Our congregants, staff, and clergy on the 2017 Congregational Israel Trip are having a wonderful time! It’s hard to believe they’ve only been there three days, considering all the amazing things they’ve seen and done. Here’s another update from our intrepid travelers:
Hi everyone!
After a delicious Israeli breakfast, we headed off to Umm El-Kanatir, an ancient synagogue and community dating back to the fifth century CE that was recently discovered and restored. There we celebrated Rosh Chodesh Elul, the first day of the month of Elul, with a lively morning service led by Rabbi Weitzman and Torah reading by many of our congregants. It was a remarkable experience to stand in the same place reading the same Torah portion that our ancestors read on this day in the Hebrew calendar 1,500 years ago – a truly only in Israel experience.
From there, we traveled to Moshav Eliad, a community in northern Israel where we met with local craftsmen specializing in stone working and leather making. It was interesting to see how their community has evolved from dairy farming to artistry in the past several decades. Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch and wine tasting al fresco at Pelter Winery. It was fascinating to see such an ancient tradition perfected with modern approaches.
We ended our afternoon with a swim in the Kinneret. While enjoying the fresh water lake, surrounded by the Golan Heights, we were reminded of the natural beauty of the north and why thousands of years of Jewish life has flourished in this beautiful region.
Before dinner, we were joined by three “Lone Soldiers,” individuals from foreign countries who have volunteered for the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) and are living in Israel without their families. Inspired by their stories, we enjoyed a meal together at a local Arab restaurant, Abu Selach. Coffee, tea, baklava, and knafe closed out our evening with sweetness! We look forward to day four of our journey.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Holy Land!
