Rabbi Limmer Discusses Upcoming Trip to Israel:
If publishing works on its timelines, then you should likely be reading these words only days before we greet the New Year 5777 together. Rosh HaShanah is always an exciting time for me, as I not only have the opportunity to revel in the majesty of our High Holy Day traditions, but also am afforded the incredible privilege of seeing our entire communal family come together to meet the optimistic hopes of our New Year. This year, I am especially excited because—this being my third High Holy Days at Chicago Sinai Congregation—I know how deeply I and my family will truly feel at home, with wonderful friends.
In my two years at Sinai, we have shared many memories together. Of course, I look forward to sharing a great deal more in the future. Much of the time we have spent together has been here in Chicago, whether in the homes of hospitable hosts, at celebrations around the city, or within the temple walls of our sanctuary. In short span, we have experienced a great deal together in this Jewish home we share. Still, there is another Jewish home we share, and I would like to invite you to join me there—in Israel—this coming June.
Nothing quite equals the power—for a family or an individual—of spending time in Israel. The opportunities to walk through wonders and miracles both ancient and modern stir the soul and deeply connect us not only to our heritage, but also to the spiritual fire that burns in each of our souls. Of course, while our modern State of Israel is awe-inspiring, it is not-yet-perfect: while we will certainly be savoring all the beauty and wonder of Israel, we will also be unafraid to examine its challenges and shortcomings together to make sure our image of Israel—and our connection to it—remains rooted in reality. Even with this honest approach, journeying to the Promised Land together as part of an intergenerational congregation trip turns a vacation into a spiritual pilgrimage, transforms days away into a sacred time shared together in which we have many faces and voices with whom to discuss, process, share, smile, and cry our way for our most moving time together.
On our journey, there will be many people for whom this will be the first time they set foot on Israel’s soil. For others, it had been two or three decades since they last walked through the land of Israel. Even for me, who visited just last January, the changes and growth in our home away from home are always difficult to fathom. Million-dollar high-rises in Tel Aviv continue to be built at breakneck speed; agriculture in the desert and the high-tech boom in the North are developing at a skyrocketing pace. On the ground, new NGOs are continuing to do the incredible, albeit difficult, work of coexistence, tolerance, and understanding. How phenomenal, how moving, how inspiring it always is for me to be in such a thriving and growing nation and to know, in many ways, it is mine.
Even more powerful than being in touch with the modern State of Israel will it be to experience that power together with members of our Chicago Sinai Congregation. Many times I have been to Independence Hall in Tel Aviv and learned about the dramatic events that gave rise in 1948 to the state of Israel. But to see this community experience—and live—that experience for the first time will certainly renew the sense of potency and inspiration in the visit for me. I have climbed up to the top of Masada more times than I would like to count. But I look forward so happily to hiking up that snaking path with so many members of this community. Every experience, every affection, every passion I have for the State of Israel are always deepened and enhanced by being able to share them with good friends, with families so important to my heart.
It is certain to be a powerful ten days our group from Chicago will share together in our home away from home in Israel. As they say at the movies, we will laugh, cry, eat, hike, eat, tour, learned, grew, and, of course, eat some more. Along the way we will create powerful memories that will forge each of our Jewish identities and strengthen our connections to our religion, to our people, and to Israel throughout the future. My hope is that no one who shares this experience will ever forget what it meant to them as a member of their family, our congregation, as a religious individual.
Our Chicago Sinai Congregation intergenerational trip to Israel departs this June, just after most schools break for summer vacation. We will have many wonderful opportunities to share throughout that wonderful country that is our home away from home. I do hope your family considers joining our families of families for this wonderful experience. Our touring company has put together a wonderful website with full details of our itinerary: you can see that at http://www.arzaworld.com/chicago-sinai-congregation-trip-to-lsrael.aspx . Of course, if you are interested in learning more, please be in touch with me at the Temple if you would like me to help with answering any questions about the trip, or to provide you with details about our departure.
I look forward to sharing this wonderful journey with you.