Skyscrapers and construction in downtown Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo by Drazen_/Getty Images Our phenomenal tour guide, Yonit Schiller explained that the crane is considered the official bird of Tel Aviv. It’s a joke. The truth is that there are construction cranes wherever you look.
This city is constantly in a state of building, rebuilding, renovating and expanding.
Founded in 1909, there were 66 families facing sand dunes and seemingly impossible terrain to build on or construct. And yet, two young children were given sea shells with each family’s name. The 66 families chose shells and divided Tel Aviv into individual plots of land and the dreaming began.
If you walk around Tel Aviv, you’ll hear a plethora of languages, witness different cultures and religions and realize that this special city has become home to so many.
As Yonit taught, Herzl’s vision was this: a Zionist Jewish state for any Jew around the world. While Israel is certainly facing internal and external challenges and threats, walking around Tel Aviv gives me hope. Whether it was the Russian shopkeeper or Ethiopian waiter, each person made sure to both welcome me and explain how much they love Eretz Yisrael.
I was quick to agree. In a few weeks, I’ll be officiating at many weddings. It’s the season. At the end of a wedding we smash a glass to remind us of the destruction of the holy Temples in Jerusalem. But when I hear the glass breaking, I’ll be reminded that a piece of our heart breaks when we leave Israel.
There is only one road to repair: coming back. Israel, Lhitraot. I’ll see you soon.
Shabbat shalom
Rabbi Nicole Guzik is senior rabbi at Sinai Temple. She can be reached at her Facebook page at Rabbi Nicole Guzik or on Instagram @rabbiguzik. For more writings, visit Rabbi Guzik’s blog section from Sinai Temple’s website.
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