Locals to take spiritual journey to Israel

March 8, 2008 at 12:30a.m.

Rabbi Franklin Muller said the group will be immersed in Jewish life.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR

YOUNGSTOWN — Rabbi Franklin W. Muller uses the phrase “spiritual journey” to describe a trip that members and friends of Congregation Rodef Sholom will take to Israel in mid-March.

At a luncheon get-together earlier this week at synagogue, 1119 Elm St., the rabbi met with some of those taking the trip. The rabbi said it could be described as a sacred pilgrimage though he admitted pilgrimage was more a term used in other faiths. He emphasized the idea of being “spiritual travelers” instead of vacationers.

But the trip itself is more than a matter of semantics. “We’ll be coming home,” is how Rabbi Muller described it. “We’ll be on Jewish time all the time. We’ll be immersed in the Jewish way of life,” he said noting that in Israel, the Jewish clock and the secular clock are one in the same.

The trip, planned March 18-28, is one of many scheduled by various groups this year in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the state of Israel. A service is planned at 10:30 a.m. March 15 especially for those taking the trip. “It’s a powerful way to get into the mind-set,” Rabbi Muller said.

Rabbi Muller said he visited Israel five times, including one trip for his confirmation. He also spent a year living there as a rabbinical student. “My knowledge will complement the spiritual perspective,” he said. The group will be guided by a professional tour educator, knowledgeable about the places that will be visited.

Rabbi Muller asked those at the get-together to share their reasons for taking the journey. Offering various insights were:

UFran Dreyfus. “I’m anxious to see the changes,” she said, noting her last trip was 53 years ago. “I hitchhiked back then,” recalling that Israel was a seven-year-old country at the time.

UAlice Franklin. “I don’t think you’re complete as a Jew unless you’ve been there. I think it completes the circle of Jewish identity,” she said. Franklin also noted she was anxious to try various cosmetic products made there.

UMirella Demacopoulos. “I’m not Jewish but I am fascinated by the country,” she said. “From my Jewish friends, I’ve come to appreciate the culture and beliefs.”

UJudith Gross. “I‘m passionately in love with my Judaism,” she said, becoming emotional at the prospect of the trip. “I’m fulfilling a dream of my dad,” and noted she is being accompanied by her two children and a daughter-in-law. “Every group needs a cryer,” the rabbi told her.

UDarlene Muller, the rabbi’s wife. “There will be tears,” she said, and shared this would be her third trip. “Going to the [Western or Wailing] wall is something you will never forget.”

UBarbara Kirkorsky. “I’ve never been there but I looking forward to it. I’ve been taking Hebrew classes to be better informed ... though I can’t speak it,” she said.

UInez Heal. “Isarel means a great deal to me. think it will be very meaningful ... taking with trip with people with whom I have a relationship with,” she said. She had been there previously on a trip with her daughter.

UJodie Damioli. “I’m very interested in the history,” she said. “And I want to learn more about Judaism. This is the mystical center of our world.”

Rabbi Muller shared various books with the group, but suggested “Israel: — A Spiritual Guide” by Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman and “Israel, A Dream of Zion” edited by Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin. “The more you know in advance, the more will make sense to you,” he said. “You’ll have the ‘ah-ha’ experience with our tour guide, who has an encyclopedia of knowledge.”

The rabbi said spiritual guide book offers prayers and readings in anticipation, approach and afterthought on the various “sights and sites” visitors will experience. He also noted that the ancient land is in contrast to the “cutting edge” technical side of the country.

“I encourage journaling,” he said. “Journal it so you will remember it. Record your feelings so you can share them.”

Rabbi Muller said the group will be there for Purim, March 21, a celebration of Jewish survival from the Book of Esther. “There will be costumes and parades ... a Mardi Gras type of event,” he said. And they also will experience a Sabbath there.

Rabbi Muller said his hope for those on the spiritual journey is that they “grow emotionally” and are “awakened spiritually.” “I hope you come back more emotional and are open to it,” he said. “My goal for the group is to bond with each other and these memories.”