin:
My host, Noa Winik, then picked me up and brought me to her home in Modiin for Shabbat dinner. It is difficult to imagine that just 15 years ago there was little to nothing where now stands a growing city of 80,000 people. Modiin is a truly planned city. The goal was to create a city directly between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Modiin is a beautful city, clean, up to date, planned with families in mind,,,plenty of parks and play areas. As mid afternoon came, it was apparent that the entire city was preparing for Shabbat. I have never experienced anything like this...It was as if the entire city takes a deep clensing, relaxing breath as the week comes to an end. There was a calmness in the air as everyone was preparing for Shabbat. It was an awesome experience. We do not experience this in the States. Noa and I, along with her daughter Shir, walked to Shabbat services. Almost directly across the street from each other is a Conservative and Reform Temple. We attended parts of both. At the Reform service, I was welcomed by several congregants that are aware of the Partnership between Rochester and Modiin. Although the entire service was in Hebrew, I felt welcome and connected. As we walked back to Noa's apartment, the days sunlight fading, the wonderful smells of Shabbat dinners cooking was a powerful reminder that in spite of the secularism that abounds in Israel, Shabbat is sacred. A time to slow, be with family and friends, and re-energize after a week of work. A time to rekindle ones connection with Judaism. I enjoyed a wonderful dinner with Noa and her extended family....about 25 people around the table. We sang songs...laughed.....and enjoyed each others company. I missed not having Carol and the kids with me. I noticed a calmness in me that I do not often feel and a sense of profound connection to the Noa and the people of Modiin. How do I even attempt to re create this at home? What do I need to do different to make Shabbat sacred when I return to home? These questions will fill my thoughts throughout the remainder of the week.
Some pics of Modiin:
Love to all.....Keith
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Sitting in JFK
It is 4:55 PM on Thursday and I have made it through the security check points and am sitting at my gate. For those that have never traveled on El-Al before....it is quite an experience....and we havent even taken off yet!!!!! I found myself standing in front a very handsome young Israeli who informed me that he was simply going to ask me some questions having to do with security. Again, if you have never flown El-Al, they have been practicing profiling for years...they do it with no apology.....and there safety/security record speaks for itself. I was questioned about my background, my grandparents, my parents, who I know or dont know in Israel, whether I celebrate the Jewish holidays, what is my favorite Jewish Holiday - its Passover by the way ("Sir, do you celebrate Rosh Hashanah...yes I do......"what is your favorite Rosh Hashanah prayer?"....crap!!!!! Im blanking on the Rosh Hashanah prayer list.......well you see Mr. El-Al.....I just like the whole feeling of being in shul with my friends and family.....and...oh yeah!!!!!....I love the Mishaberach (The Prayer for Healing) on Shabbat. His eyes met mine for what seemed like hours......and then he moved on to the next question. "Tell me Mr. Greer, what kind of name is Greer?".......I dont think the guy was expecting me to launch into the lengthy and dramatic story of how my father's real family name was Goldman and my grandparents changed it due to antisemitism. And you all know me...I love that stuff....so the story was shared with great emotion and a sense of generational connection.!......including pulling out my pocket genogram and grabbing a few unsuspecting traveler to role play the other members of my family ! He gave me a "a thats a bit too much information" look and moved on to some last questions about my Hebrew name before wishing me well and waving me on.
We live in a country where what I experienced is viewed as completely politically incorrect and at least officially, would not be allowed. As I am about to step onto an airplane that will be in the air for 11 hours, most of it over a very big lake, I fought the urge to give my Israeli friend a big hug and thank him for doing whatever he needs to do to keep me safe. (Im thinking that the moment I moved toward him for the hug, I would have quickly found myself on the ground with my arms and legs tied up in a pretty bow).
I will be in touch when I land tomorrow.
Love you all
Keith
We live in a country where what I experienced is viewed as completely politically incorrect and at least officially, would not be allowed. As I am about to step onto an airplane that will be in the air for 11 hours, most of it over a very big lake, I fought the urge to give my Israeli friend a big hug and thank him for doing whatever he needs to do to keep me safe. (Im thinking that the moment I moved toward him for the hug, I would have quickly found myself on the ground with my arms and legs tied up in a pretty bow).
I will be in touch when I land tomorrow.
Love you all
Keith
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Many Thanks
It is Sunday afternoon and I am now only a few days away from leaving for Israel. There are a few people I want to thank for helping to make this trip a reality for me. You all know the saying that "It takes a village to raise a child.".....well "It also takes a village to send Keith to Israel."
I have always felt truly blessed with the direction that my professional life has taken. I have had the opportunity to spend the last 23+ years working for an organization that is comprised of the most caring, supportive and professional people that anyone could ask for. My administrators and colleagues at Webster Schroeder HS have gone above and beyond in their support of my participation in this Educator Bridge. District Superintendent Adele Bovard, Human Resource Chief Carm Gumina, my Principal Joe Pustulka, Director of Pupil Services Shelly Cahoon, and my direct Administrator Paula Chase all have been nothing but completely supportive of this adventure. Words can not adequately convey the depth of my gratitude for their support. A huge thank you to Jim Kruse for filling in for me while Im gone. And I would be totally remiss if I did not thank Dave Waltman for helping me to set up this blog. Where would we all be in the year 2011 without people like Dave who get all this technology stuff.
A big thank you goes to Jan Katz and the Rochester Jewish Federation for organizing and financially supporting this program. This is a huge undertaking, and yet, with Jan along ( those who know her totally get this) there is no question that it will go smoothly and that everyone involved will have a meaningful experience.
