Knowing that my presentation would coincide with Erez Kagnovitz visit, I decided to tell my story in the form of a photographic review of snapshot moments.
Here is the text of my speech:
To experience twenty-five thousand years in the span of two weeks is an unthinkable proposition--that is, unthinkable to anyone not familiar with Tsipy Gur and Avi Ben Hur. Alas in the course of our Classrooms Without Borders archaeological field study, that is precisely what happened... And so much more.
Contemplating the trip, I recall the sublime beauty of a series of moments--reminiscent of holding up the negatives of 35 millimeter film to the sky. The images are vivid against the warm light of memory...
In the spirit of today's exhibit--and with your permission, I ask that you indulge me in a bit of reminiscing and accompany me as I take you on a photo-esque journey of beauty, memory, and wonder.
For instance, I savor the memory of an impromptu reunion among lifelong friends. Being warmly invited to join in the merriment of this scene along the seaside promenade in Haifa at sunset, and wading into the waters of the Mediterranean... Thank you, Tsipy. Meeting your friend and her lovely family is something that I will never forget.
Imagine delighting in the company of a family reunion--soaking up firsthand accounts from a mother and her teenage son contemplating his military service, regaling me with the stories of school and everyday realities of life... Fresh watermelon and feta along the pristine beauty of a beach in Haifa... Tech company logos emblazoned high atop towering skyscrapers only a short distance from the waterfront. These are the images captured by the mind's eye.
Or touring UNESCO world heritage sites--as an attorney presents a case, our expert guide Avi carved out a whirlwind adventure and presented archaeological evidence that was thought-provoking and as varied as the landscapes from which they came--consider Caesarea, the jewel by the sea, artificially crafted using technology, evidence of Herrod's genius, and a wisdom surpassing that of those who would later inherit the same tract of land in the following centuries.
Or imagine having what felt like a private tour of a museum--a monument to the templar's dedication and life along the pilgrim's trail... Or a chance to hike through Tel Dan national park... To see the entrance to the city, the clay bricks delicately unearthed and imagine that this is from the time of Abraham.
Swimming in the Sea of Galilee, marveling at the preservation of a two thousand year old fishing boat, bearing witness to the house church inscribed with a blessing to Jesus and Peter...
Taking in the splendor of this moment--the rolling hills and inspiring vistas of the Golan. Feeling humbled and in awe to stand in the shadow of a sixth century synagogue, given new life with the help of 3-D imaging and spectacular ingenuity that undid the damage wrought by an earthquake, restoring its grandeur stone by stone.
And what can I say about the Holy City that hasn't been said before...
I can only share with you a final memory. This one of walking to Shabbat service at the Western Wall, accompanied by the sister in law of Avi Ben Hur. A middle school science teacher, she was in town for a conference. Our tri-lingual conversation, in English, Spanish, and a sprinkling of Hebrew, ranged from school topics such as pedagogy and mindfulness, to a discussion of culture and politics and everything in between. To experience that moment--solemnity juxtaposed with sheer revelry--was an expression of faith and feeling that I was honored to bear witness to.
And as the stars began to appear, and the songs were sung at the wall below, you could hear prayers broadcasting from the minarets in the valley below, and church bells echoing their song from atop mother hillside. The stillness of that moment will forever remain with me.
Binary opposites began to break down amid a flurry of activity and time travel. All of this played out along the backdrop of a modern landscape rife with challenges and opportunities... Irreconcilable differences and priceless moments to cultivate empathy and understanding toward a people and culture whom I immediately identified with and established a lifelong bond.
And as our plane departed Tel Aviv, all that I could think of was it felt as though I were saying goodbye to a friend. So, in that spirit, allow me to close by saying that I am grateful to have met you Israel, in all of your manifestations--Your past, present, and future. And I cannot wait to return to you... It's not a matter of if, but rather when.
Thank you, Classrooms Without Borders and the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh.
