On Tuesday, 39 Or Ami members leave for a spiritual aliyah (aliyah or ascent, from ayin-lamed-hey meaning to rise up) to our State of Israel, Judaism’s spiritual center. Our group, ranging in age from 5 years old to 83, has grown in numbers since the original trip was postponed due to the war on Israel’s northern border in summer, 2006. Parents and children, grandparents, young couples, and less-young couples are all packing away the weekend, preparing to greet holiness and history in Israel.

Excitement was in the air as we shared a moment of blessing within the standing room only crowd of Congregation Or Ami’s Chanukah celebration this past Friday. One congregant whispered to me after the service that she was so excited for us. She felt like we were representing the whole congregation on our spiritual journey.

Turn to this blog for daily updates of Or Ami’s escapades. And make sure to share a comment or word of blessing that we can pass onto our Temple travelers. Niseeyah Tovah – a safe and wonderful journey for us all!