140 hours, and counting

The big countdown and mad rush has started, and in about 140 hours I'll be aboard an American Airlines jet enroute to JFK and then El Al #2 to Israel. And the rockets and bombs and mortars and bullets are still flying in and around Gaza.

I'd be lying if I claimed not to feel the pressure to cancel or reschedule our my trip. I did give it serious consideration but, barring worsening developments, I'm eager to go.

We have several reasons to go and go now.

Most importantly, Zachary is there. We aren't pulling him out (there is no need to) and he is loving his experiences there. We and he decided months ago that we would join him in Israel for his winter break rather than having him come home to San Diego. In hindsight, he might prefer the change of scenery, the absence of responsibility, and spending time at home. However, we decided this months ago and he didn't ask and we didn't offer to change our plans.

We want to visit Israel. I've gone a few times in the last 15 years, but Monica's last visit was 35 years ago. Americans should visit Israel. Jews should visit Israel. Tourists and vacationers should visit Israel. It is a top-notch destination. The physical beauty, the history, the cultural variety and the religious heritage all count.

I want to express my solidarity with Israel. I want to be supportive always, but even moreso during these difficult times. I want to spend my discretionary vacation dollars there and know that in my small way I'll be helping to employ lots of Israelis, especially service workers, be they Jewish, Christian or Muslim.

I want to see some cousins and friends. Regrettably, it is very unlikely that we will see my friend Avi Kadosh at Kibbutz Nir Am as it is a front-line community on the Gaza border. Hopefully, we can connect and visit someplace and sometime he feels is convenient and safe.

I'm doing an errand for my synagogue and my community. Our shul has collected small toys and gifts for children who are spending far to much time in bomb shelters. It is a small gift but we hope it will help. I'm honored to be the "shaliach" the emmisary and agent on this tzedakah mission.

I want to continue to explore the idea that spending more time in Israel is part of my future. Could I make aliyah? Would I enjoy living in Israel, working in Israel, or retiring in Israel? Full time or part time? Could I learn enough Hebrew? Would I live in an "Anglo" community like Netanya, a Tel Aviv suburb, make a home in Jerusalem? Find a small town or rural community? Am I too old to become a Kibbutznik? Would a kibbutz want us? Do we identify as Masorti, "religious (code for Modern Zionist Orthodox," or secular? Could we make new friends there? Would our Israeli cousins welcome us or come to resent our frequency and dependency? Would Zachary like his aging parents in Israel or in the US? Does Israel want American retirees (who may be modestly well off by Israeli standards but are far from the stereotypical rich Americans). Where is the better place to become old, aged, frail, and ultimately die? Does my wife share my interests in making Aliyah? Will we ever be grandparents and if so, where will the little darlings live?

"But aren't you taking on risk?"

Yes, there is a certain risk. Not much risk, after all, far more people are killed by random traffic accidents than are injured in terrorist attacks or missile explosions or even military collateral damage. Nevertheless, if the Israelis are living with this day in and day out, I can certainly live with it for a couple of weeks.

Well, blogging takes longer than you might think. I'm down to 139 hours. I'd better think about packing...