Expect the Unexpected

If you have been following my blog posts, then you know this is the third article in a series about inspiration experienced while recently visiting Israel.  The first article, Our Gifts are Calling, talked about the value of fully exerting the special gifts [talents] within me for the benefit of helping and inspiring others.  Taught to Love was the second post that expounded on a beautiful father / son interaction witnessed at a rest stop involving the father eradicating fear of differences within his son.

My third shared experience is about an unexpected experience.

Our host arranged for us to visit a congregation on our second full day in Israel, which was a Saturday.  I was excited about the prospect of going, as it was going to be the first time I visited a local congregation while staying in the country.

I imagined quite a few different scenarios of what the Shabbat service was going to be like, while at the same time not being able to figure-out anything.  I did not know what to expect.

“How many people attend,” one of us asked (probably me – I truly cannot recall).  “It’s hard to say,” our host stated, “people from all over the world visit, so it’s hard to know how many people are actually members.”  More questions flowed, to which our host graciously answered. Dare I say I was anxiously excited? Questions rolled around in my head such as: Will they be accepting of us?  Will we stand out?  How are we supposed to dress?  What was the music going to be like? Where in the world was she taking us? Will we be safe?

Sometimes I just need to go with the flow and stop trying to figure out everything.  Can you relate?  If I were to give an alternate title to this third post, then it would be to Keep an Open Mind (aka Be Openminded). Our host most assuredly had our best interest in mind.  I simply needed to relax!

Saturday arrived and we left bright and early, as the drive was going to take approximately an hour. Our host wanted to be early, give herself ample time to locate the building and park, and for us to get a good seat.

The scenery on the drive from Migdal to Haifa was stunning.  The weather – remarkable.  We pulled over at an overlook in Haifa to take in the views, soak in the weather, and to snap a few photos.  We were making good time.  The views driving from Haifa to Mount Carmel, where the congregation was located, was equally as stunning – as we caught glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea as we were ascending to the building’s location, which was on the highest point on Mount Carmel.

We arrived about an hour early – give or take a few minutes.  We parked and slowly made our way up the road leading to the building.  Our host greeted and introduced us to several people along the way whom she knew.  Most of the people there at this point were leaders and those responsible for facilitating the service.

After finishing our conversation with one of the female leaders, she encouraged us to go and select our seats, which aligned with our host wanting to get there early.  I was thinking, “There are plenty of seats and we are super early – we’re good.”

Side note to self – it’s wise to listen to the advice of people who know their environment and the way their system operates.

The inside of the sanctuary was beautiful.  The band and singers were practicing.  We took our seats and began to watch and listen to them practice.  Although they were singing in Hebrew, the melody of several songs was familiar and we began to softly sing in English.

Kindness abounded from the moment we stepped onto the property until the moment we took our seats (and left for the day).  The atmosphere was relaxed.  People were in an array of different clothing from dresses and suits to jeans and t-shirts.

I felt at home.  I literally felt as though I was attending my local church, as there were similarities.  The contemporary style of music, the diverse people in the building, even the structure of the service including the preservice practice session of the band and singers. This was unexpected!

There were also differences.

The sanctuary filled-up quickly.   Our host was correct – there were people from all over the world; different nationalities (nations), tribes, and language backgrounds.  Although the entire Shabbat service was spoken in Hebrew, songs were projected in three languages, one being English.  The sermon was spoken in both Hebrew and English, except for the Bar-mitzvah; that was completed in Hebrew.

It was permissible to photograph or video those on the platform leading the Shabbat service. They requested for photos and videos not to be taken of those in the service.  Although I wanted to do both, I honored their request, especially to respect the privacy of others.

It was simply wonderful to witness a few hundred people from different nations harmoniously together in one place, including nationalities in that region who historically have strong tensions between them.  At one point I turned around and there were numerous people standing – all of the seats were taken!  I understood why we were told several times to secure our seats.

A better understanding of how many people were in the building was clear as we poured out of the building after service.  Attendees had the option of buying lunch in the cafeteria.  Folks were greeting one another in their various languages.  The parking lot was full, and a charter bus was waiting down the hill and around the corner for a group of people.

My worldview was globally expanded.

I did not expect the unexpected pleasure of attending a service where I felt at home. We were accepted. We blended in. Our style of dress was not a concern.  The music was familiar.  We were on Mount Carmel, feeling completely safe and grateful.  This place was a magnet for the world, and had been for some time.

I would be remiss not to mention that the story behind this congregation and its founding pastors is astounding within itself.  The experience has encouraged me to be openminded and more willing to try new experiences.

The final two posts regarding experiences in Israel, Perspective Mattersand Dreams Do Come True, will happen over the next two Mondays.  Remember to stop by for some inspiration from daily life!