Thursday, October 29, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday
We need to get up at 1 am to make our flight that leaves at 5 am. I don’t know who made these flight arrangements, oh wait, it was me. Everyone tells us that you need at least three hours to get through security. They may be close to right. In Jerusalem I learned about the 12 Stations of the Cross, well, in the Tel Aviv airport there are five stations of security.
When we get to the airport at 2 am there is a line long enough to make a retailer cry. Why aren’t they coming to my store? I wonder what I can sell them. Anyway, we get into the business line and go right to the front. However, because of the shift change we have to wait for 15 minutes. Looks like some old British celebrity is here as well. People coming up to get this autograph. He was very polite. I think a member of the Rolling Stones.
So we get to phase one and now have to go and get our boarding pass. Not easy, since we have no seat assignments. This however works out. Now we have to return our rented phone. Then next, we have to go to the passport check. Easy enough, except every time we stop we have to go through all of the same questions. You want to answer, yes, I have a weapon, and I have let everyone in the airport touch my bag and I took three packages from strangers at the airport to bring back to the US to their Middle Eastern parents.
From passport check in we now go through the normal (read US type) security line. Easy except for the woman in front of us that did not realize she would actually have to show a passport and ticket so she had to dig into a bag bigger than my dad was issued for all of his gear when he was deployed to North Africa.
The flight was easy and now we had to do all of this again in Spain. I do feel safe now as we are flying over the Atlantic.
The trip was wonderful. I did not really get to see everything I had hoped to see, but I did get to see something wonderful, perhaps even beautiful. I had hoped to see Masada and that just did not fit into our schedule. To know that there is a place, like Warsaw during World War II, that our Jewish ancestors fought the ultimate battle is very important to me. These were a people that KNEW there is only one G-d Shama Israel. They knew that they were doing the right thing and would not give in to oppressors. I would have liked to have gone to the Dead Sea and many of the other historical parts of Israel, but that will happen in another trip.
What I did get to see, my surprise, was the love that a man has for his people and the life long friendships a man can make. The glow Harry had throughout the trip is impossible to describe. Harry Kahn is a unique individual. He likes to be contrarian. He wants you to take the other point of view, just to make sure you have thought of everything. But on this trip, there was only one point of view, look at this country, look at these people and what they have accomplished. The unspoken word is that because of the sacrifice they make every day, Jews in America have the ability to practice their religion. They are the front line of our religious freedom and Harry is so proud of them.
It is a rare time in your life when you can see a man like Harry Kahn get so tied up he can’t talk. I experienced this many times in the past week. I can always go back and see the things and places I missed on this trip, but I thank G-d for the opportunity I got to see Harry Kahn.
So, this is the story of Rich and Harry’s great Israeli adventure. I hope you enjoyed it and come back to see the pictures soon.
Rich
We need to get up at 1 am to make our flight that leaves at 5 am. I don’t know who made these flight arrangements, oh wait, it was me. Everyone tells us that you need at least three hours to get through security. They may be close to right. In Jerusalem I learned about the 12 Stations of the Cross, well, in the Tel Aviv airport there are five stations of security.
When we get to the airport at 2 am there is a line long enough to make a retailer cry. Why aren’t they coming to my store? I wonder what I can sell them. Anyway, we get into the business line and go right to the front. However, because of the shift change we have to wait for 15 minutes. Looks like some old British celebrity is here as well. People coming up to get this autograph. He was very polite. I think a member of the Rolling Stones.
So we get to phase one and now have to go and get our boarding pass. Not easy, since we have no seat assignments. This however works out. Now we have to return our rented phone. Then next, we have to go to the passport check. Easy enough, except every time we stop we have to go through all of the same questions. You want to answer, yes, I have a weapon, and I have let everyone in the airport touch my bag and I took three packages from strangers at the airport to bring back to the US to their Middle Eastern parents.
From passport check in we now go through the normal (read US type) security line. Easy except for the woman in front of us that did not realize she would actually have to show a passport and ticket so she had to dig into a bag bigger than my dad was issued for all of his gear when he was deployed to North Africa.
The flight was easy and now we had to do all of this again in Spain. I do feel safe now as we are flying over the Atlantic.
The trip was wonderful. I did not really get to see everything I had hoped to see, but I did get to see something wonderful, perhaps even beautiful. I had hoped to see Masada and that just did not fit into our schedule. To know that there is a place, like Warsaw during World War II, that our Jewish ancestors fought the ultimate battle is very important to me. These were a people that KNEW there is only one G-d Shama Israel. They knew that they were doing the right thing and would not give in to oppressors. I would have liked to have gone to the Dead Sea and many of the other historical parts of Israel, but that will happen in another trip.
What I did get to see, my surprise, was the love that a man has for his people and the life long friendships a man can make. The glow Harry had throughout the trip is impossible to describe. Harry Kahn is a unique individual. He likes to be contrarian. He wants you to take the other point of view, just to make sure you have thought of everything. But on this trip, there was only one point of view, look at this country, look at these people and what they have accomplished. The unspoken word is that because of the sacrifice they make every day, Jews in America have the ability to practice their religion. They are the front line of our religious freedom and Harry is so proud of them.
It is a rare time in your life when you can see a man like Harry Kahn get so tied up he can’t talk. I experienced this many times in the past week. I can always go back and see the things and places I missed on this trip, but I thank G-d for the opportunity I got to see Harry Kahn.
So, this is the story of Rich and Harry’s great Israeli adventure. I hope you enjoyed it and come back to see the pictures soon.
Rich
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Shabbat.
