Come join me for a brief, happy tour of “my” Israel and yours. Each December I am fortunate to visit my son and his family in Israel, to celebrate my grandson’s December birthday. In turn, they stay with me for six glorious weeks each summer, the highlight of my year.
Laurence, his wonderful Israeli wife Michal, grandchildren Shachar (17) and Hillel (7) live in the ever-growing city of Petah Tikva, meaning “Door of Hope.” The burgeoning city, 20 minutes southwest of Tel Aviv, began as a settlement (moshava) in Palestine, founded in 1878. It symbolized the hope for Jewish resettlement and cultivation of the land. It is now a high-tech industrial city, filled with towering apartment houses, modern shopping malls, wonderful restaurants and a new subway line into Tel Aviv.
There were several highlights of my visit that I’d like to share with you (enjoy accompanying photos/video!) We spent a day in Jerusalem, including a viscerally spiritual visit to the Kotel.
We enjoyed a falafel lunch on the plaza near the Cardo. My grandson Hillel took a few bites of the soft falafel – and surprise – to his glee, his loose tooth fell out!
The next day we drove to the modern city of Modi-in, 22 miles southeast of Tel Aviv. There we saw a performance of the “Circus Bravo,” my son’s Chanukah gift to me (I love the circus!) As recorded in the Book of Maccabees, Modi’in was the historical hometown of the Maccabees, the Hasmonean family that revolted against the Seleucid empire and cleared Jerusalem’s Temple of idolatry. It felt remarkable to be in the Maccabees’ modernized hometown, just a few days after Chanukah!
Here is the post-circus photo of Shachar and me.
Laurence and family are active members and students of the B’nei Baruch Kabbalah community, centered in Petah Tivah. This beautifully altruistic community of 250 closely-knit families (with lots of children!) is dedicated to the study of Torah and the Zohar. “Love your friend as yourself” is their guide, as they work toward the goal of unifying all Jews in Israel and worldwide. Each Friday the community enjoys a pre-Shabbat meal that includes music and prayer. Laurence composes and performs meaningful and joyous music for B’nei Baruch and the worldwide Kabbalah community.
Here is a photo of me “kvelling” with Hillel, as we watched Laurence lead the community in his new melody for “Lecha Dodi,” followed by the spirited singing of the traditional “Oseh Shalom.” I’ve included the musical community video for your enjoyment (video HERE–he’s the one standing.) Can you tell I’m proud?
Finally, we celebrated Hillel’s 7th birthday with Israeli family and friends.
Thanks for touring Israel with me. I hope you and your children will visit Israel soon, and often!
Patti Kahn
Director, Blanche Bayar Religious School
