I’d heard so many people say they went to Israel and it was a phenomenal experience. I couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about. I was going because I was invited. Why not? Alas, I was not going to be transported to a seeming heaven like these others.
When we got off the plane, we went straight to a grove to plant trees. I was struck. I hadn’t planned it, hadn’t expected it, and it didn’t matter. Something in the air shifted my equilibrium and I was taken. I really can’t describe it in words. But it was good.
The whole trip was like this. From the busload full of United Jewish Appeal fellow travelers to the ancient nooks and crannies of the Old City of Jerusalem, it was not just magical. It was more. Like a spiritual experience that touched the earth. Grounded and soulful.
At first I was put off my fellow bus travelers. Double my age, Northeast Jews (like myself!)… Frankly I thought we had nothing in common.
By the end of the trip, I was in love with every single one of them.
Now …
I am going again. Decades later. This time I am already in love with Judaism. And already magical things are happening. Better. The day after I began searching for a room to rent in Israel (for my three month trip), a wonderful place came and foundme. It was just before Shabbat and my friend learned her renter in Jerusalem was bailing. She suddenly needed a renter right away. She was in the U.S. for…. Yes, three months.
Since Shabbat is about resting in the here-and-now… there is no planning for the future. We tabled the discussion and after a lovely Shabbat, we finalized that Saturday night. I have a dream arrangement!
6 thoughts on “Israel & Dreams Really Can Come True”
Gail Sternsays:
I lived in Israel in the 70s & 80s. Went there the last time in ‘96. I also plan on going again preferably with people that have been there before. I’d like to rent a furnished room/apartment for 3 months. I need to know if Israel is where I want to retire. I’m a single 68 year old woman living in Reno,NV. Thanks for your time! Gail
Hi Gail, I was looking at rooms and apartments in airbnbs before this apartment came through. I will private message you so we can discus more if you’d like. Happy Chanukah and I am happy to hear from you. 🙂
So excited for you! I can’t wait to hear all about it, after you come home, because I hope you will be so immersed in your experience that you won’t have time to write during it.
I lived in Israel in the 70s & 80s. Went there the last time in ‘96. I also plan on going again preferably with people that have been there before.
I’d like to rent a furnished room/apartment for 3 months. I need to know if Israel is where I want to retire. I’m a single 68 year old woman living in Reno,NV.
Thanks for your time!
Gail
Hi Gail, I was looking at rooms and apartments in airbnbs before this apartment came through. I will private message you so we can discus more if you’d like. Happy Chanukah and I am happy to hear from you. 🙂
makes me want to hop on a plane, too.
Come! 🙂
So excited for you! I can’t wait to hear all about it, after you come home, because I hope you will be so immersed in your experience that you won’t have time to write during it.
Thank you Linda!!💞