FROM THE RABBI:

I have it on good authority that the last time our congregation took a trip to Israel was in 1981.  At least a generation has passed in these ensuing 26 years and much has changed both in Israel and at Ohef Sholom.  I am continually heartened and proud of the interest in and support of Israel that our membership shows in so many ways.  From attending lectures and classes, to contributing to our Federation's Israel Emergency Campaign and purchasing Isarel Bonds, to traveling to the Jewish state yourselves.  many of you have demonstrated with mind heart and means your love for our spiritual homeland.

Still, many others of you, our members, have expressed your desire to see the miracles that are Israel with your own eyes.  Since my arrival, nearly two years ago, I have been asked often, "Rabbi, when are you going to lead a congregational mission to Isarel?"  The answer is, "NOW!"

Working with ARZA (The Association of Reform Ziionists of America) World Travel, we will be departing Norfolk, Sunday, June 15, 2008 and returning, Tuesday, June 24, a total of ten days and eight nights in Israel.  The last of the local schools concludes on Friday, June 13th, so anyone wishing to travel with your children will be able to in what we hope will be a truly multi-generational group.  The itinerary is in the making and we would like your input.  Preliminarily, we are planning a trip which will include a tour of Old Jaffa (alongside the Mediterranean Sea City of Tel Aviv), an exploration of the northern part of the country including Caesarea and it ancient ruins, the mystical city of Sefat, the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights and its Banyas.  In the South, we will be sure to visit the Dead Sea as well as Masada.

Perhaps the most interesting and compelling part of Israel is Jerusalem and its Old City with its Jewish, Christian and Muslim Quarters.  Many new archeological discoveries have been made at the site of the Temple Mount (also the Al Aqsa Mosque) and its retaining Western Wall and we will be able to walk the underground Cardo and tunnels our ancestors walked thousands of years ago.  We will also visit many of the important Christian sites, particulary the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Jessamine.  An eye will be focused on how and why all of these historic places impact upon the situation in Isarel and the Middle East today.  There are some fantastic new exhibits and museums excellent for people of all ages and Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust Memorial, has been newly renovated.  Time permitting and depending on the demographics of the group, there are many other possibilities as well from a visit to a world class Spa in the Galilee to river rafting down the Jordan River.

That is where all of you come in.  Our member, Randy Pike has already offered to help with the planning and we would like you to be involved as well.  If you are interested in coming with us for this historic and rewarding trip, please contact Ann Jackson at the Temple office at 757-625-4295 or by email at ann@ohefsholom.org.  We will collect all of your names and call everyone together for a planning meeting for an evening sometime in August.  We are all so excited, and I am personally honored, to be able to travel to Israel with you as one Ohef Sholom Temple family

Planning meeting

has been set for

August 9, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.