Returning to Israel After 38 Years – July 2008 Israel Seminar
Roberta Gross-Torres

Roberta Gross-Torres and Martin Stempel

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the July 2008 Israel Seminar.  I had not been to Israel since 1970 so having the opportunity to travel the country that I love and seeing so much change was thrilling. 

There were three aspects of the Seminar that I found especially unique and outstanding.  The first was the Melton study method.  I loved going to places and learning about them through a variety of media from ancient texts to contemporary politics and music.  Spending Shabbat afternoon on a hillside park in Jerusalem reading the poetry of Yehuda Amichai was so very moving.  I went on the trip looking for text study and returned in love with contemporary Israeli poetry!

Secondly, I love our instructor, Haim Aronovitz.  Haim was able to bring so many sources to bear upon the subjects.  His deep knowledge and obvious love of the material is extraordinary.  He challenged us to think about things we thought we knew in new ways.  His wry sense of humor kept us moving through long, hot days and helped us meld into a cohesive group.

Lastly, our travel companions were all delightful.  Perhaps it was because everyone on the trip had made a commitment to Jewish learning and love of Israel, maybe it was because Haim brought out the best in us or it could have been luck. I had been a bit concerned about going alone but my fears were unfounded. Not only were there several other "singles" but the couples were completely welcoming and accepting of us, so I never felt alone. All I know is that if I ever see a stranger carrying a Florence Melton Mini-School Israel Seminar backpack and “tushion”, I will know I have found a new friend.  

So, thank you all for arranging a great Seminar.

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