2.8%

For the third consecutive year I am delighted to announce that Temple Beth El is offering a family trip to Israel. This year’s trip will take place June 12-23, 2006, and all members of the congregation are invited. Some congregations are lucky to pull off three trips in thirty years. So why then would we need to continue going every single year, or at least as often as possible?

Well, even though we have taken a large number of individuals to Israel in the last two years, I have determined (with the help of our bookkeeper Steve), that despite the myriad of individuals who have participated in our trips, the total number of participants equates to only 2.8% of our congregation. At this rate, it will take me another 98 years or so to bring all of you to the Holy Land. And I don’t know if I have that much time left.

Whether you have or have not been to Israel before, our trip will open your eyes to the splendor of the land and the perseverance of the Jewish people. From the mystical power of the Western Wall tunnels at sundown and the ancient synagogues of Safed and the Galilee, to the excitement and color of street fairs in downtown Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, we will traverse the land from east to west and north to south in safety and comfort.

This trip is an opportunity to connect to our biblical roots and marvel at the indomitable will of the Jewish people. Where else can you hike in the footsteps of King David and walk through the house of David Ben-Gurion in the same day? Where else can you go where you will feel at home in a place that you have never been?

Over the last two years, the following events took place as a result of our trips:

• One individual requested to join the leadership of the Sisterhood
   

• Countless donations and increased gifts were given to the Temple
   

• One person accepted an offer to serve on the Temple Board of Directors
   

• Numerous members of our Temple have made lasting friendships with members of our sister congregation in Israel
   

• 90% of the high school students who attended Erev Rosh Hashanah services this year were students who visited Israel over the last two years
   

• One high school student decided to spend a semester of high school in Israel
   

• Lasting friendships were made among members of our congregation
   

• Our congregation has been recognized by the Reform movement for its commitment to Israel and won an award to be presented at the upcoming Biennial in Houston
   

• 85% of the LIBERTY board consists of students who visited Israel

Are you part of the 97.2% who has not joined us yet? Why not let this year be the year you finally say, “Next year in Jerusalem!”

If you have any questions or would like to speak further about the trip, please feel free to contact me at Temple at 704- 366-1948, or jbarras@beth-el.com.

L’Shalom,
Jeremy Barras