By Rabbi Ellen Bernhardt, Director of the Jewish Community Relations Committee and Community Chaplain
—
As I write this article, I wonder how many of you visit synagogues and seek out Jewish sites when you travel. My guess is that many of you do. Visiting synagogues, Jewish neighborhoods, Holocaust memorials, and Jewish museums connects us to the worldwide Jewish community and reinforces our link to Jewish peoplehood.
The first Jew, Abraham, was asked by G-d to “Lech lecha”—to go forth from his birthplace, from everything he knew, and take Sarah with him to a place that G-d would show him. Abraham followed G-d’s instruction, and in this new land—Canaan, later Israel—he established the Jewish people, beginning a 4,000-year history. Much of that history has taken place in the diaspora, as we have continually sought to return to our homeland, yet were often forcibly removed from our dwellings.
The Babylonian Talmud, from which we derive much of Jewish law, was written outside of Israel while Jews were, in a sense, “traveling.” Wherever we lived, we encountered new landscapes, cultures, languages, foods, clothing, and shared experiences. Not so many weeks ago, we observed the Passover seder, which itself reflects elements of ancient Greek dining culture that were incorporated into Jewish practice.
When the Temple stood, Jews were obligated to observe the three pilgrimage festivals—Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot—by traveling to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices. One can only imagine what that was like: thousands of people, young and old, walking from their homes throughout Israel, carrying food and clothing, sharing songs and stories, and ascending the hills to the holy Temple. What a sight that must have been.
The great rabbi, philosopher, and physician Moses Maimonides taught that we must care for our bodies as well as our souls. Shabbat, as a day of rest, offers a break from the demands of everyday life. Human beings need structured opportunities to rest, reflect, and renew.
Travel, in many ways, mirrors this intention. It provides opportunities to learn, reconnect, refresh—and to have fun. Traditional Jews recite a prayer before traveling, asking G-d to protect them on their journey.
In today’s world, when travel is more accessible than ever, these ancient perspectives offer a valuable counterbalance.
They remind us that recreation is not frivolous but necessary; that stepping away can bring clarity; and that every journey—whether across the globe or just beyond one’s daily routine—holds the potential for growth.
Nesi’ah tovah—safe and happy travels!
