Bar/Bat Mitzva Israel Trip Day 8

As I mentioned yesterday, Mitzpe Ramon is the largest crater in Israel. This morning, we had another opportunity to explore it. The young adults set out bright and early on a jeep tour of the bottom of the crater while the older folk  had a mountain bike experience into the canyon. It was spectacular.

Then we were off. Our first stop, was to visit the Kibbutz Sde Boker, where David Ben-Gurion is buried. We had a lesson on Israel’s history and took a few moments to appreciate the early Zionist leaders whose vision created the modern day State that we appreciate.

Our next stop, was at Montreal’s sister city, Beersheva. One goal of our trip was to be involved in a Chessed (community service) project. We visited the Beit Halochem centre. The centre offers services to Israeli Army veterans who have been wounded in service. We played a very exciting game of wheelchair basketball with the veterans and had a glimpse into the life of a person with disabilities. The veterans as we say, wiped the floor with us. They manoeuvred their wheel chairs with so much agility it was impossible to keep up. We then had the opportunity to hear from an Israeli soldier who was a victim of Arab terror. He told us his story and shared with us his long road to recovery. We all left with a deep sense of appreciation for the Israel Army (IDF) and with a new understanding of the heroic efforts these men and women go through before and after injury.

We arrived in Tel Aviv as the sun was beginning to set and look forward to a full day tomorrow.

Laila Tov,

Rabbi Perton

Day 6

One cannot visit Israel without developing an appreciation for the diversity of its geography. We began our trip last week in the lush North with flowing rivers and the Sea of Galilee. We then travelled to the hills of Jerusalem and cool evenings. Now, we are in the desert, and soon we will experience the Mediterranean coast.

As we descended from Jerusalem, the first thing that you notice is the rolling mountains of the desert terrain. The second thing you notice is the heat. Montrealers love the heat, however for some, the 43 degree temperature was a bit too much. I personally love the arid heat of the desert and enjoyed every moment outdoors.

Our first stop was Masada. Due to the extreme heat, we were not allowed to climb up, so the cable car had to suffice. Touring the mountain and hearing it’s history was inspiring. It was there that we chose to have a very special Bar & Bat Mitzva celebration.

I am sharing a summary of what I said to the group as we stood on the top of the mountain surrounded by its history, its lessons and its legacy:

“Allow me to share a few words as we stand on top of Masada.

Israeli army soldiers who complete their training, climb to the top of this mountain and take an oath. They say the words –

“מסדה לא יפול עוד – Masada Will Never Fall Again!”

It is a symbol of Jewish Freedom and Courage. It represents our desire to live free. To have the ability to practice our religion,  follow our laws and customs without fear. It also represents our willingness to defend these rights and privileges, and unfortunately, as we have seen thought our history, to make sacrifices when called upon.

Masada calls out to each of us to prioritize our Jewish lives. Be willing to make hard decisions to allow that part of who we are to extend its influence to all of the arenas we live in. We live in many different worlds: our home lives, school or work, our Jewish lives and our public lives which often are not in sync with each other. Masada also represents our challenges in our lives. We all have our personal Masada.

While standing here, let us join together and say several Tefilot (prayers) and sing several songs:”

·Adon Olam

· Shema Yisrael

· Am Yisrael Chai

· Hatikva

After leaving Masada we traveled to Ein Gedi, the desert oasis, to hike, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and to cool off under waterfalls of fresh flowing water. After leaving Ein Gedi, we travelled to our hotel for the night – tired but very fulfilled.

Day 7

Our day began, bright and early, with a long float in the restorative waters of the Dead Sea. Everyone was very careful not to get the salty water in his or her eyes and certainly not to swallow it.

After leaving our Dead Sea hotel, we began our drive to our next activity – Camel Riding. As we drove, we reviewed the Biblical story of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which is along the way.  We stopped at a large rock formation where according to local history, where Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt. Once there, we took the opportunity to collect salt rocks to bring home.

Part of our national heritage is camel riding. Although, we have switched our camels for Hyundai’s, Toyotas and other car makes and models, there is much Jewish history built around these large animals. In fact, throughout the Torah we have episodes of camel riding. One story that comes to mind, is when Rivka was being brought by camel to her future husband Yitzchak. The moment she saw him for the first time, she fell off the camel she was riding. So, of course a Beth Zion trip will include camel riding. Boy, did these massive beasts ride! No one got hurt and it was an experience to remember. After riding the camels, we were treated to a kosher Bedouin lunch. Afterwards, we had coffee in a Bedouin tent while listening to one of their tribal leaders. He told us his story ‘life as a Bedouin.’

