31 October 2010

Yad Vashem and The Western Wall

Today was another emotional day, but different.  We started with meditation and preparation for our visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum.  We were invited to prepare for an emotional experience, one would break our heart open (again).

I guess I took the invitation to heart because I could feel my resistance on the 45 minute bus ride over.  I looked out the window and noticed all the various people walking, the buildings being constructed, the Hebrew signs that I continually try to learn how to pronounce.  Then every so often I remembered where we were going and my heart sank.  It's not that I didn't want to go there, I simply wasn't sure what to expect.  But that was the intention when I started this trip - no expectations.

We started at the Children's Memorial.  This building on the Yad Vashem campus was small, with what look like unfinished pillars standing outside.  Once inside we are led through a dark circular room.  The only lights were small candles behind glass reflected in hundreds of mirrors.  And as we walked, names of children, their ages and their country of origin were spoken.  The mirrors reflected the lights at least a hundred fold.  This was the most moving part of the visit here for me.  The metaphor of all these lights extinguished and all the lights that could have been was overwhelming.  Each name spoken was a life that was lost too soon, and many lives that could have been if these children had lived to marry and have children of their own.


outside Children's Memorial at Yad Vashem

Then we explored the main museum.  It is a tunnel like triangular structure that weaves you into and out of various rooms.  It begins with the first World War and explains how the rise of Hitler came to be, and how the people of Germany were ripe for such a charismatic leader.  Then it continues on through the various ways Hitler began his systematic profiling, oppression and eventual elimination of the Jews (and gays, gypsies, and handicapped - although these groups were not nearly as spoken for in this exhibit).  The exhibits consisted of lots of panels to read; videos of survivors telling their stories; footage of everything from Nazi marches to the horrific images of bulldozed piles of bodies in the camps.  There were artifacts of books, sacred objects that were burned and stolen, shoes, furniture, diaries, pictures, instruments the Germans used to measure if a person was Aryan (by nose length, hair color, and skin tone); writings from camp prisoners; maps and documents listing populations.  It was completely overwhelming.  By the time I was half way through I was complete saturated.  I wasn't moved like I have been with other experiences on this trip.  Perhaps I was too prepared for this visit.  Perhaps the main exhibit was too heady for me.  One of the last areas that was emotional was the Hall of Names.  A large circular room that is one big 25 foot book shelf from floor to ceiling.  On the shelves are binders with a number on each.  Each binder represents a person and inside are documents and pictures that have been provided to the museum to archive.  And there is still space on the shelves.  The shear volume of space touched me, knowing that each one was a life story and each one had been carefully collected and stored.

Yad Vashem
(no pictures are allowed inside)
What I came away with from this visit, at least initially (because all these experiences are still working on me and will for a while) was that there were many victims in this tragedy.  The Jews for sure.  The gays and gypsies and handicapped people.  And the German people, they were victims of their fear and complacency and circumstance.  Many of the Nazi soldiers were victims of fear and weakness.  And I know this won't sit well with some people - Hitler was a victim of his own fear and ego - which does not justify anything he did.  What happened is that the Jews were dehumanized and made "other" by blaming them for the circumstances of the economy at the time; by terrorizing them; by imprisoning them.  All this allowed their extermination to happen without much thought for their humanness.

This is what we must be very mindful of doing ourselves.  Even by demonizing Hitler, we make him "other."  When we make anyone "other" we risk losing our own humanity in the process.  We risk a slope that justifies everything from dismissing and name calling to out right rude and inconsiderate treatment to seeking blame and making someone or an entire group responsible for problems that we all must pay attention to.

One of the most repeated part of the stories that was told in this exhibit is how the German Jews couldn't believe this was coming.  They were so integrated into German society there was no way they could imagine and entire country turning on them.  Not everyone turned them in, but no trust in friendship was ever the same.

In silence we left the museum, road the bus back to the college and ate lunch.  There was much to process and unpack in our meeting later.  And as the afternoon continued, a few of us went to the Western Wall to pray and heal.

Western Wall

In the setting sun, the Wall was immense. Huge blocks at the bottom tell of the origins of the Wall in the 1st century.  The only part of the second temple left after the Romans destroyed it, this place is one of the  most holy sites.  And unlike some of the Christian sites, we know for sure the Wall is standing where it was when it was built over 2,000 years ago (and over 4,000 years ago too because the first temple was built on the same site).

