Thursday, June 4, 2009

Rabbi Shefa's Letter of Invitation


“Religion is nice, but even without all that divine revelatory hullabaloo, the Creator left us enough information in the earth about how to live in balance. If we did not have the Torah, we could have learned everything that we needed to know from the animals.”
— Babylonian Talmud, tractate Eruvin 100b
(contemporary translation by Rabbi Gershon Winkler)

Friends,

Once I saw a cartoon depicting my ancestors. They’re riding their camels, leading their sheep and goats through the wilderness. The young child turns to her Dad and says, “Are we there yet?” The father is clearly irritated and it’s obvious by the look on his face, that this isn’t the first time she’s asked that question. Finally, exasperated, he leans over to her and says, “We’re nomads for God’s sake!”

And even though we live the settled life in houses, apartments, in places we call our own, still…. We are nomads. We are wandering through this world and everything is temporary. When we travel, we remember that this is true. We remember that we have only been passing through, and that we were never “in control.” When we leave the seeming safety of Home, there is an opportunity to remember that “we are nomads, for God’s sake!” We travel to encounter the world without preconceptions. We travel to meet the world as our teacher.

In my own travels, it is my practice to ask the question, “What is the Power of this Place?” In the book of Genesis, our ancestor, Jacob wakes up from a powerful dream and says, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the House of God. This is the Gate of Heaven!” When I ask that question, “What is the Power of this Place?” I am opening to the possibility that this is the House of God, that I will experience God’s Presence right here, through the sights and sounds and smells and tastes and textures that surround me. And I am opening to the possibility that this place is the Gate of Heaven, the doorway to all dimensions, the secret to the expansion of consciousness, the mystery to all healing.

When I open to the Power of a Place, some of my best and most articulate teachers are the animals that make that place their home. Sometimes, when I sit in the presence of a wild animal, I get very quiet inside. If I pay attention with a sense of reverence for Life, I can feel the unself-conscious power of that animal pouring into the world as a kind of Praise for its Creator.

This is what our ancestors must have perceived when they authored the book Perek Shira. This ancient mystical text is comprised of a series of quotes from TaNaCh (Torah, Prophets and Writings) Talmud and Zohar, put in the mouths of all of Creation- the Sun, Moon, Clouds, Stars, Wind, Fig, Date, Vegetable, Apple, Grasses, Rooster, Dove, Vulture, Crane, Fish, Frog, Camel, Horse, Elephant, Lion, Bear, Wolf, Ant, Fox, Snake, Scorpion, Dog… each has a voice and a message of Praise.

In studying this text, I ask, Can I listen well to Creation? Can I join in the Cosmic Chorus and sing my own song of praise in concert with all the voices of Creation?

This will be my intention as we journey to the beautiful lands of Ecuador and the Galapagos: to listen well, to find our own voices and sing out in harmony with the amazing creatures that we encounter, to learn from Creation.

Please join us.

http://shefagalapagospilgrimage.blogspot.com/ (914)-439-7731

welcome to our sacred pilgrimage

Rabbi Shefa Gold - http://www.RabbiShefaGold.com


TRIP TO ECUADOR AND THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
APRIL 19-29, 2009
(to register for the trip please use link to the right: "registration forms")

Please join Rabbi Shefa Gold on a pilgrimage trip to the city of Quito and the Galapagos Islands in the beautiful and historic land of Ecuador. The dates of the trip will be April 19-29, 2009. The trip will be lead by Rabbi Shefa Gold and is organized through Community Development Partners For The Americas, LLP (CDPA), Hune Margulies, Ph.D., Director












RABBI ZALMAN SCHACHTER-SHALOMI: "Rabbi Shefa knows how to contact the deep patterns of soul growth. She does that in the dimensions of sound, meditation, movement, and transformation for people. Her Center for Devotional, Energy & Ecstatic Practice (C-DEEP) will serve those who are tired of doing only the beginner's work."





Join us for 10 days of pilgrimage. Our trip is a pilgrimage inwards aided by daily journeys to magnificent natural sites. Our pilgrimage will take us to some of the most sacred and most magnificent natural sites in Ecuador's mainland and the Galapagos Islands. We will journey to the most-beautiful Galapagos Islands, home to some of the most magnificent species of fauna and flora.


