He writes: Dear Friend,
I’m writing this email to let you know that I just arrived in Israel for a unique and exciting trip.
Under the leadership of the Israeli Consulate of Los Angeles, twenty Rabbis from the area from all denominations are travelling together on a brief whirlwind tour of Israel. Over the course of the two and a half days, we are going from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem to the Negev and back.
We just began our packed itinerary which will include a visit to the Rogozin High School (a school in Tel Aviv supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater L.A.), a meeting with President Shimon Peres, an intelligence briefing with Major General Amos Yedlin, a visit to Yad Vashem, a visit and some volunteering at the Hazon Yeshaya soup kitchen in Jerusalem, a visit to the Ben Gurion University and Project Ayalim in the Negev and much more.
The purpose of the trip is for us to be educated and inspired and in time to give that over to our congregations. Moreover, the fact that Rabbis, representing congregations from all denominations, are in Israel together is not only a strong display of solidarity with Israel but also an impressive declaration of Jewish unity. Being that I’m representing our Beth Jacob congregation, all of you can be proud to be involved in this show of solidarity and unity.
I am returning, please G-d, Thursday morning, and this Shabbat I hope to share with you more about the trip.
With best regards from Israel and wishes of peace and strength for Am Yisrael,