Regards from the holy city of Jerusalem! It’s been a long week on the outdoors track with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.  Enjoyed climbing and hiking, and visiting interesting places.

 

For me arriving in Israel is always fresh, always exciting and always something new.  LIke on the highway from the airport passing. a truck that has “” ! This is what it means to live as a Jew. Instead of some nonsense bumper sticker, the truck driver declares his connection to Hashem and the connect of his work to the Source of blessing.

 

Israelis who live this life day in and out often think of American Jews as naive, and they may not be wrong.  The media, non Jewish and sadly Jewish as well portray Israel in crisis, civil war is about to break out and that is simply NOT TRUE.  Jews here care for each other, the homeless man on the street to Jews across the gamut who look out for the welfare of others of all backgrounds.

 

I’m actually heart warmed by the attitudes of people with their various political perspectives, all sharing an understanding that the country is figuring itself out even as they demonstrate in support of one approach or another.

 

My cousin shared with me that he was shlepped to a demonstration and it was more of a Simchas Torah street party than a Hafganah (demonstration)..

 

As Shabbat draws near, I’m excted to be at the Kotel with thousands of Jews and to welcome in the month of Iyar, the month in which we celebrate Lag Ba’omer, a day that reminds us of the inherent oneness of the Jewish People.

 

Shabbat Shalom, blessing from Jerusalem and I hope you’ll join our upcoming Lag Ba’omer celebration and join in unity with our fellow Atlanta Jews.