People from all over the world come to pray here.  Women and men's sections are separate.  Israeli soldiers in uniform were praying. Women of every age, color and shape were praying.  I approached the Wall with my head covered in a scarf in respect for the holiness of this place.  As I touched the Wall an excitement came over me.  Emotions that I had experienced at other times on this trip were different now.  The smooth wall from thousands of years of touching, met my hand.  I leaned my forehead on the Wall and prayers immediately flowed.  I placed prayers from friends and family in the cracks, knowing that all these prayers will eventually be buried at the Mount of Olives.  I prayed with every fiber in me, with all the prayers that were given to me before I left; and all the prayers in the little Pilgrimage Prayer Book I created.  I could hear the soft, whispered Hebrew prayers of the women around me.  I opened my heart wider and let my space include their prayers too.  I concluded by asking God, Allah, Spirit to hear all the prayers of everyone and to hear the prayers that had not been spoken but are always in our hearts. That is the beauty of prayer - even if we forget something or someone, God knows our hearts.

May God hear all your prayers and bless us with the kind of love, compassion and tolerance that will allow us to see and learn from every teacher, past and present, so that we might remember and live in greater peace.

More Pictures

In Palestine

digging for the olive tree

made me chuckle

only entrance to the Church of the Navtivity

some of the 6th century wood carving all over the church

on an altar underneath the church

Downtown Bethlehem

a mosque in Bethlehem

a sculpture in a Bethlehem tourist center
a powerful commentary on the place of women
in their society

a corner of the wall between Palestine and Israel

the wall separating Israel and Palestine

a garden and playground on the grounds of
the Palestine Conflict Resolution Center
next to the wall

30 October 2010

Seeds of Hope

Bethlehem is a city we all know.  It is known for birthing of hope and possibility.  What most may not know is that it is located in Palestine, beyond a concrete wall that divides Israelis and Palestinians.

We were required to pass through an Israel armed check point to enter the West Bank where Bethlehem is located.  A short drive from Jerusalem, Bethlehem is home to 180,000 people, the majority are Palestinian Christians.  The sites in Bethlehem honor the place where Jesus was born, where Rachel was buried and where Greek Orthodox Christians still celebrate mass.

We began by driving out of the main part of the city to a field that was tilled and unplanted. In the distance a shepherd with a weathered face tended a dozen sheep on the rocky hillside.  He looked like what I imagined the shepherds in the bible would have looked like.  We walked in the rain, over the rocky, muddy ground and gathered with several local men.  We were there to plant the first olive tree in this field.

Olive trees are unique because the take many years to bare fruit, then produce fruit for many, many years.  The oil from these trees is clear and fragrant and can be sold.  The olives are cured and sold too. The wood from the trees is used to create artisan pieces that are also sold mainly to tourists.  So this tree is the beginning of a source of sustenance for people who have access to very little here because of the occupation of Israel.

We dug and dug, then planted and watered.  Then we blessed the tree, giving thanks for its life and for the earth and for the rain.  We chanted and offered blessings to our hosts who have lived on this land, but have been restricted from building on it and using it in ways that would help them because of the occupation of Israel.  We brought a measure of hope to them by planting this tree.

what the tree will see as it grows and offers its fruit




the men whose families own the land

After lunch we traveled to the heart of Bethlehem and toured the Church of the Nativity.  This old 6th century church was scaffolded for repairs which only added to the cacophony inside with hundreds of other people also clamoring to walk the single stair case to the cave below to see where Jesus was thought to have been born.



Our last visit was to the Palestinian Conflict Resolution Center where we met with Mr. Zoughbi, its director.  This was the most moving experience of the day. Not just because he told us of all the hardships Palestinians face every day because of the occupation by Israel and the 25 foot wall constructed that we could see directly behind his office building. Not just because 80% of the wall is on Palestinian land and limits and often cuts-off access of Palestinians to jobs and resources. Not just because we learned that 80% of the aquifers are beyond the wall and every week or every other week Palestinians have to wait for Israel to deliver water to them.  Not just because this 470 mile wall is not just a physical wall but a psychological wall too.  This visit was moving and emotional because of the hope Mr. Zoughbi still has in the possibility that the children who come to playground there will see peace and a unified country.

We circled around Mr. Zoughbi, layed our hands on him and blessed him. Fifty ministers chanted and prayed for this man, for his center for his people for this country and for ourselves, because any loss is a loss for all humanity.  As we left I stood before the towering gray wall, painted with messages of peace, hope, and frustration and could no longer hold back tears.  Sobbing I felt the pain of all people - Palestinians, Israelis, Arabs, Jews, Christians, Iraqis, Afghanis, Blacks and all people who have been oppressed.  I sobbed for the reality that we humans are capable of so much harm to one another.  I cried for all the frustrated efforts of all of us who want peace.  

