Finally on route to Tel Aviv. Interesting experience at the airport, after a rushed and excruciating-slow period of reflection during the 1.5 hour cab ride that should have taken 30 minutes. I thank the truck that took a turn too fast and tipped for giving me an opportunity to work on being more patient.
Sitting at the gate area – a young gentleman taps me on the shoulder, saying, we’re doing Mincha now. Davenning (praying) right in front of the gate. First reaction? Nah, I feel like sitting. Second thought— why not? Praying before a flight and my first trip to Israel in three years could be a good thing. Calming, reflective. So, twenty of us gather together and quickly daven mincha. Some off of small siddurim, others (including me) on iPhones and other devices.
There’s something really moving about needing others for prayer. T’fillat haderekh – the prayer offered before a journey — I usually whisper it as I sit down to prep for the flight, quietly, alone, somewhat heartfelt. This was different. The organizing man needed us to have complete prayers. For the ḥazarah, us joining in unison for the responding lines of the K’dushah, there was an amazing sense of peoplehood— Jews joining together for higher purposes, waiting to be called to the gate.
Some personal conflicts:
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They waited just a little late for davenning. In the middle of the Amidah, suddenly we hear the first call for gate entry. And I just bought a United Premiere Pass, which gives me early access to the plane. Again, a test of patience, and a test of priorities. Communal prayer, or getting onto that plane with space left in the overhead compartments? In the end, a little of both. I waited, prayed through the first part, and patiently waited through the repetition. Until I didn’t. I rushed through to my Aleinu, and jumped the barrier to down-tune my guitar for flight, while repeating Amen to support my praying brethren. I finished davenning and got some overhead compartment space. Room for the spirit, room for the legs. A compromise.
I’m leaving for Israel with a bit of trepidation. Excitement of course, but also trepidation. I’m not worried about rockets flying anymore than I was back home. I traveled in Israel during the second intifada, I lived there during the war with Lebanon in 2006. There are bomb shelters, and as long as we stay away from the Gaza border, chances are quite likely we’ll be ok. I’m nervous about what things will be like in Israel— this war has been disastrous on Israeli minds and hearts, and on the economy. At least, this is what I hear. I know it’s good that we’re still coming. We’re being supportive, we’re bringing love, and we’re adding income. But we’ll be having fun while Israel’s young put their lives on the line to protect us.
עושה שלום במרומיו הוא יעשה שלום עלינו ועל כל ישראל ועל כל יושבי תבל ואמרו:
May the one who makes peace up above make peace for us, for all Israel, and all those who dwell on earth. And let us say:
Please keep writing. I will greatly enjoy following your adventures and reflections.