Arrival

Even entering the terminal in Atlanta for the flight to Tel Aviv was something special. As we moved into security, we spied a church group that was sharing our flight forming a prayer circle in the waiting room. Their anticipation was as heightened as ours. Moving through the line, the first words Hebrew words spoken by a flight attendant were a sweet reminder of where we were going. I was fortunate enough to sit with an Israeli family, so my rusty conversational Hebrew got an early workout. And I loved having the steward, who noticed my kippah, ask me if I wanted a Kosher meal, even though I had forgotten to order one. Even strangers are family.

After a long, comfortable flight we could saw the lights of Tel Aviv sparkling off the Mediterranean Sea below us. Even though I have made this journey many times, I still get a thrill when the plane touches down on sweet Israeli soil. That heart lifts as you know you are coming home. And there is something very special about having the pilot wish you a “Shabbat Shalom” over the intercom, like it is the most natural thing in the world. Here, it is.

I remember early visits to Israel where you deplaned onto the tarmac and were driven to the terminal – giving ample opportunity for the first-time pilgrim to kiss the ground. No more: a modern jet way greets you as leave the plane. OK, there is a bus as well, but it is a short ride into the new and beautiful terminal, a recent and welcome addition since my last visit. Steel and glass and fountains adorned the bright public spaces and there are many glimpses of the beautiful evening sky.

Passports, and baggage details worked smooth and we were greeted by a representative from ARZA who was our tour guide for the bus ride to Jerusalem. After a brief stop for some to pick up cell phones (we are a very connected bunch!) we were on our way.

The ride to Jerusalem is scenic even in the dark. We were remembering the perilous approaches before 1967 as the windy road gave many opportunities for supply trucks to be ambushed. Today it is a brightly lit highway with many new exchanges being constructed. Our guide also told us about new rail systems that are being put in place all over the country. It seems there is construction everywhere.

We entered Jerusalem – passing the unique city clock that showed Shabbat times - and drove immediately through the quiet streets of the city across to the Hass Promenade (Tayellet) with its beautiful view of the Old City of Jerusalem laid out like a jewel below. Unfortunately it was quite dark by the time we got there so it was hard to make out the structures. Still, we talked about Abraham’s journey through the valley beneath us, up to the mountain where he would attempt to sacrifice his son Isaac. The same site, holy to Jews and Muslims, where the Temple once stood. We talked about the journey of generations of pilgrim and our own personal journey which began today. And I told everyone that the spot where we stood, I had proposed to Ida Rae. We made a circle, hugging each other against the chill night air, said the Shecheyanu together, thanking God for bringing us on this sacred voyage.

I can see in the eyes of some the joy of being in Israel for the first time.

A short drive later and we were at the Dan Panorama hotel. The lobby was filled with children playing as their families enjoyed a Shabbat meal. There we met our guide for the trip, Sharon Wagner, a lovely young lady from England who charmed us all immediately.
After gathering to light Shabbat candles, we had dinner in the hotel. We said Shema together and followed with the Shabbat table rituals. We shared stories and Sharon told us much of her own journey to Israel and gave us some insight daily life here. We look forward to getting to know her, and each other, better.

How beautiful that our first meal together in Israel should be an elegantly laid out Shabbat Dinner. We are filled with anticipation for the days ahead.