Weaving - Day One!

Israel Blog, Day 1 (Sunday, Feb 5th): We started the day with a one hour drive to an "absorption center" just outside of Sederot. There, we met up with some of our fellow "weavers," plus our hosts, Rebecca Stern and Asher who introduced us to six young adults who were in the process of making Aliyah directly into the IDF as lone soldiers. These brave "kids," two women and four men, represented six different countries: Australia, Austria, Argentina, France, South Africa & The UK. As the oldest of six children myself, I'm delighted by this coincidence. Having served in the U.S. Army (1990-1994) after graduating from college, I hold a deep respect for those who choose to do so themselves. That they left their own countries for Israel and are beginning this new life stage by joining our renowned fighting force is nothing short of humbling. We toured their barracks, which included "safe rooms" -- you may recall Sederot is five minutes from Gaza, and until fairly recently was subjected to a horrifying daily barrage of missile fire from that contentious region. We wished our young new friends well, said our goodbyes and headed to Ashkalon for lunch and a reunion with an Ethiopian family that Bob Silverman had helped shepherd to Israel some years ago. Speaking of reunions, among our growing Rockland group were Mike and Fran Satran from NCJC. I was good friends with their son Mark when my family had been members of that congregation (some 35 years ago!). Funny how some people and relationships can come full circle. Next, we journeyed to Beit Ha Tikva for more reunions with our fellow participants (Andrea + Lisa) and four more emigrant families. Then back to the hotel for a quick change and meet-up with everyone! The energy is contagious! Thirty Rockland Jewish leaders ready to "figure things out." Lovely welcome from Gary and an impromptu d'var and prayer from Rabbi Ruberg (NCJC) and it's off to dinner at Regina. Technical difficulties didn't stop Dadi Perlmutter from inspiring the group with some wisdom. A few standout remarks: "Life can be understood backwards, but must be lived forwards." and "Sharing is power. Physical assets tend to be divisible, but ideas are additive!" And I loved this anecdote: in surfing, if you're in second place and all you do is follow the leader on subsequent "runs," you cannot win. You Must literally Zag, if the leaders Zigs and vice versa if you want any chance at coming out on top. And so... how will we zig-zag in the days ahead? Stay tuned!