The Southwest Torah Institute, the educational and outreach arm of Congregation Chofetz Chayim, will lead its first Israel Experience with Rabbi Israel and Esther Becker from May 1 to 15.
Limited to 20 participants, the trip will be designed for those “seeking a spiritually uplifting yet physically challenging experience,” says Rabbi Becker. It will feature pre-trip study sessions designed by the rabbi to illuminate the biblical and historical background material connected to each of the planned stops, which include Jerusalem and the City of David, Tiberias, Tzfat, Acco, Rosh Hanikra, the Carmel region and the Golan Heights, Shilo, Chevron, Ein Gedi, the Dead Sea and Masada.
“The group will travel the very same paths that our forefathers and mothers traversed. Their experiences will come alive before our eyes,” says Rabbi Becker, who has headed Congregation Chofetz Chayim since its inception 31 years ago. He and Esther recently returned from Israel, where they finalized the itinerary and selected a tour guide for the trip in May.
Noting that the Southwest Torah Institute was established “to focus on the needs of Jews in Tucson regardless of affiliation or commitment,” Rabbi Becker says the trip was developed in response to requests from many people in Tucson, especially students from the Southwest Torah Institute, Women’s Academy classes and the Melton program.
For more information, contact Rabbi or Esther Becker at 747-7780 or ewbecker@cox.net.
