TBD Israel Trip 2012: Day 2

For those of us who love the theatre- this morning we had the chance to meet an incredible group of students who are studying acting at the Goodman School of Acting in Beersheva. One of the things that impressed me most was how as part of their studies they work in the community with children at risk, the disabled, and bring contemporary societal issues to the fore through their art. It is truly a family of the arts and community.

Now we are off to the museum of the Negev and Beersheva. To imagine only four Turkish buildings in 1900 which comprised the city- to today with its university, Saroka medical center, fountains and modern high rises is an incredible achievement. The vitality and vision of a beautiful city from nothing short of impressive.

Leaving Beersheva we are heading South into the Negev on our way to one of the natural wonders of Israel machshe Ramon (mitzpeh Ramon crater). Like the Grand Canyon, Machshe Ramon was hollowed out over millions of years. It is a breathtaking site to see a place filled with awe. We recited the blessing- God who continually renews creation.

Then we got to do a little "creating" of our own with a hands on mudbrick building workshop. Everyone built bricks and Miriam & Mordechai even got to construct an arch out of mudbricks and mortar (charoset anyone?).

Finally after a quick wash and change of clothes we met my friend Rabbi Mauricio Balter of Congregation Eshel Avraham (Abraham's Tamarisk Tree) for a wonderful homemade dinner and Ma'ariv service. The community is so welcoming and active that the city of Beersheva has asked them to open more preschools and to engage in even more outreach. Proud to be a Conservative/Masorti Jew advocating for a non-coercive pluralistic Judaism.
On our way home we got to see the beautiful fountain lights throughout Beersheva - what a fitting finish to a jewel of the Negev.