IF IT'S TUESDAY THIS MUST BE TEL AVIV by Lisa Silver

Did we really just get here yesterday? We've done ( and eaten!) so much already! Starting with the amazing Israeli breakfast, an unbelievable buffet of everything from American style waffles and omelets to pickled herring, olives, multiple kinds of cheeses and yogurts, breads and pastries, green salads with various veggies, and fruits and fresh orange juice. And of course cappuccino to start the day off right.

After breakfast we visited with the rabbi at Beit Daniel, the largest Reform Synagogue in Tel Aviv, to learn about the particular challenges facing Israeli "Progressive" Judaism today. Then on to a walking tour of the ancient port city of Jaffa (remember the story of Jonah?) and our first Israeli falafel while walking around an open air crafts fair in Tel Aviv.

The Rabin Center was a very informative and moving overview of Yitzhak Rabin's life interwoven with Israeli and world history. A quick walk to the beach by several of us, and then a fabulous Turkish dinner at Pasha! Most of us burned off the first course on the 2 mile walk back to the hotel!

We are now sitting in the lobby of the Dan Panorama Hotel, all using WiFi on our various devices and awaiting the election returns.

Pictures posted are in no particular order!

Shalom from Tel Aviv! From Lisa Silver

After a very long flight, which was smooth and uneventful (just the way we like it) we have ARRIVED! We are a tired but happy and stuffed bunch, having just returned to the hotel from having a wonderful dinner at Boya, a trendy restaurant right on the beach in Tel Aviv, where we celebrated the birthdays of Ron Galbraith and Andy Saul. The weather is balmy so the windows were open and we could smell the ocean breeze. Pretty nice for November!

Below are some pics from our first day's travels:

Bye Bye BNA!

Rabbi Laurie and I had a tearful good-bye with our children this morning. We are en route to Philly and then on to Tel Aviv. Feelings of anticipation are palpable. How many have made this sacred pilgrimage before us? How blessed we are to make it as Micah's rabbis!

Off to the Holy Land

We are set to leave at the conclusion of Shabbos! Travel with us to Tel Aviv and beyond...

Rabbis Rice: Wandering the Wilderness

When we speak about the time when our ancestors lived in Egypt enslaved, we refer to Egypt as mitzrayim; and we refer to our ancestors as the Children of Israel. Indeed, the world is a wilderness, as we experienced this week with Hurricane Sandy. Nature is wild, rough, unforgiving at times, and yet can also be so beautiful, even breathtaking. The Israelites, called to wander, are all somewhat lost, all experience grief and pain. And as the Children of Israel travel through the dessert, they encounter a different kind of wilderness, one in which they often act like true children; complaining, whining, rebelling. We are, all of us, children of the wilderness. We all need a map. The Torah is our map. God is our guide. Micah is our community of fellow wanderers. Each of us with our doubts and dreams, walk through the wilderness together, seeking to grow.

     There are many ways that we can grow together as a community, many ways to be guided by Torah, co-creators with the Divine: the first, we can celebrate Shabbat together. Join us for early services at 6:00 p.m. this Friday to welcome in the day of rest as one community. Come bid safe travels to the 25 Micah members who will journeying together to Israel on Sunday, including your Rabbis and Lisa Silver. Second, do as the Torah suggests and reach out beyond yourself to help another in need. For those of you with family affected by Hurricane Sandy, know that we are here for you at Congregation Micah. Let us know how we can support you. And if you are able, please donate to the Red Cross or to other organizations helping people and families to rebuild their shattered lives in the wake of such rough and unforgiving nature. Third, embrace your wandering. It may be said time and again, but life is so much about the journey and so little about the final destination.

Gettin' Ready

Just a few more days before our Israel trip! Let the obsessive packing begin...I've got the anti-jet lag pills, the neck pillow, the travel blanket, the Dramamine, the iPhone, the iPad, the books, the comfortable walking shoes, the long skirt for Shabbat in Jerusalem, the day pack, the guitar, am I forgetting anything?

Room In the Inn begins November 11

Under the leadership of Cindy Landsman, Andy Saul, and Bob Smith, Congregation Micah will once again participate this year in the Room In The Inn program.

We will be hosting five nights this year:

November 11, 2012

December 9, 2012

January 13, 2013

February 10, 2013

March 10, 2013

We'll be hosting 14 guests on each evening and are again in need of donations of casual, cold weather clothing: coats, hats, gloves, scarves, warm socks, boots, heavy shoes, etc. We are also in need of toiletries and any DVD's that are gathering dust in your bookcases. Please bring all donations to the Micah office.

All members of Congregation Micah are more than welcome to join the festivities! If you want more information, feel free to call or email the Micah office at office@congregationmicah.org.

Room In The Inn, in partnership with more than 160 local congregations, provided shelter for 1,286 individuals from November 2009 to March 2010. For more information about the Room In The Inn organization, visit www.RoomInTheInn.org.