Shalom to all of you. I am told that a lady never tells her age, but in this case I will make an exception … When asked by family and friends how I plan to spend my 60th birthday, my only response was: with Israel on her 60th birthday! And how blessed I feel to have just spent a glorious 8 days in Eretz Yisrael with 29 members of the Congregation B’nai Moshe family! How much better does it get — saying “Shecheyanu” atop Mt. Scopus viewing the ancient and new city of Jerusalem, floating in the Dead Sea, shopping with friends in Jerusalem’s Cardo, enjoying a falafel in a Tel Aviv café, a visit to the Yad Lakashish (Life Line to the Elderly) workshop, and a Shabbat walk in Jerusalem after davening in a Misorati (Conservative Movement) synagogue.

How I wish all of you could have the opportunity to visit Israel. Each time I visit (this was my 6th trip), I find new and exciting excavations, eco/biblical parks, and a vibrant culture that knows no bounds. I am truly inspired to incorporate my love for Israel into every grade level of our school. We are fortunate to have a staff (including many Israelis) who will make the study of Israel come alive in the classroom with Israel life-size maps, “out-of-thebox” building blocks of the Old City, videos, and creative hands-on projects. As always, I welcome innovative and challenging program ideas. Please call me at the LIFE Office: 248-788-3600.

B’Shalom
Gail Gales