We will participate in guided group and individual spiritual practices. We will also meet and converse with local Indigenous practitioners. We will travel to enjoy incredible natural sites and visit the people who still make those mountains, rivers, and valleys their home. We will take trips to special sites in the Quito region and commune with the nature, Indigenous culture, and sites of historic meaning.


Please review the registration forms included on this site. For more information please write the tour organizers: Community Development Partners For The Americas, LLC, at CDPA@cdpa-americas.org and/or call 914-439-7731. You may contact Hune directly at hune@martinbuberinstitute.org.

Our RETREAT'S ITINERARY

Our Galapagos itinerary…This is our daily itinerary during our Ecuador pilgrimage. Please see at the end of the itinerary my notes about packing, weather and other suggestions.

(bureaucratic disclosure d'rigere: as we are dealing with living creatures here, those of the human type and those of the non-human species, this itinerary is SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

1. Sunday April 19. Our first day together. Evening airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge, overnight lodging San Jorge/Quito.

2. On Monday April 20, we will depart from Quito airport at 7:30 am with the first flight to the Galapagos Islands. We will land at the Baltra airport at 10:30 am Galapagos Pacific time. From Baltra we will take a 2 hours boat ride to our destination in the Island of Isabela. As we sail, we will observe many samples of the rich marine life that exists all around the 13 islands that make up the Galapagos. From the port of arrival in Isabela, we will take a ride to our Camping site, at Campo Duro in the Isla Isabela. After lunch, we will visit a special sector of the Isabela beach called Concha de Perla. At the site we can snorkel and observe several different species of fish. We can also swim with sea lions, iguanas, penguins and sea turtles and just be there at the magnificent beach. In the way back to our camp, we will pass through the flamingos lake. After supper, we can hike around the area and say hello to the giants tortoises in and around our camp. The nights are filled with starts and fireflies and the sounds of the living forest. The tents are over platforms and the bathrooms have all clean facilities, with hot and cold water showers. There are also natural showers under and around trees placed in private and discreet settings.

3. Tuesday April 21, after breakfast we will take a short sailing ride to the resting area of the tintoreras and the white fin sharks. This is also the nesting grounds for the marine iguanas, blue feet birds, penguins and sea lions. The flora around there is very unique. The area is like a lunar landscape made out of volcanic rocks. We can swim and snorkel there with the Galapagos turtles and the other marine animals. For lunch we will go to the fishing village of Puerto Villamil. After lunch we will visit the “Kotel HaGalapagi ☺”, or as the locals call it, the Muro de las Lagrimas, or the wall of tears. This trail will lead us through unique hiking areas surrounded by birds and local animals. We will return to the camp by way of the beach. After a good buffet supper, the town will be open for us for salsa and some of the local brews.

4. Wednesday April 22, we will leave after breakfast in three separate boats to sail towards the area known as the Lava Caves, at the other end of Isabela Island. An incredible biodiversity lives there. We will have lunch on the boats and we sail to different spots on the island. Inside the lava caves we will find rare birds and what locals refer to as a special energy emanating there from its unique nature. For supper we will organize a cookout and a bonfire and we’ll try to bring in some of the local culture of the islands.

5. Thursday April 23, we will leave early by boat to Santa Cruz Island and from there to the Baltra airport. We’ll have breakfast in Puerto Ayora and take our flight back to Quito. At the Quito airport, our friends form San Jorge Eco-Lodge will be waiting to bring us in for the start of the second fascinating leg of our pilgrimage. Night at San Jorge Eco-Lodge

6. Friday, April 24. From San Jorge to the Old Colonial Quito City. In the morning we will explore the Capital of Ecuador, considered part of the Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO. We will learn about the colonial art in the churches, history, archaeology and folklore in the museums. Our guide will provide complete information concerning the baroque colonial art. We will visit the most important areas: Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza San Francisco, Plaza Santo Domingo, La Merced, La Compania, Penecillo. Lunch at typical restaurant in Quito. Afternoon back to San Jorge to prepare for Shabbat. From 3:30 – 5:00 pm, we can hike at San Jorge Botanical Reserve (with Spanish speaking field guide) to point out suitable locations for our group gatherings at the reserve for the Shabbat and during the week.

