5/22/16
Only in Israel.
Only in Israel can you wake up in Jerusalem,
And go to sleep in Tel Aviv.
Only in Israel
Can you search the depths of your soul
In a garden full of roses and mulberries
That sits between the Knesset and the Supreme Court.
And then, after visiting an abysmally maintained but miraculously
present restroom
Walk by the Prime Minister’s Office
Where a small group of Israelis are protesting
Passionately
Some governmental business deal
Pertaining to offshore natural gas
with great anger
but without
fear,
intimidation,
or threat of violence.
Only in Israel
Does the national governmental compound
Have a Menorah
That tells our stories and proclaims the words of the Shema
And a world class museum
And a soon to be completed National Library and Archive.
Only in Israel do they close a McDonalds in a small suburban mall,
And replace it with something even less appetizing,
If you can imagine that
(it’s called Burger Ranch).
And only in Israel are there two books stores
In that same suburban mall.
And a coffee shop that has a rack of daily newspapers
That people actually read while sipping espresso.
And only in Israel
Can you tell when you’re getting close to Tel Aviv
Because the cars stop moving
completely
in all directions
completely
in all directions
And the walls are covered with sacred, profane, and even more
profane
and even more sacred
graffiti
That dries in the sunset of the Mediterranean Sea
Only to be painted over by more graffiti the next day.
And only in Israel
Does Tel Aviv melt in Jaffa
Where the famous clock tower
Is wrapped in a black shroud of construction
With that infamous “Na, Nach, Nachman” graffiti on the side.
And only in Israel
Does Shakshuka taste like Shakshuka is supposed to taste
Because the recipe was created to
feed the stomachs
of the men
and women
of the men
and women
who have guarded
The State of Israel.
The State of Israel.
And only in Israel
Does the gentle breeze carry the sounds of the Hebrew language,
And rustle the leaves of olive, fig, carob, almond, and palm
trees.
And only in Israel
Can you sit in a hotel lobby with people you haven’t seen in years
and cry tears of joy
and be reunited.
And only in Israel
Can an 8th grader from The Davis Academy
Unplug
&
Connect
At the same time.
Fortunately:
What happens in Israel
Doesn’t stay in Israel.
As I have been that parent watching Twitter for pictures and have read each and every one of these blogs pretty much the minute they have been posted I have been struggling to put into words all the emotions over the last couple of weeks. However, as this trip is soon coming to an end I at least wanted to say Thank you! Thank you for your time and preparation for this amazing journey for our kids and us. Thank you for your incredible writing and inspiration. Thank you for keeping our kids safe and us informed. Thank you Davis Academy! As Micah said before he left he has been waiting 9 years for this trip and so have we. Choosing the Davis Academy and sending him on this incredible Journey has been our best decision yet as parents. It is truly a gift and one that we know will have a lasting impact on our whole family. Although those 2 simple words just don't seem enough. Israel has always and will always remain an important and special part of our family. For Micah to have gotten to experience Israel the way he has the last 2 weeks is truly a gift. As you said to be able to Unplug and Connect At the same time is in this day and age amazing! I know when he steps on that plane he will not be saying "good-bye", but rather "L'Hitraot" see you later.
ReplyDeleteOnly at Davis.
ReplyDeleteOnly at Davis can you start as a small Mechina pisher,
And finish as an 8th grade mensch.
Only at Davis
Can you search the depths of your soul
In an outdoor classroom
That is a cross between Pee Wee’s playhouse and a nature sanctuary.
And then, as you enter the school to go back inside
Walk by the front reception desk
Where Ms. Janice greets you
Lovingly
With a southern drawl
Making you feel like you are certainly her favorite
While also,
Opening the gate,
And answering the phone.
Only at Davis
Does the artwork lining the halls
Combine Judaica and Rock and Roll lyrics
That documents each stage of student growth
With a quality that rivals MOMA.
Only at Davis does the whole school take a breath together Friday mornings
To replace the normal Friday chaos at school with
Kehillat and Ruach
(Kabbalat Shabbat as we call it).
And only at Davis are there two school buildings
On the same suburban street.
Where a newly created sidewalk runs between
As the main artery, each feeding the other.
And only at Davis
Can you tell when you’re getting close to carpool
Because the cars stop moving
completely
in all directions
And Pepe and his crew greet you with a smile
and wave you to your
place,
As you grab every last moment to chat with
Your friend in another car to share a quick story until you meet again
tomorrow.
And only at Davis
Does Marilyn open the gate
Where the digital sign,
With that infamous teal menorah logo,
Shares the news, weather, and info of the week.
.
Only at Davis
Does Kol Yisrael sound like it is supposed to sound,
Because the song was created by Rabbi Micah
to feed the souls
of the boys
and girls
and teachers
and staff
who have walked through the halls.
And it does.
And only at Davis
Does the echo in the halls carry the sounds of the Hebrew language,
Combined with show tunes from the recent Davis play and lyrics from the recent Davis concert,
Along with the laughter of little ones, big ones, adults, grandparents, and friends.
And only at Davis
Can you sit in the gym with people you haven’t seen in weeks,
Listen to your children and their chaperones recap their experience in Israel
and cry tears of joy
and pride
at realization of how the last two weeks
have changed
all of you.
And you
Cry
&
Laugh
At the same time
As you realize your time together is ending.
Fortunately:
What happens at Davis
You take with you forever.
Crying and laughing at the same time, Stacey! This is beautiful!
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