Perhaps the most unusual day of our trip so far. Harry really wants us to go the wall and pray on Shabbat, and I am certainly in favor of that. We get a little late start, because I did not want to wake Harry. We get a call from Harry’s friend Ari Friedman. They knew each other from Fort Worth. I am coming to believe Harry knows everyone in Israel. One big happy family. Ari asks if he can join us and take us to the Kotel. He is from Jerusalem originally, so this is a special treat. We hear of how the war was fought and the city retaken from the Arabs. We get to the wall, Ari finds me a book with the English and the Hebrew and we have Shabbat service. There are many people reading torah, so I go and stand by one of them. It is the first reading of the year, so I know that beginning (this is a joke for those of you that know even as little torah as I do). The feeling is so special. It is like you are that much closer to G-d. Not sure if it is what I am suppose to feel because everyone told me that was what was going to happen or I just do. It is very solemn. You have time to speak. No one is rushing you or slowing you down.
There are lots of non-Jewish tourist here today. I am surprised at how some of the women are dressed. It is apparent that they have not spoken to their mothers about it. Marvin, you would OK this as proper bima attire. HA.
Ari, takes us about Jerusalem a bit more and then we are back to the hotel and meet up with Jane. We go and have a small slice of Pizza and then off to Jane’s sons house to meet their family. Besides not being able to spell, I am terrible at names, so I won’t even try here. But Jane’s daughter meets us there with her family. She has 3 children and one on the way. Jane’s son has 3 children as well and all of them play very well together. Jane is really blessed. To have so many grandchildren and all of them so bright and close. Now I don’t want you to think a theme is developing again, but it is once again time to eat. Jane’s daughter in law made a spectacular brunch. The table was over flowing with food and I was forced (I am sure there was a gun in the house somewhere) to try everything. Terri, I am still trying to come back slimmer than when I left, but I am losing the battle I think.
Harry is just beaming. He has known this family for more than 30 years. Jane used to run the community center in Fort Worth. Harry has held and healed these children (now adults) since they were infants, and not seem them since. But it is like old home week. The future of Israel after seeing the dark past yesterday at Yad Vashem. The joy in Harry’s eyes was priceless. Never said, but I am sure he would have much rather had Doris here with him instead of me, but as Harry would say, you cannot change that. What a great family.. Uav (I think the spelling is correct) is an attorney but also a reservist. He fought in both Lebanon as well as the recent Gaza conflict. This is a brave man and just like our greatest generation, he is now about the task of raising his family, learning about his new job and enjoying soccer. What a great example he is for his children and all of the rest of us. He knows that if he did not fight for his country there would be no country.
I took a picture of the family and Harry which I will post when I get back and figure out all of this high tech stuff, but it was really good. Now back to the hotel and a good night sleep. Harry and Jane have a drink in the bar and I leave them to catch up. I am so fortunate to see Israel in this way. While I might be missing some of the “things” to see in Israel, I am seeing the soul of the country, and I can tell you this soul is alive and growing. These people have a purpose, and with a purpose there is always a future. They know they must build their country, build their infrastructure and build their strength, because by doing so their will leave their children a better place than they found.
Sunday
Sunday is a work day in Israel. Harry and I have decided to take the train from Jerusalem to Haifa today. We take a cab to Modi im and then get on the train. We ask to insure we are on the right train just like Terri and I did in Paris when we went to see Mandy. Since my French is better than my Hebrew, which should tell you lots about my Hebrew, we ask a soldier, and he, in perfect English, helps us out. We get settled in for a very nice hour and a half ride. Now I have got to tell you that what happened next happened in the US there would be people ducking for cover, but here it was just routine.
In about two stops a good looking soldier got on the train (mandy, there are lots of nice looking Jewish guys over here, all fit and trim) and just as you please, laid his machine gun on his lap. And, as Harry said, he was sure it was loaded. Nothing out of the ordinary. No one thought anything of it, but there it was. A few stops later another soldier did the same thing. You have got to feel safe with all of these guns around. Did I tell you the security at all of the hotels, train stations and tourist attractions also have these same guns. They must be getting them wholesale. I guess if Davey Crocket had had all of these at the Alamo, Santana would never had stood a chance, and afterall, that is the impression that is suppose to be felt by any bad guys here.
We arrive at the train station in Haifa and get a cab. As we are driving up you see the Ba’ Hai’ gardens. I can’t tell you how magnificent it is, but think of a straightened out Lombard street in San Francisco, with steps all of the way up three times as big. I don’t know how many gardeners they have or how they cut the grass, but it is all worth the effort. I tell myself I am going to climb the steps in the morning, but who am I kidding, I am yet to be stuffed again (you remember they keep a gun to my head when food comes out) they might roll me down the steps instead.
The hotel is at the top of the mountain in Haifa and the view is magnificent. Harry wants to go to McDonalds, honestly it was his idea, and so we walked up to McDonald's. I had a Falafal Burger and it was fine. Harry has been to a McDonald's in every country he has visited except Russia, so we had to keep his streak in tack.
that evening we went to another friend of Harry's house at the top of Haifa. Noach used to live in Fort Worth more than 30 years ago. Harry has kept in touch with Noach and Naomi ever since. When i tell you one meal is larger than the next, i must tell you that this was the largest. And there was no turning down food at their house. From their balcony you could see forever. The warmth and kindness that these people showed us was heart warming. I think I will never eat again, but then there was the next day.
Monday
Jareeve picked us up at 9:30. Harry has a serious sore throat and we go looking for a doctor. Unable to find one we go to a drug store and Harry get Harry some things to suck one. Eventually he is feeling better. Jareeve takes us to a Druse village. These are not Arabs and are fully integrated into Israeli society. They are in the Army, they vote, and they work. It appears that they are thriving like the rest of productive Israel. From there we go to the monastery of Elijua. Walking up to the building i could not figure out why we were stopping here, but oh well. Once we got onto the top of the building you could see forever. While the day was a bit hazy, the view was still spectacular. Right in front of us were tremendous agricultural fields and...an F16 base. If only they had been taking off.
Our next stop was a Kibbutz. Now less than 3% of all of Israel lives on a Kibbutz, but they still have land. So to make the land work for them some of the Kibbutz have been selling off parcels of the land to either developers or to senior citizens homes.
