Ancient Roots, Modern Miracles

I just spent a long weekend in New York and was entranced by the magic of all the pocket gardens that are everywhere in the City, places that have been redeemed, formerly garbage strewn empty lots, that are now filled with climbing roses, vegetable gardens, beautiful sculptures, whimsy and such flowering LOVE.

We need Nature. Israel is filled with migrating birds and has some wonderful organizations that protect and encourage love of environment such as SPNI. I feel a deep love of conservation in Israel and it's a very important part of being there, to see what's being done to encourage youth from all over, to participate in the beauties of this country.

I know we all need a place to plant a tree, and there is nothing like doing this in Israel particularly for memorial. And those trees are greening the landscape and making such an oasis!

So when you go to Israel be reminded of our ancestors, because their memorials are in every single sacred place. We all crave our shady groves.

Thank you so very much for your encouragement
God bless
Next year in Jerusalem!
Shalom

I thank you for this video. Though I have yet to visit Eretz Yisrael, I was able to feel the age old ties of Jews with the very soil and stones! I never really understood until now. Next year in Yerushalayim - yehi ratzon ...

I feel I've heard an angel talking when I read such words that are of such poetry.

Thank you! I would like to visit one day. Praying for the peace of Israel.

thank you so much for an excellent video tour. I learnt a lot and enjoyed it.

When looking back on all the things i could of done or the ones i haven't done, i become perplexed. Then i think of Israel and without a second of thought i am there, i will be picked up by the wings of chesed and gebvurah. Then i will no longer be me, i will become (ONE) a feeling like no other. The sands will fill our hour glasses as if time just stopped. The clouds will protect us from the intense rays of reality. The Holy land will fill our cups with wine like over flowing tears. Blessings will be said in the land of Israel and the sands will toughen our heels for the poison of the snake we will not fear. For all who travels to the Holy Land will see their Jewish self in every Jewish smile. So as the sun may set our dreams soon come to life, that dream will be built before our very eyes, the dream of Shalom all over the world, Israel never says good bye only.... come back home.

There is a fascinating and beautiful quote by T.S. Eliot that does remind me of space in all its metaphoric context, and it is as follows:

"We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time."

I think to really know Israel, is to both traverse the country, to love deeply the land, and to understand the history, our collective past, moves us not only into the present but also into the future, and in a way, it is a circle, as we come back to our beginnings, and each time, see it fresh, with renewed hope, with new, expectant vision.

Wonderful video and very educational. Israel, America loves you and we stand with you. G-d bless the Jews.