Thoughts from Israel.

Let’s talk about Israel.

I do not expect to be able to describe the last 9 months in one post, but I think it would be silly not to talk about the place that hosted our first year of marriage.

Israel. Israel. Israel.  What do I have to say about you?

This is a bizarre country.  Let’s just set that as the foundation.  This country raises more questions than answers.  If you are a ponderer, come to Israel.  Your mind will go crazy.

When you think of Israel, what do you think of? Bombs? Conflict? Bewildering Old Testament stories?

Well, if I were to describe Israel in a nutshell: It is the land overflowing with hummus and falafel.  A gorgeous location on the Mediterranean coast.  People who are geniuses and never listen to fear or the status quo.  They know what they want and they do it. A place where everybody is rushing, yet always late.  A country of both conflict and refuge. History that never gets old. The safest place I have ever felt, despite what you hear on TV.  And lots of honking. Too much honking.

More specifically, this is Tel Aviv, our city, our home-  Last Friday, this city simultaneously hosted both an exuberant, rainbow filled, Pride parade with 100,000 participants, AND the Guiness World Record’s largest Shabbat dinner (adhering to strict Orthodox Jewish Shabbat guidelines). Where else does that? This is Israel. Filled with paradoxes and confusing moments. 

This country is both religious and secular. Wholesome and scandalous.  You can find dry desert, snow capped mountains, clear seas, warm beaches to play volleyball and matkot, and plenty of parks to host Shabbat picnics.  Some days it is lovely, some days it drives me crazy.  But ultimately, what I want you to know is this: this country cannot be described easily.  And I don’t think it can ever be fully understood.  So I invite you to come visit! And if you do, please stay longer than a holy tour trip or a brief visit to the top sites.  Go on a hike in the north.  Meet someone and have Shabbat dinner with their family.  Talk to both religious and secular Jews.  Attend a Messianic congregation if you follow Yeshua or if you don’t.  And play volleyball with us at the beach!