Friday, August 5, 2016

Sensless Love - Israel Tour

Sensless Love
Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av

Having just returned from a ten-day trip, staffing a birthright trip, there is much on my mind. I was asked to be the spiritual leader for a Mayanot Birthright experience-teaching and infusing the trip with a spiritual component. I was excited, and motivated for a change in scenery and environment, but also nervous and apprehensive of what would transpire.

Would the participants be respectful, open-minded, and willing to learn? What would an Orthodox rabbi is his 40's have in common with young secular Jews? Would I be seen as an interloper or trying to force my views on others? And what about the social issues between participants? I had heard some stories and that was the absolute last thing I was interested in.

The last ten days were a lesson for a lifetime. I hope I don't forget them anytime soon. 

As we toured the many sights and landmarks throughout Israel (both historical, religious and Modern) I was reminded of the saying by Theodr Hertzl; "I'm Tirtzu, Zeh Lo Agada-If you will it-it is not a dream." Of course, this was said about reestablishing the Jewish homeland in a Zionistic context.

But for me this idea took on a new meaning.

My group of 22-26 year old proved to be the most wonderful group of people. From our one-on-one conversations, the daily Modeh Ani and Torah reflection we did on the bus, celebrating each other's special moments and interests, and the shared experience, it was the best I could hope for. They listened, shared, challenged, disagreed politely, laughed, cried, sang and rapped, and throughout, were respectful, heartfelt and introspective. Our tour guides told us in the bus we were all Mishpacha-a family, and that is what we truly became. 

I learned that I had much to share and learn from this group of young Jews. 

Our sages tell us that the Second Temple was destroyed because of senseless hatred between Jews, something that unfortunately we have become quite good at. Yet, in Mayanot Bus328 a special thing happened. There were zero social issues, no fights, no negativity, no Jewish labels-- just Jews living, laughing and experiencing Judaism together. There is a wonderful statement attributed to Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, former chief rabbi of Israel "we have demonstrated to the world that we can die together, but let us demonstrate that we can live together." In this most sad time in the Jewish calendar, our focus must be not just on the destroyed temple, but on living together as one Mishpacha-notwithstanding disagreements, philosophies or personalities.

This trip was a taste of something very special. Perhaps a taste of the Messianic era. A kaleidoscope of different people, ideas, religious backgrounds and personalities bonding through their souls, as Jews with true respect, love and joy.

Toda Rabbah Mayanot Birthright for this incredible opportunity. You are investing In the right product and the right time. Thank you to my fellow staff members for your dedication and friendship. And most of all, thank you to the participants for reigniting in me the hope and belief that we can and shall live together with Ahavat Chinam-sensless love and respect. 

It was truly special. Or as they say in modern Hebrew slang, Mayanot 328-Mamash Sababa!

Shabbat Shalom.