A Note from Jerusalem

The past two weeks in Israel have been "rejewvenating." Studying at a pluralistic yeshiva, touring archaelogical digs related to the Tanakh (Bible), being with my Israeli family, and visiting religious sites that have had an impact on Jewish life over the centuries have all made this visit very special. I will be sharing many of my learnings with the congregation when I return. For now, however, I want to share one unusual experience I had at a restaurant by the Sea of Galilee (Yam Kinneret) last night.

Charlie, Yehoshua, and I were having dinner in a lovely outdoor restaurant near the edge of the water. The hills in the background were outlined by the setting sun and the view was spectacular. Suddenly, a loud speaker came booming from a boat on the water as it approached the side of the restaurant. Two men holding torches stood on the deck of the boat and an announcement was made for all in the restaurant to hear. With a very thick Israeli accent, a voice said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, tonight there are two new boys who have just become a Bar Mitzvah

in the Decks Restaurant. There is Yaakov from Toronto, Canada and Binyamin from Johannesburg, South Africa. Ladies and Gentlemen, they take their place among all the others among us who have become Bar Mitzvah. (At that point fireworks exploded from the front of the boat's deck and the entire restaurant began applauding!) Yaakov and Binyamin please take your place on the stage in the restaurant as we rejoice with you and your families." So the two boys took their place on the raised stage and the music began playing Siman Tov and Mazel Tov while patrons of the restaurant sang along with the boys' families. The music continued and all over the restaurant, hands were tapping and faces were smiling.

I felt like this could have only happened in Israel...two boys from opposite parts of the world taking their place among the adult Jewish community...and patrons of a restaurant who knew neither boy clapping their hands and singing along in joy. As surreal as the moment was, it was also quite moving. It reminded me of the larger picture of Jewish brotherhood/sisterhood that connects through this miraculous place...Israel. It will be an image that will stay with me for many years to come, I'm sure!