According to plan, a short bus trip delivered us to the Tel Aviv University campus, where we met up with our host and guide Yael Rosen. The tour was arranged with the assistance of museum director of public education, Chen Saar Cohen.
Beit Hatfutsot has changed a great deal through the years and the focus of exhibits has been the Jewish Peoplehood ethos through a variety of changing exhibitions. The main gallery hosts the permanent exhibit dedicated to synagogues around the world. The variegated array of synagogues from every corner of the world served up a dynamic experiential encounter through which we all found personal expression.
Our tour moved on to the next floor where the theme focused on “Our Story Today”. We then explored on our own in smaller groups, some enjoyed refreshments or found other interesting exhibits.
With the strictly organized portion of the tour coming to a conclusion, a variety of options remained for individual time. Most of us chose the camaraderie availed by smaller groups and bonded with each other.
On the train ride home we found that almost all of us were riding back together through sheer chance and not by design.
This was a trip to be remembered for a great cultural experience as well as an intimate time with our fellow ESRA members.
Dr. Gabriel Mayer, Nahariya