Then I remembered the tree we planted and I cried in anticipation that our prayers, our blessings, our seeds of hope will actually change the world.  Indeed it already has. My world, Mr. Zoughbi's world, our group's world and your world is forever changed.  



29 October 2010

More Pictures

Here are some pictures of exploring the Old City and the markets.

 Damascus Gate
 spices in the market
 spices
 the Old City
 the Old City
 guess who
 Herod's Gate
 inside Herod's Gate
 Muslim shop getting ready to close for Sabbath
 inside Old City
 Pomegranate juice
 

Gateway to the Circle of Love

Today we explored the site of the Last Supper, King David's Tomb and the location where Jesus was imprisoned before his trial and crucifixion.  These places are movable.  What?  According to archeologists and historians, over the hundreds of years these places were not where they are today.  Many different wars, discoveries and scientific verifications have placed the room of the Last Supper in several locations, the same with King David's tomb and where Jesus was imprisoned.  And it is likely over time these places will "move" again.

For me it's not important that I am standing in the room, or the cell or the tomb.  What moves me is the remembrance and presence with which I open my heart to the meanings of these places, wherever they are today.

During the Last Supper, Jesus was not just sharing a meal he was sharing nourishment. The nourishment of  that which is universal - that we all share - love, companionship, sacredness, connection, reverence, liberation, healing, respect, trust and truth.  This Soul Food - bread for our body and wine for our heart, connects body and soul and in both the Christian and Jewish traditions, and provides an opportunity to connect with that which is universal.

Connecting to the universal message in the teachings of these places, in the stories and events that birthed from here I am attending to what is "sparked in my chest."  Sufi's invite us to be conscious of God.  If I am conscious of God then I am present.  Divine qualities are only able to flow in the present moment.  In being conscious of the Divine I/we are released from that which is conditioned in us - fear, judgement, expectation, agenda, ego.

In this presence and consciousness of God, I listen.  What do I hear?  A Sufi story talks of a man longing for connection with God, Allah, and he prayed constantly, daily - and then was asked "Do you ever get an answer?"  Upon considering this question, he stopped praying because he did not believe he was getting an answer from Allah.  A Sufi spirit prophet came to him and asked why he had stopped praying. Upon hearing the man's answer the spirit prophet explained that our anguished inner longing for connection with God is God's reply to us - it is our connection to God.

I seek this connection, this authentic community of life.  I seek what Rumi calls the Circle of Love.  The gateway to this Circle of Love is communion with others who we give and receive Love (unconditionally); who we can trust and be vulnerable with; and who loves and seeks truth (in whatever manifestation it comes).

How can I offer, receive, cultivate and recognize the Circle of Love when it is present?  How can I connect to God/Divine and live within this Circle of love.  The good news is that this is a compassionate lifelong awareness that requires spiritual practices.  The good news is that we human's were made to be asleep a good part of the time, so that might awaken to this beauty.  And in this awakening we find joy in remembering, again!!

May we all continue to long for connection to the Divine in whatever form, by whatever name so that we might awaken once again to and with compassion, love, trust and truth, within the Circle of Love.

"God is Great"


going into the women's side of King David's Tomb


Inside Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu - above where Jesus was imprisoned


where Jesus was imprisoned



City of David

28 October 2010

Pictures

view of Temple Mount from Mount of Olives

oldest continuous Jewish cemetery on Mount of Olives

hold back tears of joy at being here!

what Jesus might have seen as he prayed beneath an olive tree in the Garden of Gethsemane

Garden of Gethsemane

Shalom, Salam, Peace

Jerusalem, 2:00 pm

Overwhelmed by the reality of being here, tears streamed down my cheeks as I took in my first glimpse of the Old City of Jerusalem, Y'rusha'lim, El Qdt (The Holy).  Amongst the din of tourists, buses and vendors I was overcome by the energy of history and sacredness in this place.  The oldest continuous Jewish cemetery is at the Mount of Olives, just below were I am standing.


Rabbi Ted, Pastor Don and Sheikh Jamal offered teachings of opening to the spirit of this place with our hearts, opening to the diversity of the history and meanings and of the how all of us struggle with separateness and oneness here.  The details of these wise teachers was heard my by heart, not by my pen, so I can't offer more here.  I chose to let my ears and heart listen and my breath was taking in all and offering my joy and gratitude to all of us and all of you.  I can feel you all here and feel the prayers.  We were also told by our organizer, Liz that 7,000 spiritual directors from Spiritual Directors International are praying for us on this journey - more tears came as the gravity of that presence was felt.

