Members of Young Israel of Fort Lee have more than one reason to look forward to spring. Beyond the warmer temperatures, the synagogue is planning to travel to Israel from May 9 through May 18. With the help of Emunah of America, the congregation has designed an exceptional mission. Although every trip to Israel is special, the itinerary for this mission is particularly unique. The dates of this trip were specifically chosen to coincide with Yom Ha’zikaron (Israeli Day of Remembrance) and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Day of Independence) in order to give the participants a taste of what it means to commemorate Yom Ha’zikaron and celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut from the Israeli perspective. One of the anticipated highlights of the mission is the trip to Sderot on Yom Ha’atzmaut, when the congregants will prepare a barbecue for the IDF soldiers serving in Israel’s south.
Rabbi Zev Goldberg, rabbi at YIFL, and mission leader, remarked, “There is something extraordinary about visiting Israel during this time of year. Standing in silence as the siren wails on Yom Ha’zikaron, shoulder to shoulder with our brothers of sisters in Israel, is a profoundly meaningful experience, and celebrating Israel’s independence while in Israel is exhilarating.”
Rabbi Goldberg is also quick to note that the itinerary for all 10 days is packed with meaningful travels. While the trip will begin in Jerusalem, the group will travel to Tel Aviv and meet with Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, the former chief Ashkenazic rabbi, and then continue northward to Zichron Yaakov and the Carmel Forest Spa. The trip will conclude with an additional two nights in Kibbutz Lavi. “We have planned the trip with empty-nesters in mind who have already visited the more common tourist attractions. We will explore less-traveled areas in Israel, such as the Druze village of Daliat El-Carmel and the historical site, Muchraka, the location where Elijah offered his sacrifices outside the Temple.”
The trip is open to the greater community. If you would like to participate, please speak to Debbie Gesser at Emunah of America. She can be reached at: [email protected].
By Audrey Cole
