08th of September 2007 / 25th of Elul, 5767
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JEWISH REVIEW

Being in Israel
A Life-Changing Experience
By Kim Rosen

People have often described their visits to Israel by saying that from the moment of their arrival they felt suddenly and inexplicably "at home."

The sights and sounds and smells were familiar to them, even on a first trip. Yet the emotions they felt—the pride, the sense of history and the feeling of inspiration—were brand new.

As the author Isaac Bashevis Singer said of his closeness with Israel and its residents, "The lives of Israel’s Jews are a part of my life. I can sleep well only if I know they are sleeping well."

There are very many reasons why people are attracted to Israel. For some it’s the sun-drenched climate. For others it’s the rich variety of historical, religious and archaeological sites, or just beautiful sights. For still others it’s the fascinating contrast between the ancient and the modern.

But for absolutely everyone Israel has a special hard-to-define something—an extra dimension—that turns every visit into a truly memorable experience.

My husband Barry Rosen and I in my role as rabbi of Beit Midrash Eitz Chaim in Portland are blessed to live in Israel part of the year and encounter these sights and experiences on a daily basis. Recently, we were able to introduce our Israeli friends and colleagues to our Portland-area friends. We led a 10-day adult educational and spiritually meaningful excursion to Israel.

A group of adult students from Beit Midrash Eitz Chaim were able to meet and interact with their Israeli counterparts in both social and political settings, providing insight into the cultural, religious and intellectual communities. The itinerary was geared to enlighten the group about the religious and historical significance of the land of Israel, as well as reinforce the importance for American Jews to support and love Israel.

By following the paths of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the educational excursions enabled the group to experience the land and the people of Israel through study and prayer at some of the holiest sites in the world.

"I feel as if I have been walking through history," said Margaret Hasson of her experiences on the trip.

The biggest surprise for the group was the incredible feeling of security and safety. One reason it feels this way is that the Israelis do whatever it takes to protect their people and their land. They treat their land with respect, for it nurtures the growth of their future.

"What impacted me the most," said Barbara Tuler, "is that you can walk the streets of Israel without feeling afraid—listening to adults and children laughing."

The Beit Midrash Eitz Chaim group was able to experience the Israel that people live, not the Israel that we sadly see denigrated in the press. They enjoyed the scent of flowers, the lusciously growing rosemary, the evergreens, the olive trees and pomegranates turning daily from yellow to red. The fragrance of bright purple lavender wafting through the Jerusalem air, the brilliant cascade of red and white oleander bursting forth with life and vitality—which is so much a part of Israeli life.

Life in Israel can be beautiful. Personal relationships are very real and very caring, the air smells better, the food tastes better, the sky is clearer, the birds are happier. Everywhere you step it feels as though the land renews you. For many, there is no other place on earth that does that.

On the political front, the group stood in the courtyard of the Knesset where they took a mental picture of the Israeli flags flying defiantly with strength and honor and freedom. Standing in the courtyard gave the group a sense of the awesomeness of having a homeland—a place where Jews find sanctity.

The visitors walked through the welcoming and majestic doors of the Knesset to meet MK Amira Dotan, Israel’s first female brigadier general. Everyone’s heart raced when at that moment they saw Shimon Peres walk through the halls of the Knesset building, knowing that although he had never won an Israeli election, he may very well be the next elected president of Israel—and he was.

The walls of the Old City were illuminated with lights symbolizing the 40-year reunification of Jerusalem.

"The air was warm and our hearts were warm," I told the group, "as we felt pride and holiness sitting in David’s Citadel surrounded by 3,000-year-old stones, having a challah-tasting contest. Forty years ago we could not sit here. Forty years ago we could not pray here. Forty years ago, we could not live here. And now, we must ensure that we remain here."

Bill Hoffman reflected on his day at the Kotel saying, "It was the epitome of coming home."

Carrie East summarized the trip for everyone."Finally I understood the meaning of ‘we were all at Sinai.’ To experience Shabbat in the old city of Jerusalem is to know what Shabbat is really about. It’s a life-changing experience," she said.

Now we are about to celebrate 60 years of Israeli Independence. I urge all of you, especially young adults, to visit this sacred land. There are many opportunities to do so, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland’s trip to Israel (The Ultimate Israel Experience—April 30-May 11, 2008), planned in conjunction with Israel’s Independence Day.

With a tradition of making visitors feel welcome that goes back to biblical times, the friendly people of Israel await you.

Rabbi Kim Rosen is the spiritual leader of Beit Midrash Eitz Chaim in Portland.

If you have interest in participating in a trip to Israel, please contact info@eitzchaimpdx.org.