Rabbis on Buses Touring Israel

It may not have the makings of an online hit like Jerry Seinfeld's "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," but I'm in Israel with AIPAC's Leffell Fellows, 30 rabbinical students from Conservative, Orthodox, and Reform seminaries.

It has been an incredible - and exhausting - experience.

We met, listened to, and learned from such noted figures as Yariv Oppenheimer, General Director of Peace Now; Rabbi Dr. Danny Gordis; Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman; Israeli-Arab activist Mohammed Darawhse; and Chief Palestinian Negotiator Dr. Saeb Erekat.  And there are still two days left!

I hope to provide a more detailed report of the experience once I get back (and get some sleep), but I want to share one takeaway:

Israel is complex, and we need to approach this by reaching and exploring beyond our comfort zones.

Speaker after speaker touched upon this theme.  Israel is an incredible, incredible country, and, at the same time, it's a young country with flaws that need fixing.  And that's OK!

Our group has heard and seen a lot.  We are a diverse bunch with different religious and political outlooks.  Throughout the trip, I witnessed young men and women - future rabbis and leaders of the Jewish community - grappling with the reality of Israel.  One may hold more hawkish views, while listening respectfully and asking questions of Saeb Erekat.  One may have preconceived biases towards the right or the status quo in Israel and also recognize that those with different viewpoints make good points, too.

In welcoming the students, I was asked to set the tone for the trip.  Here's what I said:

When Yaakov's name was changed to Yisrael, the explanation for the change is "ki sarita im Elokim v'im anashim va-tuchal - you fought with God and with man and were victorious."

Yaakov became Yisrael through struggle.  Israel is born of struggle.  Israel involves struggle.  The way we love Israel can also be a struggle.  We relate to Israel differently, and we should not be afraid to confront views about Israel different than our own.

I am encouraged and energized by all that I am hearing.  Similarly, I am encouraged and energized by how the future rabbis of the community embrace this complexity.

Speaking of complexity, I'm now off to the Knesset!