From there we were onto Jareez's home. His wife is an architect and she designed their home. They have three wonderful sons. One is in the army and doing well. The other two are still in school. Once again we had to eat and once again it was wonderful. How do you tell a Jewish mother no. Then Jareez and his wife drove us to Tel Aviv. I must admit that i fell asleep in the car, but did wake up to hear about shopping on Diezendorf street in Tel Aviv. But, that would be for the next day. We check into the hotel. And called it a night. We are in the Renaissance here in Tel Aviv, it is so nice to be back in a Marriott property. No, Sid, I have not figured out how to get them to give me more points, but they only serve diet Coke. In the lounge it is free, cold and plentiful. In the breakfast the next morning i find out how much it cost if you have to pay...$5 US.
Tuesday
I got up and ran the boardwalk for about a mile and a half. You have got to give the Israeli army a lot of credit. You can't imagine how fit and trim all of the people here are. I think it is how you can tell a tourist from a local. Really, and all of them are out exercising this morning. I had a great run and really enjoyed all of the moving scenery as well. Marvin, you might have hurt your neck wipping back and forth to insure all were worth of your approval.
We get up and have breakfast this morning. It is the most amazing spread you have ever seen. I don't know why hotels don't do this in the US. There must be 15 different types of fish, more fruit than I knew existed, pasteries (yes, they think chocolate is a breakfast food), eggs of all types and coffee, all included in the price of the room.
After breakfast we get in a cab and go over to the Carmel market. This is great. I could live here. Meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, bread, pastries, and stuff. Since we were full, and since we cannot take food back with us (i just love customs) we focus on the stuff. I bought a couple of things and so did Harry. Had a lot of fun negotiating with the vendor. We are talking about small change, but it was fun.
When we were finished we made our way back to the hotel and took off for Diezendorff street. This was a bit disappointing as it used to be the street to shop and sit at cafe's. Not so much anymore. But we had a luncheon date with Jane and her daughter and son in law, so off we went.
In Tel Aviv they have taken a dock area and made it into a really outstanding night life area. They have restaurants and shopping. We met Jane, Emmy and her husband Tal, who is a big celebrity in Tel Avia. He has the morning drive time show. We had a great lunch and i mad the decision not to eat the rest of the day. Harry still has to go out to dinner tonight with a relative of Doris, so i have begged off.
More on the trip home later.
rich
Perhaps the most unusual day of our trip so far. Harry really wants us to go the wall and pray on Shabbat, and I am certainly in favor of that. We get a little late start, because I did not want to wake Harry. We get a call from Harry’s friend Ari Friedman. They knew each other from Fort Worth. I am coming to believe Harry knows everyone in Israel. One big happy family. Ari asks if he can join us and take us to the Kotel. He is from Jerusalem originally, so this is a special treat. We hear of how the war was fought and the city retaken from the Arabs. We get to the wall, Ari finds me a book with the English and the Hebrew and we have Shabbat service. There are many people reading torah, so I go and stand by one of them. It is the first reading of the year, so I know that beginning (this is a joke for those of you that know even as little torah as I do). The feeling is so special. It is like you are that much closer to G-d. Not sure if it is what I am suppose to feel because everyone told me that was what was going to happen or I just do. It is very solemn. You have time to speak. No one is rushing you or slowing you down.
There are lots of non-Jewish tourist here today. I am surprised at how some of the women are dressed. It is apparent that they have not spoken to their mothers about it. Marvin, you would OK this as proper bima attire. HA.
Ari, takes us about Jerusalem a bit more and then we are back to the hotel and meet up with Jane. We go and have a small slice of Pizza and then off to Jane’s sons house to meet their family. Besides not being able to spell, I am terrible at names, so I won’t even try here. But Jane’s daughter meets us there with her family. She has 3 children and one on the way. Jane’s son has 3 children as well and all of them play very well together. Jane is really blessed. To have so many grandchildren and all of them so bright and close. Now I don’t want you to think a theme is developing again, but it is once again time to eat. Jane’s daughter in law made a spectacular brunch. The table was over flowing with food and I was forced (I am sure there was a gun in the house somewhere) to try everything. Terri, I am still trying to come back slimmer than when I left, but I am losing the battle I think.
Harry is just beaming. He has known this family for more than 30 years. Jane used to run the community center in Fort Worth. Harry has held and healed these children (now adults) since they were infants, and not seem them since. But it is like old home week. The future of Israel after seeing the dark past yesterday at Yad Vashem. The joy in Harry’s eyes was priceless. Never said, but I am sure he would have much rather had Doris here with him instead of me, but as Harry would say, you cannot change that. What a great family.. Uav (I think the spelling is correct) is an attorney but also a reservist. He fought in both Lebanon as well as the recent Gaza conflict. This is a brave man and just like our greatest generation, he is now about the task of raising his family, learning about his new job and enjoying soccer. What a great example he is for his children and all of the rest of us. He knows that if he did not fight for his country there would be no country.
I took a picture of the family and Harry which I will post when I get back and figure out all of this high tech stuff, but it was really good. Now back to the hotel and a good night sleep. Harry and Jane have a drink in the bar and I leave them to catch up. I am so fortunate to see Israel in this way. While I might be missing some of the “things” to see in Israel, I am seeing the soul of the country, and I can tell you this soul is alive and growing. These people have a purpose, and with a purpose there is always a future. They know they must build their country, build their infrastructure and build their strength, because by doing so their will leave their children a better place than they found.
Sunday
Sunday is a work day in Israel. Harry and I have decided to take the train from Jerusalem to Haifa today. We take a cab to Modi im and then get on the train. We ask to insure we are on the right train just like Terri and I did in Paris when we went to see Mandy. Since my French is better than my Hebrew, which should tell you lots about my Hebrew, we ask a soldier, and he, in perfect English, helps us out. We get settled in for a very nice hour and a half ride. Now I have got to tell you that what happened next happened in the US there would be people ducking for cover, but here it was just routine.
