Aryeh's Israel Outlook

https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Culture/Svhvil-Israel-and-Shmini-Atzeret-Walking-the-path-of-contemplation-567619 Jerusalem Post SHVIL ISRAEL AND SHMINI ATZERET: WALKING THE PATH OF CONTEMPLATION The special relationship between the Jews and God is one of responsibility and action, not privilege and exclusion, and Shmini Atzeret gives expression to, and celebrates, that singular bond. BY  ARYEH GREEN    SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 Sunset overlooking the coastal plain in Israel. (photo credit: Courtesy) AFTER HIKING the Israel National Trail – Shvil Yisrael – and writing a book about the experience, I often find people ask, “What was your favorite part?” “Why not ask which of my children is my favorite?” is my usual answer. Some things in life just aren’t comparable, or aren’t worth measuring in that way. Each day on the Trail was not only unique and amazing, challenging and beautiful, but fascinating and uplifting as well. Just like my children.

It’s not just news. It’s personal. Some of my Fb friends – especially those who become friends recently because of the book – may not be aware how these events affect us as Israelis and Jews – every one of us. The news itself about the murder of Ari Fuld by a “Palestinian“ Arab terrorist can be found in many places. As can the tributes to this magnificent Jew, Israeli, American, human being. But I want you to know that not only did thousands of Israelis attend the funera l last night — brown, white, black, Jewish, Muslim, and other — but thousands more sat at home glued to the TV or simply sitting alone in pain and grief. This is not just another terrorist murder; we all feel it. On the one hand, it’s a small country: everyone knew, or knew someone who knew, Ari Fuld. He is our brother, our cousin, our kids’ teacher, the uncle of a friend of our daughter…. The fact that I met Ari a few times is irrelevant. Because on the other hand, on a deeper level, we Jews as a people are a tri