On Fitting In

Imagine going to a foreign country and realizing that you don't fit in. You spend your entire time there knowing that you look differently than most everyone else. You're not surprised, it's just not what you're used to. You're used to looking like most of the folks around you.

Okay, now imagine going to a foreign country and realizing you do fit in. You spend your entire time there knowing that you look like most everyone else. You're surprised, because it's just what you're used to, but you're not "at home." Or, are you?

That's the experience reported by some students here. They look around and see people who look like them; older people who look like their grandparents; classmates who look like they came from their neighborhood back home - well, if this is so, how can seem that home is so far away?

All of a sudden it's the architecture, the language, the culture, and the way life is arranged that sticks out as the difference - not the people.

In the States we live we varying degrees of human diversity. Here, too, in Israel. The country is very heterogeneous. It is easy to find people who look like you, a group with whom you would fit in. But, it's Israel and not the States.

Hmmm. Fitting in happens in many ways and may never happen for some. I think it's part of what makes travel - especially travel to Israel - challenging. What if you really felt as if you fit in and belonged here? What would that mean for you? For your family and friends? For your future?

Everyone here has a story - and it is often just about this. Discovering fitting in and remaining or fitting in and not staying - or struggling to do both.

I wonder what keeps American Jews from Israel - even if just for a visit. Jews who can't afford to travel anywhere overseas - well, that's finances. What about Jews who can afford to travel elsewhere - but never seem to make it to Israel? I wonder.

And - I'll leave it at that - wondering - questions. We're a people full of questions. I have my share . I'm sure you do to.

Rabbi Heath