First Impressions of Home: Women’s Journey to Israel

There were so many details to work out - work budgets, social plans for my husband, flights and hotel for graduations, two weddings to plan for - that I really did not have time to think about my upcoming trip. Even at the airport waiting to board I did not have time to focus on my itinerary.

Finally, I boarded the plane, stepped over the gentleman who chose not to move out of the way for me as I claimed the seat next to him, and buckled my seat belt. Then, the flight attendant gave the usual pre-flight instructions. Oh wait! He was speaking Hebrew! And then it became real. I started to cry. I was really on my way to Israel! My first sight of the land from the airplane was beyond words. When I saw the “Welcome Home” sign as I was exiting Ben Gurion Airport, I knew that, indeed, I was home.

Our first night was spent checking in to the hotel, hugging both old friends and new, and eating an amazing multi-course dinner.

On Monday morning, after a plentiful Israeli breakfast, we promptly boarded the bus for Jaffe, a historic city with winding streets, lots of shops, and an awesome view from the Jaffe Overlook. After a brief and interesting history lesson,with lots of photo ops,  we honored the holiness of being in Israel by singing the Shehechiyanu, a particularly meaningful prayer for me because this is my first trip to Israel. It was a moment that took my breath away. We spent some time in Torah study, sharing what we were grateful for, and spent a few minutes remembering those whose lives have been a blessing to us. The rest of the day was spent walking, shopping, eating, shopping, eating, and learning, and absorbing the sites and sounds of Israel. 

We listened to a spirited dialogue between several Progressive Reform Rabbis, who happen to be women. Their passion for the work they do to bring Reform Judaism to their congregants, their understanding of the culture and the psyche of the Israeli Jew, and their commitment to opening dialogue between Jews and Jews and Jews and those of other cultural backgrounds was eye-opening.  As someone who has given to the YES Fund (Youth, Education and Special Projects) and who now serves WRJ as the Vice President for Development and Special Projects, it was exciting to hear all of the Rabbis praise WRJ for our long term support.

Walking along the streets, doing my favorite people-watching thing, was fascinating. I had to laugh at myself - occasionally I would overhear a conversation in Hebrew and think “ oh how cool - it’s Hebrew!”only to pinch myself and remind myself that I am in Israel! 

Our guide, Shari Robins, is really fabulous.  As we ride in the bus or walk along the streets, she shares history lessons along with personal stories that make the city come alive.

Our concluding event today prior to dinner was a visit to Independence Hall, where David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the State of Israel on May 14, 1948.  We sat in the very same room which housed that historic event.  At the conclusion of the lecture, we stood and sang Hatikvah along with a recording from that momentous occasion. As we stood there and proudly sang Israel’s national anthem, I could hardly contain my emotions.  It was an extremely powerful moment. I felt like I was truly a part of history.

After our time at Independence Hall several of us took a walking tour through Neve Zedek, one of Tel Aviv’s earliest neighborhoods. After a brief stop at the hotel to drop our day bags, we went to dinner at Abouelafia. We walked along the sea, catching the sunset over the water on our way. All of us stopped to take in the view and to breathe in the beauty of the moment.

It was an extraordinary end to an extraordinary day. So many times we search for the “wow” moments in our lives - in material possessions, in our jobs - but really, the “wow” moments are the ones which appear when you are not looking for them. They come when someone grabs you to take a picture, or you turn a corner and see a beautiful sunset, or you stand and sing with the echoes of history all around you. Today was full of those moments for me - I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings. 

fredi Bleeker Franks is a member and past president of the sisterhood of Congregation Emanu El in Houston, Texas, and a past District President. She has served in many capacities on the WRJ Board, including serving as Treasurer and Vice President for Affiliate Services. Currently she is the Vice President for Development and Special Projects. Perhaps her proudest accomplishments are her two adorable grandchildren, who look forward to receiving their PJ Library books – a project of WRJ, URJ, and PJ Library.