In about two stops a good looking soldier got on the train (mandy, there are lots of nice looking Jewish guys over here, all fit and trim) and just as you please, laid his machine gun on his lap. And, as Harry said, he was sure it was loaded. Nothing out of the ordinary. No one thought anything of it, but there it was. A few stops later another soldier did the same thing. You have got to feel safe with all of these guns around. Did I tell you the security at all of the hotels, train stations and tourist attractions also have these same guns. They must be getting them wholesale. I guess if Davey Crocket had had all of these at the Alamo, Santana would never had stood a chance, and afterall, that is the impression that is suppose to be felt by any bad guys here.
We arrive at the train station in Haifa and get a cab. As we are driving up you see the Ba’ Hai’ gardens. I can’t tell you how magnificent it is, but think of a straightened out Lombard street in San Francisco, with steps all of the way up three times as big. I don’t know how many gardeners they have or how they cut the grass, but it is all worth the effort. I tell myself I am going to climb the steps in the morning, but who am I kidding, I am yet to be stuffed again (you remember they keep a gun to my head when food comes out) they might roll me down the steps instead.
The hotel is at the top of the mountain in Haifa and the view is magnificent. Harry wants to go to McDonalds, honestly it was his idea, and so we walked up to McDonald's. I had a Falafal Burger and it was fine. Harry has been to a McDonald's in every country he has visited except Russia, so we had to keep his streak in tack.
that evening we went to another friend of Harry's house at the top of Haifa. Noach used to live in Fort Worth more than 30 years ago. Harry has kept in touch with Noach and Naomi ever since. When i tell you one meal is larger than the next, i must tell you that this was the largest. And there was no turning down food at their house. From their balcony you could see forever. The warmth and kindness that these people showed us was heart warming. I think I will never eat again, but then there was the next day.
Monday
Jareeve picked us up at 9:30. Harry has a serious sore throat and we go looking for a doctor. Unable to find one we go to a drug store and Harry get Harry some things to suck one. Eventually he is feeling better. Jareeve takes us to a Druse village. These are not Arabs and are fully integrated into Israeli society. They are in the Army, they vote, and they work. It appears that they are thriving like the rest of productive Israel. From there we go to the monastery of Elijua. Walking up to the building i could not figure out why we were stopping here, but oh well. Once we got onto the top of the building you could see forever. While the day was a bit hazy, the view was still spectacular. Right in front of us were tremendous agricultural fields and...an F16 base. If only they had been taking off.
Our next stop was a Kibbutz. Now less than 3% of all of Israel lives on a Kibbutz, but they still have land. So to make the land work for them some of the Kibbutz have been selling off parcels of the land to either developers or to senior citizens homes.
From there we were onto Jareez's home. His wife is an architect and she designed their home. They have three wonderful sons. One is in the army and doing well. The other two are still in school. Once again we had to eat and once again it was wonderful. How do you tell a Jewish mother no. Then Jareez and his wife drove us to Tel Aviv. I must admit that i fell asleep in the car, but did wake up to hear about shopping on Diezendorf street in Tel Aviv. But, that would be for the next day. We check into the hotel. And called it a night. We are in the Renaissance here in Tel Aviv, it is so nice to be back in a Marriott property. No, Sid, I have not figured out how to get them to give me more points, but they only serve diet Coke. In the lounge it is free, cold and plentiful. In the breakfast the next morning i find out how much it cost if you have to pay...$5 US.
Tuesday
I got up and ran the boardwalk for about a mile and a half. You have got to give the Israeli army a lot of credit. You can't imagine how fit and trim all of the people here are. I think it is how you can tell a tourist from a local. Really, and all of them are out exercising this morning. I had a great run and really enjoyed all of the moving scenery as well. Marvin, you might have hurt your neck wipping back and forth to insure all were worth of your approval.
We get up and have breakfast this morning. It is the most amazing spread you have ever seen. I don't know why hotels don't do this in the US. There must be 15 different types of fish, more fruit than I knew existed, pasteries (yes, they think chocolate is a breakfast food), eggs of all types and coffee, all included in the price of the room.
After breakfast we get in a cab and go over to the Carmel market. This is great. I could live here. Meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, bread, pastries, and stuff. Since we were full, and since we cannot take food back with us (i just love customs) we focus on the stuff. I bought a couple of things and so did Harry. Had a lot of fun negotiating with the vendor. We are talking about small change, but it was fun.
When we were finished we made our way back to the hotel and took off for Diezendorff street. This was a bit disappointing as it used to be the street to shop and sit at cafe's. Not so much anymore. But we had a luncheon date with Jane and her daughter and son in law, so off we went.
In Tel Aviv they have taken a dock area and made it into a really outstanding night life area. They have restaurants and shopping. We met Jane, Emmy and her husband Tal, who is a big celebrity in Tel Avia. He has the morning drive time show. We had a great lunch and i mad the decision not to eat the rest of the day. Harry still has to go out to dinner tonight with a relative of Doris, so i have begged off.
More on the trip home later.
rich
Friday, October 16, 2009
Friday October 16
October 16th, my birthday in the Jerusalem. Got up and Harry had eaten too many Prunes, so Celise and I went to the Church of the Rock without Harry. What a great adventure and the explanation of the way the church is run by five different sects of the Catholic Church are amazing. I thought it was just the Jews that at times don't get along with each other, not so. These five different sects own the church, and they must all agree before improvements are made, with that understanding you understand why this church, of all churches, looks so poor.
This church is built around a rock. Watching the people and they come to the church and see the amazement in their eyes and the true love they have when they touch the rock, these people are believers. I feel like an outsider just observing, but perhaps that is what I am doing. I learn about the Coptic Church and see some of their priests. So ancient in such a modern world. The Greeks own the part of the church where the rock is, so they are taking in the most money. Very strange set up, but it has been like this for several hundred years.
From here we walk back to the hotel to get Harry and walk through a new outside high dollar mall in Jerusalem. Very impressive, but I did not buy Terri the $20,000 diamond necklace, even with the discount for the tax i would not have to pay.
