One of the most memorable trips that I have ever made was to Eastern Europe, on a trip that was primarily devoted to the sites of Jewish interest. The trip was enriched by the presence of Professor Stephen Berk, Professor of History, Union College, who spoke to us each morning as prior to our sightseeing tour. Never have I experienced a trip that was so vivid and meaningful as this one.

The trip took us to Prague, the Czech Republic, Budapest, Hungary, Cracow and Warsaw, Poland. In addition, we also visited the Theresienstadt or Terezin Concentration Camp in the Czech Republic and Auschwitz.

As some of you may know, Jane and I lived in Wiesbaden, West Germany for three years after we were married. I was the Jewish Chaplain who served as a circuit riding rabbi in Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. During our sojourn in Western Europe, we visited many of the sites of Jewish interest on what was then the free part of the continent of Europe. I tried several times to visit the East but to no avail. The sites of Jewish interest in the East are of great importance in modern Jewish history. Now, that I have visited the East, I can tell you that, in comparison, it is a trip that I think every Jew must make.

In light of this, I am interested in arranging a trip for members of Temple Israel to Jewish Eastern Europe this summer. If enough people are interested, a thirteen day tour leaving New York on Sunday, July 29, 2001 can be arranged. The cost of the trip with two nights in Warsaw, 2 nights in Cracow, four nights in Budapest and three nights in Prague, roundtrip airfare from New York, transfers, touring, breakfast daily and four dinners is $2,899.00 per person, double occupancy. In addition, Professor Berk will accompany the group, lecturing each morning prior to the day’s tours. If you are interested, please call me, 239-1140 or drop me a line care of the temple, and let me know so that I can determine if there is enough interest to schedule this tour.