For those of you who have never been to Mitzpe Ramon, it is a sight not to be believed. Mitzpe Ramon is a crater that is 70 kilometers long and 9 kilometers wide. The view from the rim of the crater is breathtaking. The Grand Canyon has nothing over Israel. We hiked along the rim of the canyon until the sun set over the distant Mediterranean Sea.

Tomorrow, half the group is going jeeping in the crater. The other half is dirt biking along the perimeter (others may chicken out and sleep in). Then we are off to play wheelchair basketball with injured soldiers at Beit HaLochem. It will be a meaningful day.

Laila Tov,

Rabbi Perton

_{Shabbos in Yerushalayim with the Beth Zion Bar and Bat Mitzva young adults was truly an example of how wonderful Shabbos can really be. We began Shabbat with Kiddush followed by all of the parents lovingly placing their hands on their children’s heads to give them the very special Shabbat Blessing. After this, we enjoyed the delicious Jerusalem Challa followed by a very enjoyable meal. Even when the hotel we were staying in had a complete black out, it did little to dim our spirits. We sung the bentching out loud (in the dark) and managed to find our way back to our rooms in the dark.}

_{Shabbat morning began with our walking to the Kotel – the Western Wall. We joined a beautiful Minyan towards the front right hand corner of the plaza in front of the Kotel. This allowed the men in the group and the women to share in one service — even with the taller than usual Mechitza. Afterwards, we had a lovely walk back to the hotel, Shabbat lunch and then many from the group went on a walking tour of the Old City. I chose to pass-up on the tour and spend the afternoon visiting with my grandchildren who live a short walk from the hotel. That was my special Shabbat treat.}

_{Shabbat ended with Havdala followed by the entire group singing “Eliyahu Hanavi.” As we smelled the fragrant spices of the Havdala, we were encouraged to take the sweet smells of Shabbos with us into the week and beyond.}

_{Tomorrow we are off to Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea.}

_{Shavua Tov!}

_{Rabbi Perton}

When you think of Jerusalem, the first thought that comes to mind is
The Kotel – The Western Wall. This is where we started our very busy day.

Looking at the Kotel, you can only see about 60 meters of wall. However, there is actually over 500 meters. Most of the wall is covered by centuries of building hide the actual length of the Western Wall. We began our day by touring the underground tunnels that follow the entire span of the wall. We spent a few moments offering personal prayers at what is called the “Kotel HaKatan,” the little Kotel. This is the hidden location that is the closest to the actual ancient Temple’s Kodesh HaKadoshim – the Holy of Holies.

After our underground tour, we had the opportunity to visit the actual Kotel, put on Tefillin, place notes in the wall and celebrate that since 1967, we have the Kotel in our possession once again.

Before going to the next site, we had a treat. Our guide, Lior, bought for the group “Beigala,” the special Jerusalem bagels (not to be compared with our beloved Montreal bagels) and we tasted them dipped in the Middle Eastern Zatar seasoning.

We then went to the City of David archaeological site. This is where King David, over three thousand years ago built his capital city. As part of the tour we followed the Gichon Stream through the underground man-made tunnel built by King Chizkiyahu. The water was freezing and we all appreciated cooling off. There are no lights and the entire 40-minute walk was conducted by flashlights our guide provided for all of the participants.

Between the City of David and our next stop, we had a driving tour of the some of the major sites of Jerusalem – The Knesset, Har Herzl, where Theodore Herzl, the Zionist visionary along with Israeli soldiers who gave their lives in service of our nation are buried. Finally, we ended up at Yad Vashem.

Before describing the visit, I need to talk about lunch at Yad Vashem. The cafeteria and how they serve food is truly unique. I ordered my lunch and it was served to me. I then took my tray to the cashier to pay. She looked at what I ordered and said, “go back and get more food, you also don’t have enough salad.” She then gave me, my family and the entire group a blessing for success, good health and to always be happy. Only in Jerusalem are you served at a restaurant the same way your Bubbie would have fed you.