Then we walked down the road.  A road that Jesus and millions others have walked for thousands of years, to the Garden of Gethsemane.  A small dry garden with an abundance of olive trees, dusty ground and prayers.  Several groups where holding services in this holy place.  We gathered in the corner to again receive teaching from our guides.  Sheihk Jamal talked about the teaching of the trees.  Sufi teachers invite us to learn humility from them as they fill with fruit the bow to us in offering.  We can learn about diversity from trees - the branches will move differently in the wind, but are all connected at to roots.  We were reminded of Jesus' struggle in this garden and the humanness we are when trying to stay awake to wisdom.  After sharing our intentions for this journey with fellow pilgrims we heard the call to prayer.  The Mosques were calling to all of us to remember to praise God and honor one another.

I was simply being, praying, listening, learning, tearing and offering myself with gratitude.  We closed our time in the garden with chanting Peace in Hebrew, Arabic and English.
Shalom, Salam, Peace....Shalom, Salam, Peace....Shalom, Salam, Peace

I really felt our presence and prayers, the presence and prayers of others there, and our chanting the words "Peace" will make a difference - may it be so!!

27 October 2010

All the Same Color?

Jerusalem - 9:00pm

"We are entering Israeli air space. Everyone must stay in their seats until we land." The French accented voice announced over the intercom as we approached Tel Aviv.  Curious? Stay in our seats in Israeli air space?  How would Israel know if I didn't?

It felt like an extremely long approach and not just because I was anxious to arrive.  It felt like we were never going to descend below the clouds.  What did that mean?  Was I letting expectations come in?  Were the clouds to remind me to know that all is not clear and to wait for clarity?  I was getting an energetic sense that we were very near Israel, but I couldn't see any land.  Then I realized that I couldn't see land because we were over water.  Hmmm.... water not land.....flowing not ground....

We approached Israel, not from land but from the Mediterranean.  Then I saw the coast of Israel and my breath stopped for a minute.  "Wow!" was all I could say in my sleep deprived stupor.  I was really here!!

As we flew over the land I searched the landscape for anything that would "look" like Israel, or Tel Aviv.  Then I noticed that every building, every high rise, every low rise and every building under construction was the same color - light sand stone. Various shapes of buildings, different clusters of buildings in circles and geometrics, but all the same color.  In a land where resides the shapes, colors and beliefs of three of the world's major faiths, as well as so many other international people and ideas, I find it especially curious that all the buildings are the same color.  Building codes I have been told, but I will find out more.   

Can we present a certain belief, ideology or opinion outwardly when underneath that ideology or belief is more complicated, undeveloped and unclear?  Is it incongruent, lacking integrity or is it human?  Is it what we do to work out our beliefs - presenting them, being and receiving the mirror of others' responses, then refining as we go?


Shu kran – Af ron

While waiting in Paris for my flight to Tel Aviv I met a beautiful Jordanian woman, Hiam.  She was traveling back home to Aman, Jordan from Toronto where she had spent 4 months taking care of her younger sister who is in remission from breast cancer.  She has two other younger sisters, 3 children and 5 grandchildren.  Her husband has relatives in San Francisco.  

I told Haim I was traveling to Jerusalem.  Hiam loves Jerusalem and as a young woman just out of high school she taught Arabic and math at a schools there for 4 years, before she married and moved back to Jordan. 

She offered me a ginger candy and then another.  I was mindful not to refuse, since this was a small gift for having helped her confirm that she was at the right gate. 

Our entire interaction occurred without my knowing Arabic at all.  She had few English words but could understand more what I was saying in English than I could understand what she was saying Arabic.

This has always been a point of embarrassment for me, and for most of us Americans.  We know English, but few know any other language.  People of other countries in this world often know English as well as their own language, and if they don't know it fluently they can at the very least converse or exchange vital information.  I am blessed because of my experience with sign language, I am not afraid to try to communicate even with gestures and exaggerated expressions in order to connect with people.  I am also very interested in people of other cultures.  So when given the opportunity to meet and connect with someone new, I will always welcome the blessing with gratitude.

And isn't that the point anyway, connection and gratitude. 

I knew as soon as Hiam approached me I would be meeting an interesting and beautiful person.  What a gift!

Hiam also taught me some Arabic:
Shu kran – Thank You
Af ròn – You are Welcome

If nothing else, I want to learn these two phrases in as many languages as possible, in order to express gratitude.  Who wants to help me?  Who wants to learn with me?!?!!!

