Dear Friends of Hillcrest Jewish Center,

As you read these lines I am ready to leave for Israel for 18 days, to study at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, and to visit with my parents in Karmiel.

As you know, I have been to Israel many times (twice a year for the last three years). Each time, however, I look forward to my trip with a renewed excitement. Part of it is because I love to travel and because I am going to study and see my parents. On the other hand, part of it is related to the fact that Israel is itself an exci ...