It is simply unforgettable to arrive at the Kotel as the light dims toward Shabbat. The pale golden stone of Jerusalem lets slip the last bits of sun as Jewish people of every kind stream toward this wall of enormous and timeless blocks.  It is a sight to especially inspire and reinvigorate a weary class of 8th graders who have traveled by bus, plane, and foot for nearly 24 hours to be here.  Suddenly, the bag-schlepping, the passport-clutching, the squabbling over seatmates on a crowded El Al flight and the jet lag dissipate in the falling light. They have come to be here, and approaching the wall they are apprehensive, yet confident, too.  As one boy noted, "Seeing men put their heads to the wall, I felt so timid but when I did it myself, I felt so comfortable."

Thus began this year's Israel trip for our soon-to-be graduates.  We returned to the Western Wall several times over the course of two weeks, to study Jewish text, understand historical and archeological perspectives, and to pray. However, Jerusalem was just a home base in a rich and wide-ranging two week trip that included solemn history lessons in the Golan Heights, a joyful reunion with our friends at Leo Baeck Education Center in Haifa, and the perennial favorite of riding camels in the Negev.We visited Sde Boker and Independence Hall to learn first-hand about Israel's difficult and joyous early days, and cooled off in the lush waters of the Tel Dan Preserve and Ein Gedi. All along, we compared the quality of felafel and shawarma from street vendors and small shops, and drank water, water, and more water and used sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen!

With this trip, we work to foster among our students an informed love for Israel and her people, and even the earliest reflections from the eighth graders reveal the success of this goal. In a roundtable discussion Wednesday, one said "it was so important to be there and connect our Biblical learning to the actual landscape"; another concurred, remembering that "walking in the Old City connected me to our people before us, thousands of years ago."  Another truly experienced the trip as the culmination of her education at Rashi, saying "for nine years, we learn Hebrew and all about Israel, and memorize where things are on the map, and then you go.  It was so much better than I expected, and now I have my own mental pictures of being there."  Several others spoke fondly of their Leo Baeck friends, the "lifelong connections and friendships" formed here in Boston and then again in Israel, traveling together and living in each others' homes.  "The more connections you have with Israeli people, the stronger your bond to the country" added a classmate.

Perhaps the students' feelings are best summarized by one eighth grader, who said simply, "Israel does not feel like a dream anymore - I feel more connected because it doesn't seem separate from me."

This is an important time in the Jewish liturgical calendar. We are in a period called 'sefirat ha'Omer.'  According to the Torah (Lev. 23:15), we are obligated to count the days from Passover to Shavu'ot.  On the second day of Passover, in the days of the Temple,  an omer (a unit of measure) of barley was cut down and brought to the Temple as an offering. This grain offering was referred to as the Omer.  Every night, from the second night of Passover to the night before Shavu'ot, we recite a blessing and state the count of the omer. The counting is intended to remind us of the link between Passover, which commemorates the Exodus, and Shavu'ot, which commemorates the giving of the Torah. It reminds us that the redemption from slavery was not complete until we received the Torah.

We use this time to spiritually reflect and prepare ourselves to be 'receivers of Torah.'  I take this opportunity to share with you some reflections about the eighth grade trip to Israel. 

Watching Rashi eighth graders live side-by-side with Leo Baeck eighth graders from Haifa is a living expression of Am Yisrael, the nation of Israel.

Listening to the thoughtful comments and questions of our students as they discuss the sights and sounds of Eretz Yisrael is beyond words. Rashi himself would be proud of the Rashi School. The future is in good hands.

Walking, hiking, sightseeing and relaxing with "hats, bottles of water, sunscreen and a good attitude" is simultaneously fun and exhausting.

Watching our eighth graders evolve in so many ways as they walk in Eretz Hakodesh, the Land of our Fathers and Mothers, is in itself an expression of holiness.

Sharing this experience with an extraordinary staff is amazing. The work, laughter, exhaustion and teaching were part of a communal experience par excellence. I am thankful to for the opportunity to share such holy work with such holy people.

I wish you all a meaningful period of counting and re-counting.

B'shalom,

Rabbi Ellen Pildis

Walk for Hunger: Sunday, May 4

Coming Up

Wed., May 28     

7-8:30 pm