Our day continued with a very meaningful visit to Yad Vashem – the National Holocaust Museum. Words cannot describe how moving Yad Vashem is. We started with a visit to the Garden of the Righteous Gentiles. This is the area that pays tribute to the non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews, during the Holocaust. We then toured the museum shedding tears with each and every step. Our guide made sure to remind everyone that the generation of survivors to tell the story of the holocaust is nearing its end. It is up to each of us to make sure that it is never forgotten.

Tonight, we begin our Shabbat in Jerusalem. We will celebrate Shabbat as a Beth Zion family. Tomorrow morning, we will walk as a group to the Kotel for services and then return to the hotel for the remainder of Shabbat. I am sure that the special Shabbat in Jerusalem will be inspirational for everyone.

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem

Rabbi Perton

Today was our final day in Northern Israel. We started off the day kayaking on the famous Jordan River. The river is not much more than a stream. However, we had ample time to have fun as we paddled the 4-kilometer river trip.

Afterwards, we traveled to a park called “Park HaMaarot,” (the “Park of Springs”). I had never been there before. I can truly say that G-d took a paintbrush to Israel’s landscape and personally created such a beautiful setting. We swam and walked through a stream, while enjoying the beautiful wildflowers that lined the shore. Not only did we cool off, but we appreciated the uniqueness of Eretz Yisroel.

Lunch today was at the famous Kibbutz Nir David. I emphasize where we had lunch because it highlights the changes taking place in Israel. Forty years ago, Kibbutz Nir David prided itself on serving Basar Lavan (white meat, i.e., pork) on Friday nights. Fast forward and today there is a Glatt Kosher Kitchen and a traditional Shabbat dinner is served weekly. This is a reminder that it is never too late to change. If a militant rejectionist Kibbutz can change, so can we.

Then it was off to Jerusalem – the City of Gold. After settling into our rooms, everyone had a free night. I led a group who went to explore Machane Yehuda – the Jewish Outdoor marketplace and had Falafel (what else) for dinner. Then we went to the final night of the Jerusalem Light Festival where the Old City walls and perimeter are decorated with festive lights and lit-up displays. Truly spectacular!

Tomorrow, we go to the Old City, the Temple Tunnels, the City of David and then Yad Vashem – all before Shabbat.

Laila Tov – Good Night from Jerusalem .

Rabbi Perton

Because the trip is geared to our Bar and Bat Mitzva young adults, the itinerary has been built around what they will enjoy and inspire them. As adults, we may want to visit lots of museums. For our kids, the visits might leave them bored. Today’s itinerary was not boring, to say the least.

We started out the day bright and early with a morning swim in the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) at 6:30 am. I assumed I would be by myself at such an early hour, but 10 other participants joined me. The sun was rising over the mountains as we entered the warm water of the Kinneret. What a beautiful scene!

After a traditional Israeli breakfast (for those of you who love herring, it is worth coming here for that alone), we set out for our day.

Our first stop was Rosh HaNikra. Rosh HaNikra is the Northwestern corner of Israel along the Mediterranean Sea where it borders with Lebanon. We took the cable car down to the grottos where we were splashed by the sea waves and appreciated the beautiful coastline. Of course, we had to stop and take pictures with the sign that points out that Beirut is 120 Kilometers away and Jerusalem was 220.

Our next stop was the ancient and mystical city of Tzfat (Safed). After a casual lunch, we began touring the old city. We visited the synagogue of the Arizal – Rabbi Yitzchak Luria the famous Kabbalist. We sang “Lecha Dodi” there and learned about Jewish mysticism. We then continued our tour visiting other major sites and holy locations. Tzfat is truly a remarkable city.

To end off our day, we went on Jeep Tour in the mountains of the Galilee. This wasn’t a trip where you hired a guide and he drove. Not for Beth Zion! Anyone who had their drivers license on them got to drive a 4 wheel drive, open top jeep. This is how Beth Zion experiences Israel. As a caravan, we followed a rather challenging path through the mountains. All along, our guide would stop and point out historic scenes from Israel’s history – the Hula Valley, the Golan Heights and other strategic military and historic landmarks.

The day ended with refreshments at the hotel as we looked back over the day and planned for tomorrow. Needless to say, I am confident that everyone is sleeping after such a meaningful and exhausting day.

Tomorrow, we spend some more time here in the North and then off to Yerushalayim – the most special city in the world.

Laila Tov – Good Night.

