Anshai Goes to Israel!

The final day of our journey has arrived.  We awake to another unforgettable Israeli breakfast at our hotel, the Crowne Plaza on the Tel Aviv boardwalk. 

We check-out of the hotel for the final time as a group, store our luggage under the bus, and venture-out to our first stop of the day- Yaffo, also known as Jaffa.  Our outstanding guide, Josh points out a few memorable items as we make our way through the many layers of history defining Jaffa. 

Among the most memorable is the “Suspended Orange Tree,” located in a Yaffo alley.  Josh coaxes out of us the meaning behind the “Suspended Orange Tree.”  This is a perfect seque for us as we begin to anticipate life after our trip to Israel.

The orange tree represents the early pioneers, the ‘halutzim’ who docked in Yaffo and immediately encountered huge expanses of Jaffa orange trees.  They yearned to establish roots in the soil of Israel.  With all of the successes Israel has enjoyed over the course of nearly 73 years, it remains in constant danger. The tree remains suspended, not yet anchored to the land it calls home.  Whether from abroad or from within the obstacles remain so very real.  Yet, we realize we have just experienced 10 exceptional days exposing us to Jewish ingenuity, Jewish perseverance, and Jewish pride.  The modern Israeli experience in our Homeland is breathtaking for all who have joined us. 

Another short bus ride takes us to one of Tel Aviv’s hippest neighborhoods- Florentine.  We wander the streets with a guide who introduces us to the graffiti art that defines the area.  The powerful images, statements made by these artists, and the varied responses of tenants throughout the neighborhood all combine to tell a fascinating story. 

Following a few hours of shopping time (finally!) we meet at a charming Morrocan restaurant, ‘Rachel’ at the Tel Aviv ‘namal’ (port) for our final meal.  The food is outstanding once again- steak, hamburgers, chicken- everyone is more than satisfied.  We take a few minutes to process our trip as each of us shares a few thoughts about its impact.  Josh sets the stage for the brief but meaningful reflection as we each put into words the experience we have shared. 

I hope these summaries convey the breadth of the experiences we enjoyed and the depth of the impact the tour had on each participant.  To listen to the comments about community, spirituality, family, peoplehood, and connections is a powerful reminder why these trips to Israel are so important.  They inject us with pride.  They ground us when we might think otherwise.  They touch us like few other things in life.  They remind us of the blessing that is ours- the rebirth of the modern state of Israel.

Something magical happens on these trips.  Lifelong bonds are established.  The shul family evolves.  New iterations of our role in Jewish peoplehood are discovered.  It is never too early to start dreaming about the next Anshai Torah trip to Israel.  Don’t miss an experience of a lifetime to travel with family, colleagues, peers- Next Year in Jerusalem.