7. Saturday April 25. Free Shabbat day at San Jorge. (note: Turkish bath, sauna, tempered water pool will be open and ready for use). Afternoon with a Taita (Shaman) (optional).

8. Sunday April 26 . Morning trip for Otavalo Indian Market (largest outdoors Indian market in Ecuador), (1:50 drive). Free time at market; 1:00 pm Lunch at traditional restaurant in Otavalo; return to San Jorge/Quito. Remainder of afternoon free at San Jorge eco-lodge.

9. Monday April 27. Travel to San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Reserve (Cloud Forest). Guided hiking nature tour with our bilingual guide. Exotic beautiful birds, panoramic views, hiking, wild surroundings, tropical plants/flowers, and exotic wildlife within the tropical world famous Cloud Forest. Lunch at the site’s bungalow watching the hummingbirds feed at their feeders. After lunch, we will continue on to San Jorge de Milpe Eco-Lodge; remainder of afternoon free; overnight San Jorge/Milpe

10. Tuesday April 28. At San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (Subtropical Rain Forest) Guided hiking nature tour with our guide and swimming at the waterfalls. We will visit a wild virgin cloud forest around Pichincha Mountain and trek on great jungle trails inside a natural paradise, observing a variety of birds along the way, along with orchid observation, hummingbirds at their feeders, and bird observation on the site’s pre-Inka hillside. This is considered a bird watching paradise, of about 450 species; majestic waterfalls, wild surroundings, tropical plants/flowers/300 varieties of orchids, and exotic birds within our tropical reserve. Afternoon transfer to San Jorge/Quito.

11. Wednesday April 29. Final day together (sniff). AM transfer to Quito Airport for flight to USA.

----------

Here's some useful information about our stay in Ecuador.

1. The altitude range of "The Magic Birding & Hiking Circuit" (the
sites in Quito we will be hiking through) will vary from 3,000 -
13,200 feet OSL.

2. The flight to Galapagos is about 1:45 hours.

3. In terms of physical exertion: There is no mountain climbing at the
sites, although some of the trails are more strenuous on some days
than others. We should be walking in the range anywhere from 2-6
kilometers. In Galapagos we will swim and snorkel.

4. Suggested clothing and gear are as follows: Bathing suits.
hat, warm jacket, sweater, light rain jacket (for the cloud forest),
good walking shoes, sneakers, water shoes & swimsuit (for Milpe
waterfalls and also for the pool at the lodge and for the
beaches at Galapagos), warm sleep ware, plan to layer throughout the
day and be able to peel your clothing to coordinate with the
temperatures - evenings and mornings are brisk in Quito, warming up
throughout the day. Galapagos is in the Equator and therefore the weather
is tempered and stable. Bring a headlamp or flashlight, sunscreen, bug
repellent, sunglasses. Binoculars if you want to take advantage of the
incredible birding. Bring a back pack for the overnight at the San Jorge
de Tandayapa Eco-Lodge. Jeans are always useful, so are
shorts for the warmer hikes, and water shoes (like crocks).

5. General weather information: It is Ecuador located in the equator,
the middle of the planet, so the weather tends to be on the moderate
side pretty much most of the time.

6. About the water: Tap water should not be used for drinking. Bottled water will be
supplied on the tours and at San Jorge in the rooms.

7. The electrical current is the same as in the US but bring a 2 prong
adapter, as most sockets in Ecuador are 2 prongs.

8. Food: we will enjoy a varied choice of meals. If you need anything
in particular, just let me know in advance.

The key to remember is that during our pilgrimage, we will be in nature and
with animals, (marine animals, birds). Be ready for them

Hope all this helps. Please call me or write me back anytime.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Sunday, February 8, 2009

RABBI SHEFA'S PILGRIMAGE - THE ITINERARY

Our Galapagos itinerary…This is our daily itinerary during our Ecuador pilgrimage. Please see at the end of the itinerary my notes about packing, weather and other suggestions.

