We had only been in Israel for eight hours, but I knew I was home.
I came on this trip with no expectations, looking only to better myself and learn to enhance our Jewish home. Our trip was part of the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP), an international movement that brings thousands of women per year to Israel on an amazing eight-day tour and learning experience. The KC Kollel is one of many partners to the umbrella organization, and 10 women from KC, led by Gevura Davis, were part of the 200-strong trip.
Our trip started at Decks in Tiberius overlooking the Sea of Gallilee where the food was delicious. As we were just finishing our meal, news came through of the tragic murders of the three kidnapped boys. The room went silent and the gasps could be heard from moms who were feeling the pain of the three mothers and their families. Tears were flowing from sadness and smiles turned to frowns. There would be no dancing that night to celebrate our first night in Israel. Just 200 women holding each other singing “Oseh Shalom,” asking that there be peace.
After a short trip to the mystical city of Safed to see spiritual synagogues and beautiful mikvaot — ritual baths, another short bus ride took us to Kfar Blum where we rafted down the Jordan River. I’ve never laughed so hard in my life as I drifted down the water with my K.C. friends. The pivotal point of hysterics came when we got stuck on the rocks going down the very short waterfall. We were stuck in place for at least 20 minutes as rafts of women and Birthright youngsters breezed by us.
After a late night bus journey to Israel’s capital, I woke up to Jerusalem’s morning sun and a vision of the Old City from my window. Although it had been 14 years since I saw this site of beauty, I remembered it like it was yesterday.
Our mornings in Jerusalem involved walking from the King Solomon hotel to the Old City, where our morning seminars were based. As I walked there on the first day, a release of exhaustion and a renewed energy flowed through my body. Every step there was something new. But then you pass all the old and it appears, the Old City. The one place I know will still be the same in almost every way.
Friday was a special day, with challah baking and shopping in the Old City and Jerusalem Market (shuk). The shuk was a crazy mess, people everywhere and I loved every minute of it.
Then the holy Shabbat entered, and we were at the Kotel (Western Wall) which was filled with groups of people from all walks of life. Our women stood in concentric circles around each other and sang. All of a sudden women from outside our group wanted to join. It was a force, an energy that was warm and fulfilling.
An inspirational Shabbat was concluded with Havdalah on the rooftop of a home in the Old City which overlooks the site where the Temple once stood. We danced and sang with great ruach — the perfect end to a perfect Shabbat.
On Sunday, I was granted a mitzvah opportunity to visit the Frankel family during shiva, mourning for their kidnapped and murdered son.
As I rode in the cab to the shiva home talking to the driver named Itzik, my stomach churned with nerves. What would I say? In truth there is no way to prepare.
As we arrived at the house, we saw many people there. After a 10-minute wait, Lori Palatnik, JWRP’s founding director, presented the Frankels with the book of condolences from our group, a group picture and a book. I squatted in front of Rachelle Frankel whose dignity was striking, held her hand and told her how much strength our women have gained from her. Lori asked her to come speak to the next JWRP trip, and then it was over. It was so fast but so meaningful. To represent all of the JWRP women was pivotal and I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life.
As our last day hastily arrived, Lori summed up our mission briefly but succinctly. We all need to go home and do something. It doesn’t have to be big, just a small step.
JWRP is truly a special creation and I no longer think that luck is the cause of my journey because now I know I AM BLESSED!! I am so appreciative to the KC Kollel for partnering with this project, and encourage all in our community to get involved in one of the Kollel’s many offerings, and to help them with their endeavors to ignite Jewish learning and living in K.C. You can go to www.kckollel.org to see latest happenings.
An evening of celebration!
The KC Kollel will honor Nan Kanter on Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Jewish Community Center. The reception and silent action begins at 6 p.m. Dinner and entertainment, featuring Korso the Curious, begins at 7 p.m. For more information about the event, or to RSVP, contact Rabbi Binyomin Davis at 913-481-5842 or email .