Voices of WRJ: B'midbar

by Susan Bass B’midbar.  Wilderness. Imagine the limitless expanse of desert surrounding the tribes of Israelites as they prepare to depart from Sinai.  How strange it must have been for the generation who knew slavery in Egypt to face such space and freedom.  How overwhelming it must have been to think about their future, surrounded by such conditions! The central theme of the book of Numbers is the transition of tribes into a nation – unified in their belief system, committed to serve the God who brought them out of Egypt. Today, when we visit Israel, our Promised Land, traveling south into the Negev, we catch only a glimpse of that vast space, traveling in our comfortable bus, van or car.  Still, we see small settlements of nomads, people who have lived in this desolation for generations – often within sight of date palm orchards, acres of green, as Israeli irrigation technology has indeed made the desert bloom.  One can only imagine… In May of 2017, Women of Reform Judaism will embark on a “Women’s Journey to Israel.”  For 9 days, we will travel together from Tel Aviv to the Upper Galilee to Jerusalem.  During our time together, we will visit many important historical sites, enjoy the natural beauty of this “overpromised” land, participate in a Rosh Chodesh service with Women of the Wall at the Kotel, and spend time with recipients of WRJ’s grants and scholarships over the years. The itinerary includes experiences for first-timers as well as returning visitors, and of course, time for shopping! Several programs are planned that include speakers on topics such as the geo-politics of Israel, Judaism-Zionism-Feminism, the balance of power on the north border, and how Israeli literature explores various issues of current interest as well as past history.  Many sessions are planned with important leaders and teachers, as well as prominent politicians.  Of course, there will be optional activities, also.  How about a wine and cheese tour in the Upper Galilee?  A rooftop tour of the old city of Jerusalem? Or, in Sfat, a meeting with an artist in her studio for an interactive window into the world of Kabbalah and more? Some of the discussions will focus on the continuing challenge of transitioning tribes into the national body of Israel.  One of the proposed speakers, Professor Dalia Fadila,  is the first Arab woman to be nominated president of an institution of higher education in Israel.  We will have a dialogue with Anat Hoffman, Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) who will share her insights about the challenges of fighting for religious pluralism and social justice in Israel. For those who wish to visit the desert there is an optional add-on to visit Kibbutz Lotan to celebrate Shavuot, and Eilat for some time at the beach.  Kibbutz Lotan is a Reform kibbutz that has a deep commitment to ecology, and has developed eco-friendly systems, many of which are employed around the world. At Lotan, the Reform Movement is making the desert bloom! Come with us!  Join with Reform Jewish women to experience Israel through the lens of Reform Jewish values.  Click here for the brochure.  Click here for more details and to register. If you have never been to Israel, THIS is the journey to take.  If you have been to Israel, join us and experience Israel in a way that is unique, that will leave you with life-long friends! L’hitraot! See you soon! Susan is a native Atlantan, currently living in Houston, TX. Starting as an event chair in her local sisterhood, Susan worked her way through local, then district, then into the leadership ranks of WRJ.  While her parents did not give her any sisters, she has been blessed along her journey to find and connect with so many "sisters."