5/14/13
We’re rolling down the
road having just left K’far Yehezkel, a moshav
south of the Kinneret. Morah Orna’s cousin and her family live on the
moshav and she arranged for us to join them for their annual Shavuot pageant
and ceremony.
We arrived to a stage
adorned with bales of hay. All around us people of all ages and dressed in
white milled about taking pictures, visiting, and wishing one another Chag
Sameach. We sat in a special section reserved for us wondering what to expect.
What would Shavuot be like on this fairly typical moshav, far off the tourist
trail? How would we connect?
The pageant began with a
parade of children riding horses and waving Israel flags. After came a parade
of tractors carrying children from the local school—7 tractors in all
representing the 7 species of Israel. Then came the performances: dance,
karate, singing, and even off road cycling. All the while Morah Orna was
working behind the scenes to see if we couldn’t participate more formally. Even
though there were well over 500 people present everyone there knew we were in
attendance and was curious about why we’d chosen to be with them. Who were we?
The look on Morah Orna’s
face when she told me that we were going to sing “Kol Yisrael” as the closing
song of the ceremony was certainly a mischievous one. It’s fair to say that Mr.
Kudlats and Ms. Kendrick were nervous about the performance, but the kids were
all over it. The entire group ascended the bimah and the entire crowd stopped
what they were doing to check us out. We gave it all our hearts and by the end
many of our new friends were singing and clapping along. We presented the
community with a copy of “Be a Blessing.” But that’s not all.
As we were hanging out
afterward a few men came looking for some boys to help form a minyan. In the
entire moshav they aren’t able to create a minyan. Our boys were more than
happy to help and followed along with the service well. At the end we took a
picture together in their beautiful sanctuary. We agreed that together we can
strengthen one another. On the way back a very “inspired” man on a motorcycle
stopped to complement our performance and encourage us to make Aliyah. After
taking a picture with him we discussed the idea—for some it might not be as far
fetched as it once was. I encourage chatting with your kids about this as part
of the trip debrief…
We returned from the miyan
to find our kids hanging out and eating the most delicious treats imaginable.
But we were surprised to find that they
hadn’t yet connected with their Israeli peers. That had to be fixed!
In the past we’ve had
mixed experiences when our kids interact with Israel teenagers. But I have to
say that these kids were the sweetest, most engaging, curious, respectful, and
friendly group of Israeli teens I’ve ever met. We extended our stay by 45
minutes so we could take pictures, exchange Facebook info, and practice Hebrew.
Of all the emotional moments on this trip, this was, for me, a true standout.
When we talk about it “all making sense” this is it. Think of how bizarre this
whole experience could have been—half way around the world, far from the
touristy sights, participating in a Shavuot experience that is totally foreign,
and then being thrown together with a group of kids that speak a different
language. When I tell you that our kids could not have been happier I mean
exactly that. We’re looking forward to visiting K’far Yehezkel in future years.
Prior to Shavuot our day
started with a trip to Tzfat, one of the most spiritual cities in Israel (and
the world). Tzfat is one of the birthplaces of Kabbalah—Jewish mysticism. Tzfat
is a city full of twisting alleys, beautiful synagogues, and religious scholars
and seekers. It pulsates with a quiet intensity, mystery around every corner.
Our visit today was truly special.
In the past when we’ve
visited the synagogue in Tzfat we’ve felt the need to tiptoe. Today the
attendant saw that we had a guitar and encouraged us to sing a song in the
ancient synagogue. We sang Shalom Aleichem and then continued the song session
in a nearby courtyard. We used the experience as an opportunity to let the kids
know that not all ultra-orthodox Jews frown upon Reform Judaism. As Birthright
groups and other passersby stopped to enjoy our spirited singing we also
pointed out that our Jewishness is not only legitimate but also brings joy to
others. Then we shopped and ate lunch.
A quick word about Tzfat
before signing off (and by the way the accommodations we are staying in for the
next two nights are among the most beautiful I’ve ever seen—right on the
southern shore of the Kinneret)…
Kabbalah has contributed
many teachings to Judaism over the years. The ones that standout to me at this
moment as being particularly relevant are the following: 1) The idea that the
universe is designed with purpose and that, through study and devotion we can
catch glimpses of this purpose even though our human perspective is so limited.
Mirroring the universe, each of us is a small universe, created with purpose.
As we journey through life we are blessed with opportunities to connect with
our purpose(s). Making these connections is a source of great joy and
affirmation. 2) Human beings thrive when we assume a posture of receptivity and
openness. It’s easy to shut down, to seal ourselves off from others, and be
closed-hearted and minded. It’s somewhat harder to maintain a posture of
openness. Being open means being vulnerable, it means being willing to grow and
change. It means being susceptible to greater hurt than if we remain closed.
Hard as it may be maintaining a posture of openness is really the only choice
we have if we want to live life to the fullest. To be human means to be open to
new ideas, different perspectives, complex emotions, and learning from others.
It means being open to forming deep relationships, to sharing our gifts with
others and to receiving theirs, it means breaking down walls and pushing open
doors.
My prayer for this Shavuot
is that all of our kids take a moment to reflect on today’s lessons. When our
ancestors stood at Sinai and received Torah they believed in the purposefulness
of the universe and their place in it. They maintained a posture of openness.
The rest, as we say, is “history.” Except it isn’t. It’s us. Even more than
it’s us, it’s our kids.
Chag Sameach,
Rabbi Micah
