Judaica and Jewish culture enrich Jewish life and enhance Jewish living. More broadly, the arts bring beauty to our lives and provide new perspectives on the world. They express the language of the soul, open a window on the sacred and teach us to see the holy in the ordinary.More than a trip to see beautiful sites and learn interesting things, a Jewish heritage tour is a spiritual journey of discovery the reveals the treasures of Jewish life, that opens our soul to the stories of our people and that creates life-long community and special memories along the way.

Ever more fast-paced and complicated, we experience and look out on the world with questions and concerns. How can I understand the changes and challenges facing society? What is my responsibility to my community and country, to the people and planet? Jewish tradition offers a lens for seeing the world and a Pathway for living in it.

That Jews see themselves as family is no surprise. Before we were “Am Yisrael,” the People Israel, we were “B’nai Yisrael,” the extended family of Abraham and Sarah. Today, family configurations may have changed but many challenges are no different than those faced by our ancestors. Therefore, we turn to Jewish wisdom for guidance in raising young children, parenting teenagers, creating a supportive interfaith family, navigating the “sandwich generation,” grand-parenting Jewish grandchildren and wise-aging.

The rabbis teach that the Torah has seventy faces. It is no wonder, then, why Torah is studied in community. For, sitting face to face b’chevruta- with a study partner who pushes us to probe deeply, think critically and listen carefully- we glimpse the face God among the many faces of Torah. For many, Israel is a tremendous source of pride. It is a place where they feel most connected. Studying Israel’s history and significance only strengthens that tie. On the other hand, increasingly, a younger generation is reexamining its relationship with the State. Developing a mature, honest, love of the Jewish homeland starts with learning.

In the best of cases, our work is more than a job. Ideally, we each seek to make our vocation an avocation with a passion that carries over to other areas of life. We socialize with people in our industry and look for continuing education in our chosen profession. When doctors, lawyers, business people, etc., turn to Jewish teachings, they discover a wisdom that speaks to their interests and enriches their work.

We live in a world of brokenness, at a time when life often feels scattered. Where do we go to seek wholeness? Through mindful practices, chant, and Musar, etc., we seek to integrate our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual selves to live healthy and holy lives. This tikkun han’shama (repairing the self), paves the way for tikkun haolam (repairing the world).