(bureaucratic disclosure d'rigere: as we are dealing with living creatures here, those of the human type and those of the non-human species, this itinerary is SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

1. Sunday April 19. Our first day together. Evening airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge, overnight lodging San Jorge/Quito.

2. On Monday April 20, we will depart from Quito airport at 7:30 am with the first flight to the Galapagos Islands. We will land at the Baltra airport at 10:30 am Galapagos Pacific time. From Baltra we will take a 2 hours boat ride to our destination in the Island of Isabela. As we sail, we will observe many samples of the rich marine life that exists all around the 13 islands that make up the Galapagos. From the port of arrival in Isabela, we will take a ride to our Camping site, at Campo Duro in the Isla Isabela. After lunch, we will visit a special sector of the Isabela beach called Concha de Perla. At the site we can snorkel and observe several different species of fish. We can also swim with sea lions, iguanas, penguins and sea turtles and just be there at the magnificent beach. In the way back to our camp, we will pass through the flamingos lake. After supper, we can hike around the area and say hello to the giants tortoises in and around our camp. The nights are filled with starts and fireflies and the sounds of the living forest. The tents are over platforms and the bathrooms have all clean facilities, with hot and cold water showers. There are also natural showers under and around trees placed in private and discreet settings.

3. Tuesday April 21, after breakfast we will take a short sailing ride to the resting area of the tintoreras and the white fin sharks. This is also the nesting grounds for the marine iguanas, blue feet birds, penguins and sea lions. The flora around there is very unique. The area is like a lunar landscape made out of volcanic rocks. We can swim and snorkel there with the Galapagos turtles and the other marine animals. For lunch we will go to the fishing village of Puerto Villamil. After lunch we will visit the “Kotel HaGalapagi ☺”, or as the locals call it, the Muro de las Lagrimas, or the wall of tears. This trail will lead us through unique hiking areas surrounded by birds and local animals. We will return to the camp by way of the beach. After a good buffet supper, the town will be open for us for salsa and some of the local brews.

4. Wednesday April 22, we will leave after breakfast in three separate boats to sail towards the area known as the Lava Caves, at the other end of Isabela Island. An incredible biodiversity lives there. We will have lunch on the boats and we sail to different spots on the island. Inside the lava caves we will find rare birds and what locals refer to as a special energy emanating there from its unique nature. For supper we will organize a cookout and a bonfire and we’ll try to bring in some of the local culture of the islands.

5. Thursday April 23, we will leave early by boat to Santa Cruz Island and from there to the Baltra airport. We’ll have breakfast in Puerto Ayora and take our flight back to Quito. At the Quito airport, our friends form San Jorge Eco-Lodge will be waiting to bring us in for the start of the second fascinating leg of our pilgrimage. Night at San Jorge Eco-Lodge

6. Friday, April 24. From San Jorge to the Old Colonial Quito City. In the morning we will explore the Capital of Ecuador, considered part of the Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO. We will learn about the colonial art in the churches, history, archaeology and folklore in the museums. Our guide will provide complete information concerning the baroque colonial art. We will visit the most important areas: Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza San Francisco, Plaza Santo Domingo, La Merced, La Compania, Penecillo. Lunch at typical restaurant in Quito. Afternoon back to San Jorge to prepare for Shabbat. From 3:30 – 5:00 pm, we can hike at San Jorge Botanical Reserve (with Spanish speaking field guide) to point out suitable locations for our group gatherings at the reserve for the Shabbat and during the week.

7. Saturday April 25. Free Shabbat day at San Jorge. (note: Turkish bath, sauna, tempered water pool will be open and ready for use). Afternoon with a Taita (Shaman) (optional).

8. Sunday April 26 . Morning trip for Otavalo Indian Market (largest outdoors Indian market in Ecuador), (1:50 drive). Free time at market; 1:00 pm Lunch at traditional restaurant in Otavalo; return to San Jorge/Quito. Remainder of afternoon free at San Jorge eco-lodge.