We continue to walk back to the hotel. I think the favorite bird of Jerusalem is the crane, because they are going up everywhere. The construction that is going on is beyond belief. And i am not talking about in expensive apartments. These are $1,000,000 and according to our guide, they are not lived in most of the year.
We get back to the hotel and Harry is doing somewhat better.
Now the fun begins. First off to the Israel museum to see the model of Jerusalem from 70 AD. It is incredible. At 50 to 1 ration, it is more than an acre in size. It was constructed the first time before Israel won the 1967 six Day war and the excavation of the Western Wall, but the correctness and details are astonishing. Then we got to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. More than 2000 years old, these scrolls have been meticulously preserved. I can't tell you how moving it was to learn how luck brought these scrolls to Jerusalem.
Now the treat of the trip so far, we went to the Jewish market right before it closed for Shabbat. The hustle and bustle of the market was contagious. the food offerings we unbelievable. We had fresh lox then we went and bought pita bread and had a sandwich. I had rugglah so fresh it was still warm...chocolate of course. Harry was with us, but very careful about what he ate so he went light. But I almost had to wipe the drool from his face when he saw the various stands of herring and olives. This was a man in heaven. I wanted to buy one each of the bread, but i kept hearing Terri's voice in the background to slow down. Guilt from 7,500 miles away, man she is really good.
We rode the bus back from the market to our hotel and said good bye to our wonderful guide. If you ever go to Israel, having a personal guide is the absolute way to do it.
Harry and I took a rest, and then his friend Jane came and picked us up to go to another friends house for Shabbat dinner. If this is how all of Israel lives, even just for Shabbat, i am just shocked they are all not 300 pounds, and they are not.
We started with prayer, and you could see this was how this family lived every Shabbat. Bringing the family together honoring what G-d has brought them and honoring our tradition. Such a close and wonderful family. the meal was something you should have every night. We started with chicken liver and onions, then had matzo ball soup, then moved to a terrific green salad and then the main course. This consisted of veal, chicken, mashed potatoes, and cauliflower. Then for the sweet course we had ice cream, sherbet, nuts, and fruit.
But the best part of the dinner was the conversation. Harry and Dave spoke about meat packing, then Dave and I shared our common gout illness and the lack of compassion we get when we have an attack. I found out that one of the side affects of the medication to take care of the attack can be irritability. Who knew that was my problem. We all spoke about politics, food, children, business, interior design, and of course, history. However, they all knew all of their biblical history much better than i ever could. Talking about Jewish and Christian history, i was just an eager listener. Their historical insights were so fun to listen to. I can't tell you when i got to listen to a better conversation.
We had to call it a night because they keep the Shabbat, and as such have programed all of their lights to shut off by 1 pm. Jane took us back to the hotel and drove home. the welcoming warmth of Harry's friends has been such a delight. The respect he has with these people is a true comment on how great a person Harry really is.
rich
This church is built around a rock. Watching the people and they come to the church and see the amazement in their eyes and the true love they have when they touch the rock, these people are believers. I feel like an outsider just observing, but perhaps that is what I am doing. I learn about the Coptic Church and see some of their priests. So ancient in such a modern world. The Greeks own the part of the church where the rock is, so they are taking in the most money. Very strange set up, but it has been like this for several hundred years.
From here we walk back to the hotel to get Harry and walk through a new outside high dollar mall in Jerusalem. Very impressive, but I did not buy Terri the $20,000 diamond necklace, even with the discount for the tax i would not have to pay.
We continue to walk back to the hotel. I think the favorite bird of Jerusalem is the crane, because they are going up everywhere. The construction that is going on is beyond belief. And i am not talking about in expensive apartments. These are $1,000,000 and according to our guide, they are not lived in most of the year.
We get back to the hotel and Harry is doing somewhat better.
Now the fun begins. First off to the Israel museum to see the model of Jerusalem from 70 AD. It is incredible. At 50 to 1 ration, it is more than an acre in size. It was constructed the first time before Israel won the 1967 six Day war and the excavation of the Western Wall, but the correctness and details are astonishing. Then we got to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. More than 2000 years old, these scrolls have been meticulously preserved. I can't tell you how moving it was to learn how luck brought these scrolls to Jerusalem.
Now the treat of the trip so far, we went to the Jewish market right before it closed for Shabbat. The hustle and bustle of the market was contagious. the food offerings we unbelievable. We had fresh lox then we went and bought pita bread and had a sandwich. I had rugglah so fresh it was still warm...chocolate of course. Harry was with us, but very careful about what he ate so he went light. But I almost had to wipe the drool from his face when he saw the various stands of herring and olives. This was a man in heaven. I wanted to buy one each of the bread, but i kept hearing Terri's voice in the background to slow down. Guilt from 7,500 miles away, man she is really good.
We rode the bus back from the market to our hotel and said good bye to our wonderful guide. If you ever go to Israel, having a personal guide is the absolute way to do it.
Harry and I took a rest, and then his friend Jane came and picked us up to go to another friends house for Shabbat dinner. If this is how all of Israel lives, even just for Shabbat, i am just shocked they are all not 300 pounds, and they are not.
We started with prayer, and you could see this was how this family lived every Shabbat. Bringing the family together honoring what G-d has brought them and honoring our tradition. Such a close and wonderful family. the meal was something you should have every night. We started with chicken liver and onions, then had matzo ball soup, then moved to a terrific green salad and then the main course. This consisted of veal, chicken, mashed potatoes, and cauliflower. Then for the sweet course we had ice cream, sherbet, nuts, and fruit.
But the best part of the dinner was the conversation. Harry and Dave spoke about meat packing, then Dave and I shared our common gout illness and the lack of compassion we get when we have an attack. I found out that one of the side affects of the medication to take care of the attack can be irritability. Who knew that was my problem. We all spoke about politics, food, children, business, interior design, and of course, history. However, they all knew all of their biblical history much better than i ever could. Talking about Jewish and Christian history, i was just an eager listener. Their historical insights were so fun to listen to. I can't tell you when i got to listen to a better conversation.
