Israel, Through a New Lens

By Rabbi Schwab.

Last week I traveled to Israel in a way I never have before.  I mean that literally, in the sense that I was on the first direct United flight from Chicago to Israel since before the pandemic.  But in a broader sense I am referring to the fact that I went to Israel with Hadassah to attend their annual conference in Jerusalem, a conference I had never attended before.  I am so proud that we have incredible leaders from Beth El who helped organize, like Francine Ephraim, who is National Vice Coordinator of Hadassah’s Philanthropy Division and Michele Rubin, who is the National Youth Aliyah Chair.  The energy and excitement at the conference was fantastic.  They put together an amazing program, with great speakers like the President of Israel, Mayor of Jerusaelm, the American Ambassador to Israel and Rachel Polin.  Every day we had excursions during which we learned and experienced so many wonderful and important things in Jerusalem.  We were also there to witness the historic elections, the results of which Israel will be engaged in for weeks or months to come.  I was honored to spend time with Rabbi and Bryna Kurtz as well as former Consul General Yinam Cohen and his wife Ayelet.  While Israel faces many challenges, my visit continues to affirm what a beautiful, vibrant and special place it is and how lucky we are to live in a time that the State of Israel exists and is accessible. 

Am Yisrael Chai.