9. Monday April 27. Travel to San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Reserve (Cloud Forest). Guided hiking nature tour with our bilingual guide. Exotic beautiful birds, panoramic views, hiking, wild surroundings, tropical plants/flowers, and exotic wildlife within the tropical world famous Cloud Forest. Lunch at the site’s bungalow watching the hummingbirds feed at their feeders. After lunch, we will continue on to San Jorge de Milpe Eco-Lodge; remainder of afternoon free; overnight San Jorge/Milpe

10. Tuesday April 28. At San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (Subtropical Rain Forest) Guided hiking nature tour with our guide and swimming at the waterfalls. We will visit a wild virgin cloud forest around Pichincha Mountain and trek on great jungle trails inside a natural paradise, observing a variety of birds along the way, along with orchid observation, hummingbirds at their feeders, and bird observation on the site’s pre-Inka hillside. This is considered a bird watching paradise, of about 450 species; majestic waterfalls, wild surroundings, tropical plants/flowers/300 varieties of orchids, and exotic birds within our tropical reserve. Afternoon transfer to San Jorge/Quito.

11. Wednesday April 29. Final day together (sniff). AM transfer to Quito Airport for flight to USA.

----------

Here's some useful information about our stay in Ecuador.

1. The altitude range of "The Magic Birding & Hiking Circuit" (the
sites in Quito we will be hiking through) will vary from 3,000 -
13,200 feet OSL.

2. The flight to Galapagos is about 1:45 hours.

3. In terms of physical exertion: There is no mountain climbing at the
sites, although some of the trails are more strenuous on some days
than others. We should be walking in the range anywhere from 2-6
kilometers. In Galapagos we will swim and snorkel.

4. Suggested clothing and gear are as follows: Bathing suits.
hat, warm jacket, sweater, light rain jacket (for the cloud forest),
good walking shoes, sneakers, water shoes & swimsuit (for Milpe
waterfalls and also for the pool at the lodge and for the
beaches at Galapagos), warm sleep ware, plan to layer throughout the
day and be able to peel your clothing to coordinate with the
temperatures - evenings and mornings are brisk in Quito, warming up
throughout the day. Galapagos is in the Equator and therefore the weather
is tempered and stable. Bring a headlamp or flashlight, sunscreen, bug
repellent, sunglasses. Binoculars if you want to take advantage of the
incredible birding. Bring a back pack for the overnight at the San Jorge
de Tandayapa Eco-Lodge. Jeans are always useful, so are
shorts for the warmer hikes, and water shoes (like crocks).

5. General weather information: It is Ecuador located in the equator,
the middle of the planet, so the weather tends to be on the moderate
side pretty much most of the time.

6. About the water: Tap water should not be used for drinking. Bottled water will be
supplied on the tours and at San Jorge in the rooms.

7. The electrical current is the same as in the US but bring a 2 prong
adapter, as most sockets in Ecuador are 2 prongs.

8. Food: we will enjoy a varied choice of meals. If you need anything
in particular, just let me know in advance.

The key to remember is that during our pilgrimage, we will be in nature and
with animals, (marine animals, birds). Be ready for them

Hope all this helps. Please call me or write me back anytime.

Friday, May 23, 2008

REGISTRATION FORMS


RABBI SHEFA GOLD'S PILGRIMAGE TO ECUADOR AND THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS : April 19-29, 2009
(Tour organized through Community Development Partners For The Americas, LLC)

REGISTRATION FORMS

DATES:
Departure: Sunday, April 19, 2009
Return: Wednesday, April 29, 2009



Double Occupancy at the San Jorge Eco Lodge in the mountains near Quito and Campo Duro, in The Galapagos Islands. (single rooms may be available on an optional basis with a price differential). Price includes: lodging for 9 nights in Quito and in the Galapagos Islands, 3 daily meals, round-trip air-fare from Quito to the Galapagos Islands, all transfers and transportation to group activities, all activities lead by Rabbi Shefa Gold, all city tours, all cultural, ecological, spiritual and touring activities.

