Israel Adventures-Sisters Trip!

A couple months ago, I had the amazing opportunity of a lifetime to travel to the Holy Land, the Land of Israel, along with my sisters Chanie and Aliza. This was our first lengthy sisters trip as adults, since I got married while they were still young teens. My wonderful husband assured me that it was ok for me to go, and even encouraged me to – he’s the best

It was just the most magical, beautiful time. Firstly, as close as we are, back at home each of us is busy with daily life. Being together for a longer than normal period of time, we forged an even stronger bond – shared experiences are priceless! And while it was super hard to leave my husband and kids (I stayed up late at night to catch them after school for “face-timing” since Israel is 7 hours ahead), it was a time to think about just me and know that they were being well taken care of.

I’ve been to Israel before, but I can never get enough. There is such rich history under every stone. I always wish I could transpose myself to another time, when a now-quiet area had hustle and bustle, when you could hear ancient voices and see ancient life. What’s the story each tree can tell? This trip – although we did have fun:) – concentrated on our shared love of history, particularly Jewish history, in this historically rich country. Chanie teaches about the Arab-Israeli conflict, using her experience in international law, and both Aliza and I love history, so it was perfection.

Below are some pics of our adventures. Aliza being ever so creative put together a video you can check it out here! Enjoy!

 

On our way to meet family for breakfast

 

Photobombed by chayalim!

 

View of the Kineret

 

Walking in Jerusalem

 

Mid century window-doors from an Indian shul, brought over to the Israel Museum. History at my fingertips…

 

Horseback riding in Netanya

 

Sooooo much more to share but I will leave you guys with one last pic. This is me walking in the Golan Heights on the trail to a memorial created by friends of the 4 taken too young heroes/terror victims from Yeshivat Otniel murdered in 2002. You can read about it here. All our honor and respect for the thousands of victims who have been murdered for living in and defending our homeland.

 

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A touching and meaningful song

My father recently found this song on YouTube and sent it to me. It is very nostalgic to me because he used to sing it every Seudat Shlishit (the 3rd official meal of Shabbat).

It always resonated deep in my soul because as a Jew, the song, a parable about a little bird captured by a vulture,  hits home with its message about my nation being in exile and persecuted throughout the ages. Towards the end of the song, the little bird is yearning for the day that he is free. Much like the Jewish people yearning for the day of the exile ending, with the coming of Mashiach (Messiah).

Titled “The Little Bird is Calling”, it as written in 1947 by Malka Steinberg Saks at Camp Bais Yaakov. It was right after the end of World War 2 and one year before the establishment of the State of Israel.

Click below for the lyrics.