26 October 2010

ATL

Waiting in the Atlanta airport for my next flight, I noticed not just the myriad of people from all over the world, speaking languages I couldn't easily identify, but the many, many US military personnel in
this international terminal. Where were they all going to? Afghanistan, Germany, some place else.....? Some guys (they were all guys) looked older, and not knowing anything about what the strips and bars on their sleeves meant, I assumed they were higher rank than the younger soldiers in their company.

Two young men caught my attention. They were not in the company of older soldiers and I watched them walk through the terminal to the food court, but it was clear these young men were new recruits. They seemed they were trying really hard not to reveal the "deer in the headlights" look in their eyes that I could see immediately. They walked with purpose and with an intentional confidence that they were
probably told to exhibit. Their camouflage backpacks matched their uniforms and I swear I could still see the creases still in them.

Mixed emotions came over me. These guys are someone's sons, maybe someone's brothers or someone else's boyfriends - going off to God-knows where for the first time. I was humbled with gratitude for their desire to serve in whatever part of the world they were bound for. At the same time, I was concerned for them, hoping and praying that whoever was to meet them on the other end of their trip would be able to guide them through this life changing transition they were on.

To all our troops, all over the world, from every country. May your time be short in whatever conflict you are engaged. May Peace Prevail On Earth.

24 October 2010

....it has begun......


With my Human Development mid-term complete and submitted, I realize that my pilgrimage to Israel-Palestine has begun.  I am grateful that I have been able to stay on task with all the things I have needed to do in preparation for this trip - packing, sorting, organizing, more packing, verifying, studying, eating, and sleeping (sometimes).

Now, there is very little to "do" between now and my departure ... my trip has really begun....

One of the things that I am intending on this trip is to BE wherever I am.  I honestly have no expectations. Even looking at the amazing itinerary, I know plans always have to be flexible.  One of my teachers, Betty Goodreau, taught me to have no agendas even if they are written down.

So, I am Being or attempting to at least be more mindful of everything now....breathing as often as I can remember....trusting myself and my preparation ....enjoying the building excitement and anxiety (anxiety will help keep me aware in ways that will keep me safe)....and holding all the intentions and prayers that have been gifted to me to carry.

Until later....it's off to BE - I hope you BE too J

16 October 2010

Trip Itinerary: Israel-Palestine

This unique opportunity to join other clergy and spiritual directors on a pilgrimage to Israel-Palestine October 27 – November 5, 2010 is sponsored by Spiritual Directors International.  The pilgrimage will be led by a Rabbi Ted Falcon, Pastor Don Mackenzie and Sheikh Jamal Rahman (The Interfaith Amigos), who have led this trip for many years. 

Here is our itinerary for each day.

Wednesday, October 27: Arrival and Grounding
We will meet our host, Iyad Qumri, at the Tel Aviv airport, and travel together to St. George’s College in Jerusalem, where we will spend the first seven nights of our journey. Our pilgrimage will begin with a brief walking tour to the nearby Damascus Gate and opening meditation.

Thursday, October 28: Overview, Introductions, and Intentions
Travel to Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane.

Friday, October 29: Releasing Expectations
Travel to Mount Zion, the Room of the Last Supper, and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu.  Noontime Muslim prayer. Evening honoring of Shabbat.

Saturday, October 30: Energies of Birthing
Travel to Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. Meet with a Palestinian peace worker. Evening celebration of Muslim spirituality.

Sunday, October 31: Meeting the Dark Places
Travel to Yad Vashem and the Holocaust Museum. Gather for sharing following lunch, with the rest of the afternoon free. Evening celebration of the Christian Sabbath.

Monday, November 1: Into the Light
Journey to the Dead Sea where you will have the option to swim – or really float – and benefit from the healing properties of Dead Sea mud.

Tuesday, November 2: Places of Transformation
Travel to the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock, Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Garden Tomb. Meditation at the Western Wall.

Wednesday, November 3: Realities Behind Reality
Travel to Nazareth, where we will spend the final two nights of our pilgrimage. Visit Safed, the city of Jewish mystics.

Thursday, November 4: Core Teachings on the Spiritual Path
Travel to Mount of Beatitudes and Korazim. Final sharing and meditation.

Friday, November 5: Sharing Blessings with the World
Farewells, departures, journey onward.

14 October 2010

Follow Me....

Hello all. It's been a while since I posted here and have decided to revive this site so that you can follow me on my trip to Israel (and after).  Simple "Follow" and you will receive an email when I post here.  It will be fun to share my experiences with you all from here.  I'll be posting text and pictures (hopefully).  Feel free to comment too.
Peace to all,
Karuna