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Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Welcome TBI Bulletin Readers...

Any day now, the November issue of the TBI bulletin will "hit the news stands" and the members of the congregation will hear about this blog.  With high hopes, many of you reading this post are here because you saw the link in the bulletin, and were curious about the blog (maybe, for some, you've never even heard the word "blog" before).

So...WELCOME!!!

As of today (October 26), our group departs in 35 days.  The group that traveled with the JCC/Rotary trip just returned home last week, and I've been hearing only GREAT stories of their journey.  It sounds like they had a fantastic time exploring and learning... and our group is preparing for the same.

We hope that many of you will join us -- electronically -- along the way, and will post messages to us so we know people are "watching".

Feel free to comment on anything you read or see here, and check back often for updates... especially after November 30.  If all goes well, there might even be a posting or two from 35,000-feet.

Stay tuned, and stay connected...

Rabbi Jeffrey Astrachan

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Next Month in Jerusalem!

Today I spent several hours putting finishing touches on the full-group meeting taking place this evening.  Very exciting to be putting final details on the itinerary, gathering information about our guide (Nir Ofer), making last-minute adjustments to the travel arrangements, and organizing all the paperwork for the agenda.

We'll be spending Chanukah in Israel -- and looking through the itinerary, it's very exciting to see the different places we'll be able to light our candles.  The last time I was in Israel for Chanukah was in 1990 as a seminary student.  It's very exciting to be taking a temple group during the Bar Mitzvah year of my ordination (13 years since I became a rabbi in 1997).

Milestones like these are very important.  I know that this trip will provide lasting memories for all the participants.  I am honored to be a part of this experience in each of their lives.