Israel Trip 2006, Day 1 (2/19-2/20)

Our trip to Israel began on Sunday as we gathered at LAX to check in for our flight to Tel Aviv. A few members of our group left several days before stopping to visit family and friends, but most of us traveled together.

Although our plane got a late start, we were happy to be headed to Israel together. The first leg of our journey took us to a brief layover in Toronto. Just enough time to stretch the legs and then on to Tel Aviv.

We landed over an hour late. We were met by our guide and tour operators - Rafi, Naomi, and Russell, and of course our bus driver Smael. At Ben Gurion airport, with its beautiful architecture, we met up with several others in our group who came in from other flights.

We checked into our hotel and had a sumptuous first dinner together. Joining us was Mike Hamil, a representative of the Agudah, Israel's major LGBT organization. He shared about their work and gave us all membership cards. We are part of them as they are a part of us! We presented them with tzedakah from Kol Ami, the first of many opportunities.

On to the Negev tomorrow.

Shalom,
Rabbi Eger

Posted by Lee at February 21, 2006 10:40 AM