I was in israel last week with the family. Partly pleasure and partly obligation as my wifes grandfather is currently not too well (view daven page here). Thanks Hashem he was very happy to see us - it gave him Chizuk.

I always have these moments post going to Israel. Someone said that life throws you mortality checks throughout your life that urge you to reflect on where you are, what your doing, what's important and where your heading.

Israel was and always is a very spiritually uplifting visit for me. Combined with a short film (seal of truth) that many of you have seen together with a visit to a not so well known Kabbalist, this visit had a particular effect on me.

A rav once told me that "the most important thing is that the important thing, is the important thing."

Whilst in israel, I lived simply, slept on a bed on teh floor of a relative, no computer, no TV, totally disconnected. I soaked up teh atmosphere and life was simpler and slower.

I've been yearning to make aliyah for a long time and am stilll trying to convince my better half though work is in progress.

In israel, the things I guess I value are not as good. The things you CAN put a price on are better here in the uk, but the free thngs those things as a father and and a jew are priceless.

-> Walking the street without fear
-> Walking the street as a proud jew knowing you wont get comments
-> Seeing kids playuing late at night in safely (I know it's not toally safe but you get my picture)
-> Seeing the dustman with a kippa

For me as a jew, i didnt feel threatened and seeing my children play with their cousins was tremendous.


Courese being a tourist and livingin in israel asre two different things. The politics, beurocracy, 6 day week, pittence of a salarY soon bring you back to reality.

But the question then becomes, what is your reality? is it to aspire to have the means and knowledge of your boss> or of that Zaddik?

Money cannot purchase midot, money can make this life somewhat easier, smoother maybe and unlock the key to tranquility. But is that the purpose for being?

I thikn I realised more than before that our reason for being is a gift and gift and a loan.

What we do and how we behave and what we make of ourselves takes a whole new meaning when seen through the eyes of heaven.

I got my wakeup call in Israel and hopefully can stay inspired alittle longer than the last journey.