It is hard to believe that last Shabbat I was singing and dancing in Jerusalem.  There have been many times over the last week that I have reflected back on our visit.  It was a crazy inspiring whirlwind.  Our last day found us visiting the central command of the Israeli military.  We heard a report about the Iron Dome Defense project from an air force Brigadier General.

From the military command we were whisked back to Jerusalem where we had the pleasure of hearing from President Shimon Peres.  He spoke beautifully and poignantly and left us with an important message.   He believes the three things all Jews should be are:

1 - Moral with the understanding that morality is the highest form of wisdom
2-  Dissatisfied with a desire to make things better
3 - Soldiers for peace

A surprise visit from Michael Oren capped off this extraordinary morning. We were not allowed to take pictures of the president, but below is Michael Oren addressing the group.

I always feel like I leave a little part of me every time I go to Israel.  There is now a little bit of me left in Odessa too.