The land of Israel has a special place in the souls of the Jewish people. For thousands of years, we prayed for and dreamed of the opportunity to return to this place and to, once again, create a Jewish homeland. In 1948, that prayer was granted and the dream became a reality. It was not without hardship or loss of life. Even today, the State of Israel survives great difficulties. However, we can also be proud of the advancements and accomplishments of this tiny, but incredible country. As it's Declaration of Independence reads, Israel "will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture." In that sense, it stands alone among its neighbors.

Our trip celebrates both the history and heritage of our Jewish homeland, but also it's present and future.

I, along with Mrs. Goldmann and the rest of the Temple Sinai family, hope that you will come to love and appreciate Israel in the way we do, and will create lasting bonds with your classmates and with your Jewish brothers and sisters in Israel.

N'siyah tovah - let's have a great trip!

Rabbi Alan Litwak