Getting Ready for the Holy Land—With Excitement

In a few months, I will be visiting Israel. I have been there many times. This time it is for a destination wedding. I was there a little over two decades ago for the chatan’s (groom’s) Bar Mitzvah; time goes by so fast.

The last time I was there was Thanksgiving 2022. It was my mom’s first time. I was the tour guide. It was a great, unforgettable experience. We were together and independent. Wish she was coming this time. Alas, she’s not. (As a side note, I’ve actually spent two Thanksgivings in Israel, even managing to have turkey. I once spent a Thanksgiving in Palermo, Sicily, where I wasn’t quite as lucky.)

So, you can see this is my trip there since Oct. 7. I have traveled domestically and internationally. But not to Israel. For the record, on October 8, I wanted to go and do whatever I could to help. Many of my friends have been there several times since Oct. 7. Many visited the Nova site and volunteered.

For too many reasons, I know many who are apprehensive about going. Am I? Not at all. Instead, I am excited about Shabbat in the Old City. Bittersweet it will be. Sadly, the rabbi, whom I became friendly with in 2011, passed away a few weeks ago. He is missed. He knew how to connect with people. We shared a special connection. We both loved photography. He did his “work” at the Kotel (Western Wall), snapping amazing images while talking to the people he photographed and connected with. More importantly, he emailed and called me at different times. We spoke about photography, Judaism, and life.

I have written about the places that bring me to higher levels. Each has its own reason. Israel gets you there the second you board the El Al jet. The first time I landed in Ben-Gurion, I thought I was home. Mind you, I had no idea where I was. I just followed the signs to go through customs, get my baggage, and find my driver to take me to the hotel in Tel Aviv. I walked onto the beach and felt I’ve been there before.

A few days later, I went to Jerusalem. Before that, I spent time in Safed and Tiberias. I got to the Kotel with my note and notes from many others. Also, money to make donations. But it was more than that. My eyes opened wider than ever and were teary. I put my tallit and tefillin on and stood there in awe. A few days later, I attended the Bar Mitzvah and flew home to NYC. Was I really home? Yes and no.

I knew that when I landed at JFK, I’d be back many times, and I’d do my best to visit as many places as possible and help. I have kept that promise. I have spent time in Eilat, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. I have been back up north to Safed and Tiberias and spent many hours volunteering to help distressed youth of all backgrounds. When I say all backgrounds, I mean: all sects of Judaism from non-observant to Chasid, Catholic, and Islamic.

Israel’s absolute joy is its beautiful, chaotic tapestry. When people say multicultural, Israel is at the top of the list. You can pray at the Western Wall, visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, see Masada, and float in the Dead Sea. You can buy amazing Dead Sea skincare products. You can eat incredible, fresh food in the open-air markets or great restaurants, explore the ancient center of Kabbalah, or shop for handmade silver jewelry. You can spend days on stunning beaches swimming, kayaking, or diving with dolphins. The choices truly are endless—and I cannot wait to be back.