Dear Eisner and Crane Lake Families,
We cannot believe the wonderful experiences we had this week! We hiked up Masada, went swimming in the Dead Sea, and ascended to Jerusalem where we connected to core Jewish values and explored their relevance for Reform Jewish life today.
At the City of David, we went back in time to Canaanite and Israelite Jerusalem from the times of Abraham and Sarah, King David and Bathsheba, and the Prophets Isaiah and Huldah.
At Robinson’s Arch by the 1,953-year-old ruins of the Temple, we asked what the focal point is that connects the Jewish people today, as the Temple did in ancient times? The discussion with the campers was fascinating.
After celebrating the last Shabbat in the desert, we are all excited to celebrate this Shabbat together in Jerusalem with the embracing feeling described in the book of Psalms:
“Jerusalem, mountains enfold it, and the Lord enfolds His people now and forever.”
In this week’s Torah reading we conclude the book of Numbers with the travel log of the Tribes of Israel in their Journey to become one people. During our journey throughout the land, we always remember that it is also a personal and a communal journey constantly exploring who we are and who we want to become.
Shabbat Shalom,
Yallah! Israel team