Lastly, this trip would not be a reality for me without the complete support of my wife Carol. From the moment the possibility of applying for this program became known, Carol, without any hesitation, said "do it." I am married to a woman who lives a life that exemplifies Jewish values.....even long before she was Jewish :). She is loving and supportive, a great friend who gives of herself freely, the worlds best mom!!, and she is my partner in life. Thanks Sweet!!!! I love you...and next time its your turn!!!!!
Daily life goes by in a heartbeat...we are busy....maybe even inattentive at times to the gifts that exist in our lives. As I get ready for this trip, I am reminded of how incredibly fortunate I am. My life is filled with the most amazing people!
Keith
Keith
I have always felt truly blessed with the direction that my professional life has taken. I have had the opportunity to spend the last 23+ years working for an organization that is comprised of the most caring, supportive and professional people that anyone could ask for. My administrators and colleagues at Webster Schroeder HS have gone above and beyond in their support of my participation in this Educator Bridge. District Superintendent Adele Bovard, Human Resource Chief Carm Gumina, my Principal Joe Pustulka, Director of Pupil Services Shelly Cahoon, and my direct Administrator Paula Chase all have been nothing but completely supportive of this adventure. Words can not adequately convey the depth of my gratitude for their support. A huge thank you to Jim Kruse for filling in for me while Im gone. And I would be totally remiss if I did not thank Dave Waltman for helping me to set up this blog. Where would we all be in the year 2011 without people like Dave who get all this technology stuff.
A big thank you goes to Jan Katz and the Rochester Jewish Federation for organizing and financially supporting this program. This is a huge undertaking, and yet, with Jan along ( those who know her totally get this) there is no question that it will go smoothly and that everyone involved will have a meaningful experience.
Lastly, this trip would not be a reality for me without the complete support of my wife Carol. From the moment the possibility of applying for this program became known, Carol, without any hesitation, said "do it." I am married to a woman who lives a life that exemplifies Jewish values.....even long before she was Jewish :). She is loving and supportive, a great friend who gives of herself freely, the worlds best mom!!, and she is my partner in life. Thanks Sweet!!!! I love you...and next time its your turn!!!!!
Daily life goes by in a heartbeat...we are busy....maybe even inattentive at times to the gifts that exist in our lives. As I get ready for this trip, I am reminded of how incredibly fortunate I am. My life is filled with the most amazing people!
Keith
Keith
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Thursday, March 10th - Getting ready to go.......
I attended the last meeting today with my delegation of educators to go over our itinerary and a variety of other details for our trip next week. For me, it is difficult to fathom that at this time next week, I will be somewhere over the Atlantic heading for Israel. I have experienced both of my children visiting Israel and my Mom, in fact, is there at this moment. She is coming home this weekend from a trip with members of her temple. While it is exciting to experience this land through loved ones, planting my two feet on Israeli soil will be something totally different.
This trip, in some ways, is the culmination of a different, but related, journey that I have been on for many years. My Jewishness did not play a central role in my life through much of my early adulthood. I was busy with career, activities, building a life with Carol......Judaic ritual and culture held little interest for me. The state of Israel held little interest to me....I did not want to be bothered with the religious, social and cultural complexities of the Jewish homeland. And then, a miracle took place in my life.......this miracle took the form of Joshua and Rachel....my children. Their birth summoned me.....called to me......required me to ask myself some very challenging questions about who I was and what I wanted to pass on to them about me, my family, and in many ways more importantly, the thousands of years of Jewish culture that preceded them. How could I teach them about their long, proud and incredible heritage if I was standing on the Jewish sidelines? This was the beginning of my journey. Joshua and Rachel have lead me, taught me, nurtured the strong Jewish connection in me. I have witnessed the two of them grab on to their Jewishness with a sense of purpose and pride through the years. It is through them that I walked back to Temple, to a Jewish life, to a sense of connection and meaning, to a moment in life where I can no longer envision doing all that I do without being guided by all that the Jewish people can teach me. My children are responsible for my journey to Israel.
Keith
I attended the last meeting today with my delegation of educators to go over our itinerary and a variety of other details for our trip next week. For me, it is difficult to fathom that at this time next week, I will be somewhere over the Atlantic heading for Israel. I have experienced both of my children visiting Israel and my Mom, in fact, is there at this moment. She is coming home this weekend from a trip with members of her temple. While it is exciting to experience this land through loved ones, planting my two feet on Israeli soil will be something totally different.
This trip, in some ways, is the culmination of a different, but related, journey that I have been on for many years. My Jewishness did not play a central role in my life through much of my early adulthood. I was busy with career, activities, building a life with Carol......Judaic ritual and culture held little interest for me. The state of Israel held little interest to me....I did not want to be bothered with the religious, social and cultural complexities of the Jewish homeland. And then, a miracle took place in my life.......this miracle took the form of Joshua and Rachel....my children. Their birth summoned me.....called to me......required me to ask myself some very challenging questions about who I was and what I wanted to pass on to them about me, my family, and in many ways more importantly, the thousands of years of Jewish culture that preceded them. How could I teach them about their long, proud and incredible heritage if I was standing on the Jewish sidelines? This was the beginning of my journey. Joshua and Rachel have lead me, taught me, nurtured the strong Jewish connection in me. I have witnessed the two of them grab on to their Jewishness with a sense of purpose and pride through the years. It is through them that I walked back to Temple, to a Jewish life, to a sense of connection and meaning, to a moment in life where I can no longer envision doing all that I do without being guided by all that the Jewish people can teach me. My children are responsible for my journey to Israel.
Keith
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