We had to call it a night because they keep the Shabbat, and as such have programed all of their lights to shut off by 1 pm. Jane took us back to the hotel and drove home. the welcoming warmth of Harry's friends has been such a delight. The respect he has with these people is a true comment on how great a person Harry really is.
rich
Here we are on Thursday morning and Harry and I met Celia to begin our adventure. We went to Hadassah hospital today for the first stop on our tour. This is a wonderful place that i think demonstrates how all of the different communities of Israel could work together. Debbie Rice set up a VIP tour of the facility. Incredible! They have built the hospital to wihstand virtually any attack that could happen. We got to see the ER unit of the hospital which was state of the art. We also got to see the childrens unit of the ER which was very well thought out. then onto the Womens and Childrens unit of the hospital and finally the 12 Chigal windows. They were magnificant. The serenity of the chapel could really make you understand the meaning he was trying to accomplish.
From the hospital we went to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum. With the purpose of insuring the world does not forget, Israel has done an incomparable job. Harry, as some of you know, was born in Germany and left right after Kristal Nacht. At the end of the tour, a tour where you saw and heard from survivors of the Holocaust, there is a data base where you can look up your relatives and see what happened. Harry was able to find information on 3 of the six relatives he was looking for. It was then time for a stiff drink. The best we could find was a beer. Then we went to the childrens part of the museum. This is where you learn about the 1,500,000 children murdered by the Nazi's. It is something that the mind simply cannot comprehend. How can anything like this ever happen. Yet, it is happening again today, it is just not happening to us.
Our next stop is Old Jerusalem. We entered through the Jaffa gate and into the Arab market we went. As Celia said, watch your wallet. (no problems). the hub bub of the market was fantastic. Lots of stalls and lots of people selling stuff...all made in China i think. Celia took us around and we learned about the moving of the walls throughout the 36 times the city has been occupied. And we walked and walked. We went up to a spot that you could see the 4 quarters of the city. Israel has done a great job of cleaning up their part of the city since the 1967 war. But, if you look over to the Arab part of the city it is the difference between night and day. Right next to each other you see the clean part of the Jewish, Christian quarters and the antennas and electrical wires of the Arab quarter.
We then walked about Jerusalem and learned about the Roman roads and such and how the different layers of excavation came about and how the learnings are going on even today with this vibrant city growing around the efforts. the city has grown nearly 7 fold since 1948.
Now for the biggest thrill of all, we went to the Kotel, the Western Wall. When Israel won the 7 day war in 1967, what we now see of the Western Wall had not been seen in hundreds of years. there were houses in the way layers and layers of history. But there it was in all of it's present day glory.
Standing perhaps 75 feet tall with perhaps another35 feet below that, here the Jews come to pray. They come to pray in freedom and safety. They come with other Jews to their special place, to where G-d told us to build a temple. They come to where, like no where else in the world, they can feel like a Jew. Where it is not unusual to wear a Kippa and where you can touch the same wall that was touched 2,000 years ago by our ancestors.
There were many of the ultra-orthodox at the wall yesterday, as i am told there are everyday. Men on one side and women on the other side. Harry and I went to the men's side and prayed. There were many places to have prayer as all you needed to do to start a minyan was to grab a table and start leading.
I was put off by some of the Ultra-orthodox as they seemed to be there to ask for money. But they did not bother me and i certainly did not bother them. It did seem to take away from the spirituality of the experience. We will see how it is on Shabbat.
We had fun finding a cab but finally did. On the way back I was so tired I fell asleep. No problem, because the traffic was so bad I got a 30 minuet nap.
Dinner was outstanding. Harry had poached Salmon he said was the best he ever had. He got the recipe from the chef, and then tried to change it. I said "harry, you said it was the best you ever had." He agreed and will make it as soon as he gets home.
Update on todays activities after we go to dinner I can't figure out to post the pictures so i will wait until i get home. Mandy and Becky, you both get elected to show me again how "simple" it is
From the hospital we went to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum. With the purpose of insuring the world does not forget, Israel has done an incomparable job. Harry, as some of you know, was born in Germany and left right after Kristal Nacht. At the end of the tour, a tour where you saw and heard from survivors of the Holocaust, there is a data base where you can look up your relatives and see what happened. Harry was able to find information on 3 of the six relatives he was looking for. It was then time for a stiff drink. The best we could find was a beer. Then we went to the childrens part of the museum. This is where you learn about the 1,500,000 children murdered by the Nazi's. It is something that the mind simply cannot comprehend. How can anything like this ever happen. Yet, it is happening again today, it is just not happening to us.
Our next stop is Old Jerusalem. We entered through the Jaffa gate and into the Arab market we went. As Celia said, watch your wallet. (no problems). the hub bub of the market was fantastic. Lots of stalls and lots of people selling stuff...all made in China i think. Celia took us around and we learned about the moving of the walls throughout the 36 times the city has been occupied. And we walked and walked. We went up to a spot that you could see the 4 quarters of the city. Israel has done a great job of cleaning up their part of the city since the 1967 war. But, if you look over to the Arab part of the city it is the difference between night and day. Right next to each other you see the clean part of the Jewish, Christian quarters and the antennas and electrical wires of the Arab quarter.
We then walked about Jerusalem and learned about the Roman roads and such and how the different layers of excavation came about and how the learnings are going on even today with this vibrant city growing around the efforts. the city has grown nearly 7 fold since 1948.
Now for the biggest thrill of all, we went to the Kotel, the Western Wall. When Israel won the 7 day war in 1967, what we now see of the Western Wall had not been seen in hundreds of years. there were houses in the way layers and layers of history. But there it was in all of it's present day glory.
