Interfaith mission to Israel

Our Israel travelers came home on Sunday, November 2^nd to a wonderful homecoming reception. There were "Welcome Home" signs in the lobby and the Wilbur and Mary Jean Cohen Center was filled with a welcoming crowd.  Outside the Cohen Center, display boards held prints of many of the photos of our Interfaith Mission and folks told us how much they enjoyed sharing the trip through the photos.  We will soon be organizing programs to be able to share our experiences with our Cedar Village family and the community-hope you'll join us for that.

Ten days of international travel with older adults is both hard work and pure joy.  I will tell you that every member of our group of 30 learned new things, developed new relationships and bonds and had the opportunity to see the world through the perspective of others.  We had some incredibly powerful moments, like standing together at the Western Wall; we had some wonderfully emotional moments, like being the honored guests at a special concert of the Ankor Choir.  We shared joy as we watched the re-consecration of a marriage that is 62 years strong and we shared laughter as we danced an improvised hora while sailing on the Sea of Galilee.  We were inspired by the incredible accomplishments of Kishorit, a community for adults with special needs and amazed by the extraordinary programs of Yad L'Kashish, Lifeline for the Elderly.  Regardless of our differences in age, background, religion and more, we came together and demonstrated just what we had intended-that building bridges is possible at any age, that we are never too old to learn and be open to new experiences.

Even though the Mission is complete, your donations will help offset the expenses of making such a trip possible.

Links:

• Life Begins at Cedar Village

On October 24, Cedar Village residents and staff will begin their much anticipated Interfaith Mission to Israel. They will be traveling with residents from Otterbein, a United Methodist affiliated retirement community on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

It has been the dream of many of our residents to travel to Israel.  One couple who has never been to Israel is celebrating their 62^nd anniversary and will reconsecrate their vows on top of Masada. 

Another resident’s lifelong dream was to travel to Israel with his wife who passed away last year.  He is making this trip in her memory.

 The two groups have prepared for this journey, by reading two books - one on the Methodist Church and one on Judaism.  They have also attended a worship service at each retirement community.