January 22, 2025

Good morning from Jerusalem. These dispatches are coming now at different times of the day and are harder to write because of the pace and intensity of our activity. A thank you for being one of my places to process it all.

We began yesterday, our last day in Tel Aviv, with an extraordinary look into the lens of life here with a film writer and critic, Galit Roichman. She taught us about the trauma and complexity through television and film created since 10/7/23. She taught us that it is actually a cultural norm to be in each other’s faces (anyone who spends an hour knows that) here; “inviting” each other into relationship if one wants it or not. Shared screens on buses; conversations started with strangers; arguments with cab drivers about anything from politics to the weather. Israelis aren’t shy, well, about most anything. You don’t have to ask for opinion, by virtue of time spent together, it will be made clear!

I say all of that because Israeli television and movies go right for it. There’s nothing subtle about it. It is a sharing of reality; a reflection of the complexity and pain of this moment in time; a recording of an ongoing history of struggle and resilience; of disappointment and aspiration. In this genre, this year, there is no film with a happy ending. Indeed, one comes forth from a movie theater and they know what they saw was actually a way of working through the trauma. It’s a gift from writers, directors and actors of catharsis. The reality playing out on screen is simultaneously painful and relieving. It hits you and then all at once, it comforts you. We will make a list the of the important ones for you.

We then finally ascended to Jerusalem, physically, but also, surely spiritually. I say finally because for me personally, I’m not completely me in Israel until I get to spend time in Jerusalem. Btw, not everyone feels that way anymore because of the intrinsic tensions that exist. Not me, I ironically thirst for it.

We arrived at one of the promenades at which all missions stop. Unfortunately, still very empty because of the situation. We were actually alone there. I explained the traditional idea that Jerusalem serves as the spiritual umbilical from which we have been fed eternally. Both in time and space. I explained that Jerusalem, counterintuitive as it might be, means a city of peace. It may not be, but that is the goal. The root of it; of Shalom means wholeness. That’s all peace is: being whole. I asked the group to extemporaneously fill in the missing space of a prayer, “I am whole when…” Their responses were sacred and deep; simple in their profundity. We thanked the Maker of Creation; prayed in gratitude that we are here and alive in this place. Tears poured as wholeness became the Oneness of communal connection. Our hearts felt the city of peace! Matt Turk sang Jerusalem of Gold in a chilling mode and we cried more. And then with it all, in our sight, our inner eye as open as our external, I blessed the two on our trip who have never been to Israel before. I’ve been at this spot perhaps a hundred times. This one won’t leave me for a long while.

We heard not long after from perhaps my most admired writer and thinker, Yossi Klein Ha Levi. Why do I admire him so….besides the lovely connection Lauren and I have made with him over the last few years….. he is a human being who speaks and thinks at the highest levels possible from both his head and heart. He speaks with deep integrity and humility; with pragmatism and intention. You should read everything he writes and broadcasts. Ultimately he is a mensch of the highest order.
He gave us in an hour his understanding of these times through three lenses:
1- Military
2- Struggle for the legitimacy of Israel
3- The future of democracy in Israel

I’m sorry to tease you, but there’s no way I can offer all of that here. But come to TBJ the 31st of January for Services and that will be part of my message that evening. His messages are as thoughtful as one might find.

We ended our evening by going to an army base to cook and then share a meal with 75 soldiers. I have to say that it was Jerusalem cold, that bone chilling type; and was raining. None of us were too happy as inevitable colds are flaring up. And everything ran on military time, and so we did a lot of “hurry up and wait”. But no one would complain, at least to me! But seriously, no one did because this is an extraordinary group and of course we are not the ones serving the country! But when we sat down to eat in the tent, the banter was so relationally loud. Soldiers sharing stories of their lives and they wanting to hear ours. They were genuinely engaged and happy to be with us. Their daily food stinks, so they loved the burgers, steaks and brisket we provided. But they also told us that our presence is what made them feel whole; that made them remember they are not alone. We did everything we could to tell them that they are the ones to be thanked. We are okay because of their protection, here and at home. They were serious and funny; determined and devoted. I just have to say that there was not one we met, not one….who looked or sounded like what they are being called on the college campus in the US. I guess here, I’ll use one quote from Klein Ha Levi…  “It is not a war crime when there is absolutely no intention to kill innocent people.” These were fine young men and women who want the war to end, but want to ensure that we are not vulnerable to another October 7th. They told us that coming together was a holy act. We felt the same.
I’m sorry to say that Lauren went home last night. That was planned. We do indeed have children at home😊. What a lucky few days for me and, I think the group, to have her deep and wise presence with us. I’m lucky!

Please stay with us. We feel you and I suspect you do, us.