Standing perhaps 75 feet tall with perhaps another35 feet below that, here the Jews come to pray. They come to pray in freedom and safety. They come with other Jews to their special place, to where G-d told us to build a temple. They come to where, like no where else in the world, they can feel like a Jew. Where it is not unusual to wear a Kippa and where you can touch the same wall that was touched 2,000 years ago by our ancestors.
There were many of the ultra-orthodox at the wall yesterday, as i am told there are everyday. Men on one side and women on the other side. Harry and I went to the men's side and prayed. There were many places to have prayer as all you needed to do to start a minyan was to grab a table and start leading.
I was put off by some of the Ultra-orthodox as they seemed to be there to ask for money. But they did not bother me and i certainly did not bother them. It did seem to take away from the spirituality of the experience. We will see how it is on Shabbat.
We had fun finding a cab but finally did. On the way back I was so tired I fell asleep. No problem, because the traffic was so bad I got a 30 minuet nap.
Dinner was outstanding. Harry had poached Salmon he said was the best he ever had. He got the recipe from the chef, and then tried to change it. I said "harry, you said it was the best you ever had." He agreed and will make it as soon as he gets home.
Update on todays activities after we go to dinner I can't figure out to post the pictures so i will wait until i get home. Mandy and Becky, you both get elected to show me again how "simple" it is
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Welcome to Israel. The first thing that struck me was how modern the airport was. I don't know what, exactly, i was expecting, but it was nothing like this. Perhaps one of the most modern airports i have ever seen. A beautiful arrival hall. Everyone and everything is in Hebrew, but everyone speaks perfect English. We get through passport control and customs without a hitch. They want to know the flight number you are on but after that no one asks us anything. We are met by one of Harry's friends out side of customs. It is like Harry has not seen him in years. Jerry is an avionics engineer and he and Harry met in Fort Worth when he lived there for two years. We stop and get a cell phone (can't live with out that apparantly-i tried to put a sim card in the one i brought,but it did not work. ) Then off to the car and on to Jerusalem. Modern life in Israel is astonishing. If you realize that in 1948 Israel became a state and from then on has had to defend it self, you wonder how they could have possibly built a world class road and rail system. and just like the rest of the world there is traffic...even at night. But we got through that. Coming into Jerusalem in the evening is beautiful. The city sparkles like the jewel it is. People are walking everywhere. Before we go to the hotel we stop by the Kenesset (Israel's seat of government. ) We try and drive up there, but we are turned back. So we get out of the car and walk. there is a beautiful garden with a large menorah with the inscription in Hebrew "Hear O Israel" -Javier, i could actually read it. Then across the street is this beautiful building, the Kenesset. We could not go in as it was late. The security guard stopped us and simply asked if we had any weapons. Everyone keeps asking us that, it must be our terrorist looks.
From there we went to the Treasury and tried to find the supreme court but we couldn't. It is striking how many people here are walking. Eating ice cream, holding hands, just walking. Very calming.
Now off to the hotel. We check in and go up to the room to drop our stuff. The clerk downstairs told us we got an upgrade, well if that is true I sure don't want to see the smaller rooms. But it has a nice view out of the window.
We then go downstairs and Jerry is waiting and has a map to show us where we are and we we should go in the morning. It looks like we are going to the Hadassah hospital first and then off to the Holocaust Memorial (one of my must sees). Then in the afternoon the old city unless the friend of one of Harry's friends meets us and then our plans could very well change, which is find by me, afterall, this is an adventure.
We can walk to the old city from here and fully intend to do so. Rabbi has also given me some important things to see. I will try and get those in as well.
Well, back to sleep now so i can work out in the morning. I weighed my self before i left and i want to come back thinner. I am a bit worried about breakfast as it is suppose to be terrific. Funny how food always get into my thoughts. It really could be just like Sid said when asked what his favorite meal was...it was his last one. And the corollary is that his next favorite meal is the one that is coming up.
From there we went to the Treasury and tried to find the supreme court but we couldn't. It is striking how many people here are walking. Eating ice cream, holding hands, just walking. Very calming.
Now off to the hotel. We check in and go up to the room to drop our stuff. The clerk downstairs told us we got an upgrade, well if that is true I sure don't want to see the smaller rooms. But it has a nice view out of the window.
We then go downstairs and Jerry is waiting and has a map to show us where we are and we we should go in the morning. It looks like we are going to the Hadassah hospital first and then off to the Holocaust Memorial (one of my must sees). Then in the afternoon the old city unless the friend of one of Harry's friends meets us and then our plans could very well change, which is find by me, afterall, this is an adventure.
We can walk to the old city from here and fully intend to do so. Rabbi has also given me some important things to see. I will try and get those in as well.
Well, back to sleep now so i can work out in the morning. I weighed my self before i left and i want to come back thinner. I am a bit worried about breakfast as it is suppose to be terrific. Funny how food always get into my thoughts. It really could be just like Sid said when asked what his favorite meal was...it was his last one. And the corollary is that his next favorite meal is the one that is coming up.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Halfway There
We left yesterday from DFW and are now at Frankfurt airport Admirals club. Nice Club. I actually got quite a bit of sleep on the plane. We got to see the sun rise over Europe as we were coming into Frankfurt. The brilliant reds this morning helped light the was as we landed. The lights over Ireland, Britain, Belgium, and Germany were beautiful as they twinkled. Each little town and city had their ring road. As I have studied much history in my life it is fun to see the names of the cities on the map as we flew over them. Some of them involved in major battles in World War Two, some of them just wonderful places to visit.
Well, in just 5 hours we will be on El Al heading toward Tel Aviv. Harry has a wonderful trip planned for us. We get to spend a Friday night dinner with one of Harry's friends. The Rabbi has given us special places we must visit and apperantly Hadassah Hospital is a can't miss. Quite honestly, i am just as interested in walking about the country, see people, getting the pulse of the country and smelling the history.
