Up to Jerusalem

Jerusalem from Kidron Valley

Jerusalem from Kidron Valley

There are many biblical references to people going "up to Jerusalem.".  Of course. It sits upon three mountains, Mt Zion, Mount Moriah and the Mount of Olives.    But for many Jerusalem also symbolizes a spiritual climb to a higher place. 

The last time I was in Israel with my brother Dave and a group we were touring with, we were Bet She'an, a spectacular archeological site.  Dave and our guide Amatzia started a conversation with another guide who had a group there also.  She seemed so nice and outgoing.   As she further introduced herself to Dave and I, she indicated that she and her husband had made "their Aliyah" a number of years before.   I was not familiar with the term at that time and thought she was talking about having a baby.  Her eyes lit up when she talked about "making their  Aliyah"  Dave explained to me Aliyah was the Hebrew expression for the process of Jews returning to their homeland of Israel to live.   I realized then how much that meant to her.   

In Hebrew, Aliyah translates to  "ascent" or "going up".   Over time I have gained a new appreciation for what that means for Jews.   Not only coming home but ascending to their historical homeland and being part of the fulfillment of prophesy.     Many come from diverse circumstances and many make great sacrifice to start their lives anew in a new home.   Even more remarkable are those that leave a comfortable life in other countries to make Aliyah,  just so they can serve in the IDF.   What a sacred sacrifice.

I came across this short video highlighting the work of one of the groups that assist those, who in Hebrew are referred to as Olim, making Aliyah and the joy it brings.

The Magic of Jerusalem

That really sums up our experience with Jerusalem and the Holy Land.     When my father, Doug Clark, made his first trip to Israel over 30 years ago, it captured his heart.  During his life,  he had the opportunity to travel to dozens of countries throughout the world connecting with many places and people, but Israel was one place he would return to again and again.    I think secretly he would have loved to have moved there and then visit us!   His passion and desire to share that experience with as many other people as possible, impacted, in a similar way, many in our family, including David and I.  We continue to take groups to Israel to share that magical experience and continue Doug's legacy.    Enjoy and Shalom.

 

Happy 65th Birthday Israel!

​Next week will mark the 65th birthday of the State of Israel.    Israel is such a diverse country in so many aspects.    Geography, religion, culture, and language are but a few of the aspects that contribute to Israel's richness.​   I came across a short video, posted by Israel21cdotcom, on YouTube,  to mark the up coming birthday, that offers a beautiful pictorial of that richness.   As the images appear and are replaced quickly on the screen I catch myself smiling and seeing so many images that I would love to freeze and take the time to absorb.   Take a minute to watch and feel good for the rest of the day!

The song is by Israeli singer-songwriter Rosi Golan

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