Upon waking each morning, Jews thank G-d for bringing us to this day.
I offer thanks to You, living and eternal King, for You have mercifully restored my soul within me, Your faithfulness is great.
Thank you for bringing us to this day of ascending Masada and of floating in the Dead Sea.
First-time travelers to Israel commonly include these sites on their itinerary and have images of what they will experience. But it is always the unexpected that grabs the emotions and forms permanent memories.
It was a hot dry bright day of 110 degrees. It was amazing to imagine how people built a mini- civilization on Masada complete with a brilliant method of collecting drinking water and another method for bath water. The burning heat helped us to testify to the physical and spiritual feats of our ancestors.
But as said, it was the unexpected that moved us to laughter and tears. A few members of our group, including Carolyn, had met a family on our flight to Israel. The family was traveling to Israel so that their son could become Bar Mitzvah on Masada. We did not realize that we would see the family again at the Dan Boutique Hotel and that the Bar Mitzvah was planned for 9:30 am on June 27, the same morning that CWB would be on Masada. Carolyn warmly greeted the family when she spotted them at the hotel. The encounter resulted in an invitation to the Bar Mitzvah!
The serendipitous meeting of the family joined our group with his simcha. We were unsure how shy Benjamin felt about the addition of 25 to his private Bar Mitzvah. As he and his family got off of the cable car, we (along with a camera crew and security guard) greeted him with singing and clapping. Few things are as awkward as a 13 year old boy and the transition into Jewish manhood, when the actual maturity is not yet there.
The ceremony was sweet and beautiful. The rabbi barely knew this family but his warmth, kindness and wisdom were sincere. His first words to Benjamin, with inspiration for all, were about the mitzvah of the morning prayer. The Klezmer band added a joyful and entertaining aspect. And where else but in Israel could a videographer and security guard be called upon to make a minion?
While at times we felt as awkward as that 13 year old Bar Mitzvah boy for “crashing” his Bar Mitzvah, we were so glad to witness this beautiful event in this beautiful land. On Masada where we learned of our history going back thousands of years, we also celebrated our future through the celebration of Benjamin’s Bar Mitzvah and the words of Torah, encouragement, support and inspiration expressed by the Rabbi.
The intensity of the morning was matched in the Dead Sea where we rejuvenated by lathering in mud and allowing ourselves to be floated by salt water.
Our experiences were deepened by deviating from our scheduled plan and allowing ourselves to experience the unexpected. As Educators this reminded us of the importance of following new and surprising connections – one essence of the Reggio approach.
Thank you for bringing us to this day of ascending Masada and floating in the Dead Sea.
Julie Silverman
Pam Stasolla
Iris Harlan