But the adventure has begun. Pretty good food on the airplane, or as Harry says, good for airplane food. Harry had a congac for one of his friends (lou barnett) and i have not had a diet coke yet on the trip. But they do have neat little bottles here in the Admirals Club.
Well, in just 5 hours we will be on El Al heading toward Tel Aviv. Harry has a wonderful trip planned for us. We get to spend a Friday night dinner with one of Harry's friends. The Rabbi has given us special places we must visit and apperantly Hadassah Hospital is a can't miss. Quite honestly, i am just as interested in walking about the country, see people, getting the pulse of the country and smelling the history.
But the adventure has begun. Pretty good food on the airplane, or as Harry says, good for airplane food. Harry had a congac for one of his friends (lou barnett) and i have not had a diet coke yet on the trip. But they do have neat little bottles here in the Admirals Club.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Tomorrow is the last Shabbat before our trip. Today Javier called and offered me an Alyia which, of course, I accepted. I know it will be different this Shabbat, as i prepare myself for the trip. I just know that the prayers will be more meaningful, and this Shabbat is Simchat Torah. (By the way, i know i can't spell, so you call all get a laugh, especially when I try and spell Jewish words. I also know I can't type, so you can now guess which one I failed at.)
All of the well wishes we have received over the past week are delightful. People are genuinely excited about our chance to explore Israel.
Harry is getting more excited by the day. You can hear it in his voice. I have got to tell you guys about Harry, my traveling partner. Harry was born in Germany before World War II and was able to escape with his family to America. Great story about how that happened, but that will wait for another day. He grew up in Chicago, went into the Army, and eventually was in the meat packing business. Harry trained people in the Army on how to survive in the mountains, and how to ride horses and pack mules.
Harry was a tough but fair guy in business. Successfully running meat packing plants and raising his family with his wonderful wife Doris. While Harry comes across as tough as nails, he really is one of the kindest and most generous people i have ever met. His love of life, his family, and his Shul are at a level of a real man. I have few people I look up to in this world (probably 2 other living people) and Harry is one. Self made, Harry expects us to do our best and is willing to jump in to make us do that.
Well, just 4 more days and we are off in the big silver bird in the sky. I hope I get better at this blogging.
rich
All of the well wishes we have received over the past week are delightful. People are genuinely excited about our chance to explore Israel.
Harry is getting more excited by the day. You can hear it in his voice. I have got to tell you guys about Harry, my traveling partner. Harry was born in Germany before World War II and was able to escape with his family to America. Great story about how that happened, but that will wait for another day. He grew up in Chicago, went into the Army, and eventually was in the meat packing business. Harry trained people in the Army on how to survive in the mountains, and how to ride horses and pack mules.
Harry was a tough but fair guy in business. Successfully running meat packing plants and raising his family with his wonderful wife Doris. While Harry comes across as tough as nails, he really is one of the kindest and most generous people i have ever met. His love of life, his family, and his Shul are at a level of a real man. I have few people I look up to in this world (probably 2 other living people) and Harry is one. Self made, Harry expects us to do our best and is willing to jump in to make us do that.
Well, just 4 more days and we are off in the big silver bird in the sky. I hope I get better at this blogging.
rich
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
getting ready
I have a good friend that loves to hunt. I don't hunt, never have, but if my best friend loves to hunt i want to know why. About 15 years ago I figured it out. It is the preparation for the hunt that is more important than the hunt itself. You should see the detail Tom uses to get ready for the hunt. Not just studying the films on the animal, and the now encyclopedic knowledge about hunting, the organization of all of the stuff that is needed for the hunt. The camping gear, the animal seducing products, the fire arms, the bows, the tree stands, the seeding of the hunt spots, and the deer blinds. It was amazing how all of this work seemed to calm Tom.
Then i got into cooking and found that same level of calm. You can't imagine how many people offered to help me with my cooking, but I really liked doing the prep myself. How to put the menu together, where i would buy the ingredients. How the menu would change based on the availability of certain products. All of the concentration necessary to have a good or great meal really relaxed me.
Well, it is the same thing for this trip, only in a different way. Harry is really doing all of the planning, where we are going to stay, the places i should visit, where we are going to eat, who we are going to see, where we are going to shop. All of this is in Harry's area of responsibility.
My job is to get my head and heart ready. I have heard from many of my friends about the aura that is in the country as soon as you land, i can't wait to feel it. Sometimes when I pray in our Shul in Fort Worth I seem to feel others praying from centuries ago, will i get that same feeling in Jerushalem? My mind is so focused on this trip I know it will be the trip of a lifetime. We are currently celebrating Sukkot which is a festival where we are suppose to be joyous. Other than the birth of my children and the marriage to my wife, I can't think of a more joyous opportunity in my life.
Stay tuned, because Rich and Harry's Israeli Adventure is taking off in a week.
Then i got into cooking and found that same level of calm. You can't imagine how many people offered to help me with my cooking, but I really liked doing the prep myself. How to put the menu together, where i would buy the ingredients. How the menu would change based on the availability of certain products. All of the concentration necessary to have a good or great meal really relaxed me.
Well, it is the same thing for this trip, only in a different way. Harry is really doing all of the planning, where we are going to stay, the places i should visit, where we are going to eat, who we are going to see, where we are going to shop. All of this is in Harry's area of responsibility.
My job is to get my head and heart ready. I have heard from many of my friends about the aura that is in the country as soon as you land, i can't wait to feel it. Sometimes when I pray in our Shul in Fort Worth I seem to feel others praying from centuries ago, will i get that same feeling in Jerushalem? My mind is so focused on this trip I know it will be the trip of a lifetime. We are currently celebrating Sukkot which is a festival where we are suppose to be joyous. Other than the birth of my children and the marriage to my wife, I can't think of a more joyous opportunity in my life.
Stay tuned, because Rich and Harry's Israeli Adventure is taking off in a week.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Welcome to My Blog
In a little over a week, Harry Kahn and I will be leaving to go on a trip to Israel. We will be posting pictures and commentary of our trip on this blog.
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