To submit your registration materials please print this page and mail to CDPA: 203 Rockingstone Ave. Larchmont, NY 10538. USA. email: CDPA@cdpa-americas.org. Phone: 914-439-7731.

You may also contact Rabbi Shefa Gold at shefa@rabbishefagold.com


INSTRUCTIONS

1. Please sign and return the complete registration forms to Hune Margulies, Ph.D., Director, CDPA 203 Rockingstone Ave. Larchmont, NY 10538.
2. Mail this entire registration and include a check for the total cost of the retreat.
3. Attach to this application a photocopy of the picture page of your passport and a copy of your health insurance card, back and front.

Part I: Personal Information

Full Name, title:
email address:
Date of Birth:
Gender :
Occupation:
Home Address:
City: State: Zip code:
Home Phone:
Cell Phone:
Spouse’s email:
Emergency email:
Work Phone:
web site:
Country of Residence:
Place of Birth:
Citizenship:
Passport Number:
Passport Expiration:
Health Insurance Carrier:
Name of insured:
Policy Number:
Work address:
Emergency Contact Name:
Phone Number:

What is your spiritual practice? (if you have one):


Please provide us with a brief explanation as to special circumstances or concerns: (special diets, health issues, disabilities, etc.). Please describe in detail. All information is strictly confidential and it will be used solely for the purpose of arranging for special services as needed.


➢ Do you speak Spanish?

➢ Need Special Diets?

➢ Taking Medications?

➢ Allergies?

➢ Other Health Issues?

➢ Disabilities?




Part II: Financial Information and Instructions:

Double Occupancy at the San Jorge Eco Lodge in the mountains near Quito and at Campo Duro, Isla Isabela, in The Galapagos Islands. (single rooms may be available on an optional basis with a price differential). Price includes: lodging for 9 nights in Quito and in the Galapagos Islands, 3 daily meals, round-trip air-fare from Quito to the Galapagos Islands, all transfers and transportation to group activities, all activities lead by Rabbi Shefa Gold, all city tours, all cultural, ecological, spiritual and touring activities.

Payments: Method of payment: Check, Money Order, Cash. Make checks payable to: Community Development Partners For the Americas. Optional choices are not included.

Cancellations: Depending on airline, hotels, buses and other supplier’s policies. After receipt of application a voucher for your deposit will be issued and e-mailed to your attention.


Please Make all checks payable to: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS FOR THE AMERICAS. 203 Rockingstone Avenue. Larchmont, NY 10538, USA. Tel: 914-833-7787 / 914-439-7731. Email: CDPA@cdpa-americas.org . www.culture-and-ecology.com

Part III

Please read and sign:
Waiver and Release

Release executed on the___day of __________ , 200 __ , by ________________ (the 'Traveler Releasor') , resident of__________________________________________to Rabbi Shefa Gold and CDPA (the 'Releasee').

I, the Releasor, in consideration of my participation in the Rabbi Shefa's Pilgrimage April 19-29, 2009, and run and/or operated by the Releasee, waive, release, and discharge the Releasee and CDPA , its owners, officers, directors, employees, members, agents, assigns, legal representatives and successors, and all business associates and partners involved in the presentation of the above noted activity and each of them their owners, officers and employees, and any other people officially connected with this event from all liability for or by reason of any damage, loss or injury to person and property, even injury resulting in the death of the Releasor, which has been or may be sustained in consequence of the Releasor's participation in the activity described above, and notwithstanding that such damage, loss or injury may have been caused solely or partly by the negligence of the Releasee. I am aware of the risks of participation. I understand that participation in this program is strictly voluntary and I freely choose to participate. I understand that the Releasee does not provide medical coverage for me. I verify that I will be responsible for any medical costs I incur as a result of my participation


Date:
Name of Traveler:

Signature of Traveler

Name of Traveler

Signature of Traveler









Rabbi Shefa: The Meaning Of Pilgrimage


The Meaning of Pilgrimage

In 1980 I hitch-hiked through Europe with a guitar, a change of clothes, a tent and a sleeping bag. I was learning the “Art of the Road.” I was learning to open my eyes. I traveled without a set itinerary, determined to open to a new adventure each day. Daily I was forced to let go of expectations and I encountered generosity in the most unexpected places. I kept making plans, only to see them dissolve in the light of startling synchronicities and unforeseen encounters. Every place of rigidity in me was forced to bend or soften.

