Letters from Israel

We started our fourth day today thinking about the early Zionist thinker AD Gordon, who called for people to come to Israel “,” to build and to be built.”  He was referring to working the land, which he thought would both establish communities in Israel while also building up those who were doing the work. We had livnot u’lehibanot a small taste of these as we went to Pedaya to help tend to the eggplants.  Since many foreign workers left Israel after October 7 farmers are in need of help with their crops.  Today we provided that help. Though I don’t think the farmer would offer us a permanent job, it was meaningful for him, and for us, to do help. 

After our time with the eggplants we headed back to Jerusalem for lunch and some time in the shuk, and now we are at our hotel getting for ready for Shabbat.  And after this week we can really use it!  However there won’t be too much time for us to rest this Shabbat.  Tonight we are going to Kabbalat Shabbat services at Zion, an Eretz Israeli Congregation in Jerusalem. After the service we will spend a little time with its leader Rabbi Tamar Elad Applebaum, who has been providing pastoral care to displaced people and so many in need.  Tomorrow morning we are going to our Sister Synagogue Kehillat Ma’ayanot.  After getting to know each other from a distance these past four months we are looking forward to celebrating Shabbat together and also the lovely home hospitality they have offered for lunch.  This will be another important way to build connections between our communities.  
Tomorrow night we head back home.  I’ll write more before we leave. Until then, wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom!