If the Israelites Had an RV…

By Nina Fondiller Woldin

Every Passover, like the Israelites, I take a long trip through the desert. Our ancestors traveled on foot, and I travel in a van with all the amenities a house, but the journey helps me to picture myself as if I, too, left Egypt.

… the journey helps me to picture myself as if I, too, left Egypt.

It is said that the Israelites grew spiritually as they wandered through the desert in order to become ready to receive the Torah. To this day the Omer (the 49 days from Passover to Shavout) is a period of spiritual elevation and self-fulfillment for Jewish people. Counting the Omer for these 49 days connects our finding freedom to our receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai. 

Like the Israelites, I paid attention to the spiritual opportunities that surrounded me on my trip, and I have found that the texts that inspire our Chai Mitzvah discussions gave new relevance to my experiences along the way.

This year’s trip began with a visit to a member of our Chai Mitzvah family who came to us by joining a virtual Mussar group. We had never met in person, but know each other well because of the meaningful discussions we’ve had on so many topics! What I learned from my visit was that she is even more thoughtful and welcoming that I could have imagined. We enjoyed a really warm Friday night dinner, she shared a family recipe for an amazing salad that I have made twice since our visit, and I was reminded of the Chai Mitzvah Mussar booklet about Chevruta in the sense of Spiritual Friendship.

I am grateful for the connections we make through all of our Chai Mitzvah groups, both virtual and in-person. The Omer is a great time to start a spiritual journey – please join us!