One year later, interfaith trip to Israel is vivid
A group of Baptists and Presbyterians, nondenominational Christians and other clergy joined local Jewish leaders on a pilgrimage to Israel just about a year ago.
The dozens of clergy, including some spouses, went with the financial support of the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, which provided a grant for scholarships to create better relationships among these clergy, who are often the ones called upon in a community crisis.
Since then, the group keeps in touch through e-mail and regular get-togethers.
A year later, and the interactions are just as vivid — and offer insight about the relationships forming to make the Triad a better place for us all.
“What I remember most clearly from our trip was the sense of momentousness that I felt all along the way — the fact that we were of different faiths, that we were travelling together, becoming close and sharing powerful experiences,” said Rabbi Eli Havivi, one of the organizers and a seasoned guide to the country.
Rabbi Fred Guttman of Temple Emanuel was also a leader on the trip.
The first thing the group did after leaving the Tel Aviv airport was to stop in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv and recite the Shehecheyanu blessing.
“A Hebrew prayer which we recite at 'wow’ moments of our lives,” Havivi said.
Another favorite moment, or series of moments, he said, was their ability to be totally normal and playful with each other.
“Even in the midst of all this holiness and wonder we were experiencing,” Havivi said.
“We experimented with new foods, we took care of each other when our tummies or our legs ached, we told a lot of jokes, and — mindful of those we had left at home — we shopped. Everywhere. Every day, at every religious and historical site.
“Toward the end of the trip, we visited the Garden Tomb, one of the sites where Jesus was said to be buried. We read the passage from the end of Matthew, 'He is not here; He has risen.’” And one of the ministers piped up from the back — 'He is not here, He is in the gift shop!’ ”
The Israel trip had many layers, said the Rev. Sid Batts of First Presbyterian Church.
It was: a spiritual pilgrimage, being able to connect the geography with Biblical stories, seeing his Christian story through a Jewish lens, developing a deep relationship with fellow clergy from diverse religious traditions, and better understanding the past and present relationships among Jews, Christians, Muslims, Palestinians and Israelis in the area.
“Also, sharing this spiritual journey with my wife, experiencing the contrast between the pastoral setting of Galilee where Jesus did much of his ministry and the arid, bustling, tension-filled city of Jerusalem where Jesus collided with political and religious fervor,” Batts said.
The pastor also gained new heroes.
“Those courageous Jews, Christians and Muslims who put themselves at risk to seek peace, cooperation and a better way forward,” Batts said.
He looks forward to returning with members of his church — “So that they too will gain a Bible with pictures and a deeper presence of God.”
Jock Ollis, senior pastor of Muir’s Chapel United Methodist Church, says the trip offered lessons for us all to carry.
“A year later, I am still haunted by my walk through the children’s memorial of the Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum) in Jerusalem. In the dim light of that structure, stars appear to be shining overhead and the names of some of the 1.5 million children who lost their lives due to Nazi oppression and genocide echo around you, reminding you of each individual life cut short by hatred and neglect.
“We are reminded that that which breaks the heart of God must break our hearts as well. We must protect, defend and nurture children everywhere, God’s precious gifts of life. God grant us the courage and will so to do.”
Contact Nancy McLaughlin at 373-7049 or nancy. mclaughlin@news-record.com
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