Rabbi Perton

We arrived in Tel Aviv and were met by the guides. We then traveled by bus to the Galilee where we are staying at the Ein Gev Kibbutz. All along the way our guide Lior, pointed out historic sites and shared history of the region. After settling into our rooms, we made our way to the Kibbutz dining hall for dinner (where we celebrated being in Israel with a special L’Chaim) followed by a campfire on the shores of Yam Kinneret (Sea of Galilee).

Tomorrow is a busy day, Rosh HaNikra on the Israel/Lebanese border to go Jet Boating. Afterwards, we travel to Tzfat (Safed) to experience the mystical city and then we will explore the Golan Heights on All Terrain Vehicles.

Enjoy the attached pictures. Laila Tov – Good night from Israel.

Rabbi P.

Our Premier, Philippe Couillard is leading a delegation to Israel to bolster trade and collaboration with business leaders from Quebec. He is the first sitting Premier to take such a step. He should be congratulated for his efforts to support Israel and to not give in to the BDS movement that seeks to hurt Israel and weaken trade with the West.

Shabbat was celebrated with Zemirot (traditional Shabbat songs) led by a group of Israeli soldiers who make up an a-capella group. One of the people sitting at my table (a non Jewish businessman from Quebec City) commented, “my son is attending McGill while these boys, when they are not singing are serving their country. I only wish my son would feel such a dedication to a loftier purpose.”

The Premier spoke (while wearing a Kippa) about how wonderful it is to be in Israel and to support the country. He commented about his willingness to take the trip in spite of certain elements that may frown on it, “because I would rather lose in the polls than to compromise on what I believe in – I believe in the State of Israel and want to support it in any way possible.” I felt a great sense of pride being with him and hearing such positive words about Israel.

On Monday I will have the opportunity to spend an hour with the Premier at the Hand in Hand School and look forward to hearing from him his thoughts and impressions on Israeli society, culture, education and how he and I can collaborate in the future with the Jewish community in Quebec and Beth Zion Congregation.

Last night and today, Am Yisrael celebrates Yom HaAtzmaut – Israel Independence Day. Although I am participating in a conference with Cardinals and Bishops in Tevaria, the special nature of the day has not been lost. Bishops wish me, “Chag Sameach,” with blessings that I should enjoy my “Feast of Independence.”

Last night I decided to see how the city of Tevaria (the conference is being held nearby) celebrates Yom HaAtzmaut. Not knowing where to go or what to do, I jumped in a taxi and simply asked, “Take me to where the celebrations are going on.” We arrived a few minutes later in the center of town where the streets were closed and the entire town square was full of thousands of people celebrating our 69^th year of independence.  Children were running around blowing bubbles and twirling coloured lights, while their parents listened to live concerts and feasted on Israel’s national food – barbeque. I stood there soaking up the energy and the excitement of the most resilient nation in the world. Even when there are countless enemies out there who threaten to wipe us out, the people know how to appreciate and celebrate what they have – a homeland.

In Montreal each year we have our own special celebrations. Evening events with Kollel Torah Mitzion and a community rally at Philips Square. At Beth Zion, during our services this morning we recited the Hallel prayer, recognizing the miracle of having or own country. What an honour it was this morning to recite Hallel in the place that we in Montreal focus our celebrations and prayers towards.

I will write more lately about the amazing ecumenical conference I am attending; however for now I want to wish everyone a Chag Sameach! May we have the opportunity one day to celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut together in Israel.

Am Yisrael Chai!

As 11:00 am drew near, people started to nervously wait with dreaded anticipation for the traditional air-raid siren that sounds thought Israel that marks the minute of silent reflection. I was still in the airport, one of the busiest places in Israel and the instant the siren went off, everything stopped. There was no movement, parents held their children, porters stopped carrying bags and the conveyor belts that whir constantly delivering luggage to those waiting anxiously for their bags, ground to a halt.

The same scene was playing out throughout the country. Cars on the highway stop wherever they are and the drivers get out and stand in solemn attention, not only paying tribute to the fallen soldiers, but feeling a sense of solidarity with Jews of every walk of life who were doing the same thing – showing appreciation to the young men and women who nobly gave their lives.

I haven’t been in Israel for Yom HaZikaron since 1990. And while in Montreal we recognize Yom HaZikaron, in Israel the day takes on a whole new meaning.

Yehi Zichram Baruch – May their memory be a blessing and a source of inspiration for all of us. May their families find comfort in the fact the they have never been forgotten. Am Yisrael Chai!