Israel: A Song of Ascents

When the Lord brought back those that returned to Zion,
we will be like dreamers.... (Psalm 126)

That is how I have been feeling- as if in a dream. From the moment I stepped out of my place of dwelling into a taxi, I have felt transported.

It has been true for me, from the beginning, that

Wherever I go, I am going to the Land of Israel.

(Rabbi Nachman of Breslov)

Now the dreaming is coming true. Tomorrow, I fly.

* My heartfelt thanks to all those who commented, who gave me advice, who gave me tips, who were thrilled alongside me. May you be triply blessed for taking the time to aid and support me on my way!

Latest updates:

* Before getting on the plane to LA I went through security. My upper body was personally "examined" by a female screener in full view of others going through. At first I thought it might be because I was wearing a loose top. But I think it was because I was travelling on my own. She was respectful and that made all the difference. But I think they should do it in semi-privacy. This was a bearable experience; it did not leave me humiliated and in tears. That is not saying much.

* The trip has been written up in the The Jewish Journal. I found the article disappointing. It's really about interfaith outreach to get tourists from all religions to travel to Israel. Of course, the push is on to entice Christians, with fancy videos and a concerted focus. Not so with Jews, it seems. Jews, are portrayed as a disappointment. This "mega-mission" is less than "mega" thanks to offshoots of Jews who have formed "mini-missions", sapping the power of numbers from organised efforts. In other words, we don't seem able to get together and do something in a big way that will have the whole world watching and Israel feeling like we care massively.

* I went all giddy and bought a Hebrew vocabulary/phrase book (not a great one but all I could find at the local "Borders" store). My friend was pointing out that I can get by in English. And she is right. But hey, I want to know what the "cow" in the field is in Hebrew. I want to know the word for "grass", for "sky", for "beautiful", for "I am verklempt". I want to know how to say "how much does this cost". I've been learning how to ask, "do you take a credit card?". However, I've already figured out that there is a universal language even better than Esperanto and it consists of one word- "Visa?".

* The cool part of this trip is that we're taking supplies for the needy in our suitcases- we are couriers. We get to do a mitzvah at the outset. Brilliant.

* My friend worries about the terrorism, about the safety. And it is true, you never know. But I have little to lose. And even more so, when your time comes, it comes, no matter where you are, no matter where you place yourself. Frankly, I have an unconquered fear of flying and that seems to occupy most of my waking moments. I'm trying to figure out how to smuggle little bottles of vodka on board. I could't find anyone who had a supply of tranquillisers.

* The tour company sucks. Our itinerary has changed several times and been blended with other itineraries. Masada got cut out in favour of learning about Israel's ecology. Yeah, right, that's why we're all going to Israel- to learn about micro and macro systems. Nor do we get to volunteer for half a day with the IDF any longer. We get to "admire". Feh.

* Every person I have met who has sojourned in Israel shared wonderful stories. There is not a single person who has anything bad or troubling to say. People I had only known superficially have been a revelation. You never would imagine that that staid matronly, practical type, spent a few years on a kibbutz and has returned to Israel 12 times since then.

* We are spending Friday night at the Kotel. Nothing else needs saying.

* We stood on the bimah, our little group, and recited the prayer for Israel. The rabbi gave a nice speech which I don't remember at all. Except that we are fulfilling a mitzvah. And that we are going, in spite of everything, to stand firm, with our Israeli brothers and sisters. Yes. I don't remember anything other than I have waited for this moment for so long, and when it came, my soul had already sprouted wings and was on its way.

Ascending.