Though we didn’t travel the seven seas, we did visit 3 countries. Travelling is great, but coming home is truly sweet, though catching up on home life is tough. I’m still digging out and sifting through emails.

Some highlights of my trip included marching with 10,000 Jewish people (mostly high school kids) from the memorial/museum at Auschwitz to Birkenau (the world’s largest Jewish cemetery). The tribute ceremony was meaningful and over the loudspeakers, as we marched, we heard the names of children who were murdered by the nazis.  Here is how it looked and felt:

After the emotional visit to Poland, we drove (with snug seat belts) on the autobahn at about 120 miles per hour while cars were passing us.  It was a high speed thrill (for Hannan, the driver) that won’t be forgotten.  Then we joined the winding roads and beautiful landscape of Northern Italy for the breathtaking views. For those who’ve been, you know, for those who haven’t, please go… While in Venice we witnessed the filming (in St. Marco Square) of Tom Hank in the newest Da Vinci Code movie and had the best meal of our lives in a quaint Italian restaurant in Florence.

But while we were vacationing in splendor, a devastating earthquake occurred in Nepal with a death toll of over 5,500 and growing each day. Signs of hope are still in the air as victims continue to be rescued 6 days after the quake, but as each hour passes, chances of survival dwindles.

And as usual, (tiny) Israel was the first to Nepal with their experienced field hospital set up only 4 days after the quake, treating and saving the lives of thousands of victims. As a side note, while searching the internet for articles about this field hospital, I only found the Jewish press covering the story. Israel continuously jumps to the rescue in all global situations because it is the right thing to do and doesn’t do it for the PR but it sure couldn’t hurt to get the word out to anti-semites that our core Jewish mission is Tikkun Olam (healing the world) which might make them think twice about why they hate us.

The 25 Israeli babies who were born to surrogate mothers in Nepal were airlifted to safety after the earthquake.  Israeli gay men who want children flock overseas to find surrogate mothers. Nepal is the birthplace for these couples. Thankfully, all of the babies were safe during the quake and were quickly united with their Israeli Abbas.  Prayers and condolences to the Nepalese people during this tragic time in their history.

There is no debate that police brutality against young (mostly black) men is a serious issue in this country. It seems that each month there is another incident.  Something needs to be done, but rioting and looting are not the answer. Hopefully someone will figure out how to keep our neighborhoods safe while also protecting the neighbors.

Graduation season is upon us as U of M and Western have their commencements this weekend. Mazel Tov to all of the grads (including our son, Mataan, and our bonus daughter,Shira). Also, our youngest son, Aviv, is graduating from High School. His interest in Detroit is evident in his published Jewish News article this week (pages 48 & 49). We are proud ours and all of this year’s graduates.  May they continue their life’s journey through their next adventure with joy and purpose.

Condolences to our whole Community on the passing of Al Taubman z”l, one of our patriarchal philanthropist.

Also, Jean Nidetch z”l, the founder of Weight Watchers passed away this week. She was instrumental in my family’s life as my mother bought one of the first Weight Watchers franchises from her in 1966.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Cranis family on the untimely and unexpected death of Scott Cranis z”l (age 51). May his memory and spirit bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.

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“Walk right in, its around the back, just a half mile from the railroad track…”  Thank you, Arlo Guthrie, for last nights 50th anniversary performance of Alice’s Restaurant. It was a wonderful kick-off to the JCC Music Festival while honoringLinda Lee z”l for her passion and dedication to our community.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom and Happy Cinco de Mayo (next week).

Lisa