As I stood at the tip of the Greek mainland, at the Temple of Poseidon, I heard the call of Jerusalem. I decided to make my journey into a pilgrimage. I imagined standing before the Western Wall of the ancient Temple and bringing the force of my whole life’s longing as my offering to lay before God. I imagined standing before that Wall with so much love, that all the walls between myself and God might be shattered.

In that moment of Intention, my journey was transformed. At one level I still looked like a sight-seer, entertained by history and strange customs. Yet I also knew that as a pilgrim, each step of my journey had the power to strip me bare, so that I might finally stand before God and know myself.

It was a wonderful and dangerous journey. The military had recently taken over the government in Turkey; there was a civil war going on in Syria; and then the Iran/Iraq War broke out, with Syria and Jordan taking sides against each other. I was learning about the subtle arts of survival, bargaining and bribery. I was, for the first time, stepping out of the “Western” world-view, learning new rules and unlearning so much that I had believed certain.

Meanwhile, I was keeping a meticulous journal of my inner life. I knew that each strange scene I confronted was reflecting back to me some aspect of my inner landscape that I had till that day been ignoring. I was determined to use each step of my pilgrimage as a vehicle for self-discovery. I was determined to see each person I met as a messenger who had come to teach me something essential.

I arrived at the Wall in Jerusalem in the middle of the night in the pouring rain. I was tired but more alive than I had ever been. Each outward step towards Jerusalem had also been an inward step of uncovering the complexities of my own heart. The daily Jewish prayer says, “LiYerushalayim ircha, b’rachamim tashuv.” To Jerusalem Your City, you will return with Compassion.

As I approached that ancient holy wall, I tried to keep my heart steady with compassion. The sound of rain against stone seemed like the tears of all my ancestors flooding me now… and then I heard a voice, calling me. “Hey Baby, come here and kiss me!” I could not believe it. The voice was coming from the guard-booth at the edge of the courtyard where a bored but insistent Israeli soldier was beckoning to me.

I turned to him, exasperated. I sighed and thought, “I can’t believe you’re ruining this historic moment!”

Turning back toward the Wall, I tried to compose myself and focus my intention to be wholehearted before God. The whole time I stood there praying, the soldier kept yelling through the rain, “Kiss me, Kiss me!” And I couldn’t help but laugh.

Many years later I studied the Song of Solomon whose opening line says, “Kiss me with the kisses of your mouth, for your sweet loving is better than wine.”

Finally I am able to receive the hidden message of my pilgrimage. That obnoxious Israeli guard who only knew a few words of English was my messenger, my angel, come to tell me:

God is calling you to intimacy with the Reality before you. “Kiss me,” Life says. “Open to the truth of God in this moment. Open to the fullness of pleasure and pain. Every time you turn towards the past or towards an abstract idea, I will call you back to Me through a simple yet profound engagement with Life. Your sweet loving is better than wine, better than an abstract ideal, better than getting high, better than fame, better than sex, better than knowing a lot, better than success. Kiss me, Kiss me!”

To embark on a pilgrimage is to open to the message that you have spent your whole life resisting. To embark on a pilgrimage is to be willing to leave behind the familiar comforts, habits, addictions and self-definitions, and walk straight into the Truth of who you were meant to be.

My dream is to gather a group of people who will travel together with me as pilgrims and support each other in our heart’s yearning for wholeness. Each morning we will gather to build and refine our intentions, using practices of meditation, chant and prayer. Then we will spend our days exploring sacred sites, beautiful landscapes and meeting the people who live there. Each evening we will gather again to reflect, integrate our experiences and celebrate the insights we have received.

We will travel during April 18-29, 2009. This will be an awesome journey to a magnificent place. And it will be an adventure of the Spirit for those who dare to use the outer journey as an opportunity to venture inward.

For more information please write hune@martinbuberinstitute.org / 914-439-7731