I hope that many of you are thinking earnestly about joining us on Mitzvah Mission III to Israel in the spring. Our last two congregational trips have been truly incredible adventures. The touring combines the ancient and the modern. For example, on just one day of our last trip we toured the archeological excavation of Tel Dan, an ancient biblical site and Israelite worship center, as well as an Israeli army base on the Golan Heights. We went from visiting the modern city of Rishon L'Tzion to the biblical site of Mt. Carmel.

This trip will be no less fascinating. It will feature visits to Haifa, where we will be hosted by our friends from the Reform congregation Or Hadash, as well as the archaeological site at Ein Bokek, the ancient Nabatean City. These trips do so much for the congregation. Not only are they inspirational for the travelers-there is nothing like a havdalah service on a hotel rooftop with a panoramic view of Jerusalem-but the ripple effect energizes the entire congregation with a renewed interest in Israel and all things Jewish. We are having an informational meeting on the trip at 7 p.m., Nov. 8, at the temple. Please join us to have your questions answered.

My heart is in Israel even as I love America. Each year, Thanksgiving captures my love for this country more than any other American holiday. We all have learned the realities of who the Pilgrims really were and the intolerance they practiced once they were established on these shores. We also know how badly European settlers treated the people already here. But Thanksgiving also speaks to a deeper principle, an American myth that we as an American People strive for in our nobler moments. This myth is represented by the ideals of tolerance for others, generosity toward those in need and a fair shake for everyone.

It is this idea of America that has moved me to begin our Rosh Hashanah worship at Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church each year since 2001 with the singing of America the Beautiful. Although we Although we Beautiful first sang this hymn to honor the fallen and the heroes of 9/11, it has become a tradition that has taken on, for me anyhow, more and deeper meanings. This is the way we as a community pay homage to an America that has taught the world the critical value of religious tolerance. This is the way we pay tribute to the value that inspires MMUMC to open its doors to us each year for our holiest days. This is the value that allowed Temple Micah to share a space for so many years with St. Augustine's Church in Southwest Washington. This is America at its finest.

Coming full circle, perhaps that is why I believe so firmly that it is incumbent on American Jews to create strong ties to Israel. Israel offers us in America a strength of identity, a sense of history, a feeling of rootedness, a depth of Hebrew culture and the imagination and possibility that goes with experiencing a modern miracle. We offer Israelis the wisdom that comes with pluralism, respect for minorities
and the gift of tolerance. We need to learn and experience each other.

Consider a trip to Israel with Micah in the spring as you celebrate the great American tradition of Thanksgiving. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday.