Souvenirs From Israel....A Timeless Tradition

Souvenirs from Israel.....so many chatzkies, so many choices.  I didn't think too much of it while I was in Israel; but as I am going through my mother's house,  I just realized what a timeless tradition is was, and is, to give and receive tokens of the land of Israel.

One thing that impressed upon me the most while on our trip is that Israel belongs to each of us.  I had never thought of it that way.  Actually,  I never really understood what it meant that the land belonged to the Jewish people (we will leave out all politics and others' claims to the land for right now).  Certainly I knew that Israel is the Jewish Homeland and is welcoming toJews from all countries;  but while there, I gained a total appreciation of the dynamics and reality of living in Israel and feeling like it's my home too.

I was shocked to learn that such a large portion of the land, the actual land,  was purchased and contines to be purchased by Jewish organizations so that it actually belongs to all of us.   Israel belongs to me my children and G-d willing, their children.  Because I am Jewish, I have the right to live in Israel. I have the privilege of applying for, and making, Aliyah if I want to.

I understand now how dependent Israel is of support from Jews of other countries.  I was impress r d to learn of the countless organizations world wide that provide support to Israel. I recently found out about  American Physicians and Friends, a group that brings Israeli physicians to the US for training and provides disaster training for US doctors.   I immediately began a dialogue and planning for a conference for my profession to be held in Israel in 2016.  While in Israel, I gained a sense of personal responsibility for Israel and will do what I can to promote and support Israel including learning her history and helping bring others to experience what I experienced while there.

Many people have been fortunate to visit Israel severseveralsl times and for many more, a visit is a once in a lifetime experience. Neither my mother nor grandmother had ever been to Israel, but I know that each felt a sense of dedication and inclusiveness based of the souvineers they saved.  Bringing a gift for someone is certainly the meaningful when traveling,  but receiving a gift from Israel means so much more.