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“Kol ha’olam kulo gesher tzar me’od”
“The whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the essence of life is not to be afraid.”

The first time I heard this powerful teaching was aboard an old Russian cruise ship sailing from Cyprus to Haifa. We were retracing the journey of Holocaust survivors who had been detained in British internment camps on Cyprus, finally making their way to Israel. As part of this NFTY program, we sang, danced, and celebrated—but what has remained with me most deeply is the memory of singing Kol Ha’Olam Kulo together on that ship.

Travel, whether physical or spiritual, invites us out of the familiar and into the unknown. It opens our hearts to new experiences, new people, and new perspectives. Through it, we encounter renewal and transformation, core values deeply embedded in our Jewish tradition.

In this week’s Torah portion, Balak, we encounter the prophet Balaam, summoned to curse the Israelites. But standing on a mountain and gazing upon the people below, he finds himself unable to utter a curse. Instead, he offers a blessing:

“Mah tovu ohalecha Yaakov, mishkenotecha Yisrael.”
“How good are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel.” (Numbers 24:5)

These words are so powerful, they were woven into our daily morning prayers. Much has been written about why this blessing emerged from Balaam’s mouth, but at its core, it reminds us of the importance of seeing clearly, of noticing the blessings in front of us, and the beauty that can be revealed when we open our eyes and our hearts.

Many of us spend the summer stepping outside of our routines, planning camps, taking trips, and enjoying long, sun-filled days with the hopes to create meaningful memories and experiences.  At Temple Sinai, we’ve also been thinking about the power of travel and the many ways we can experience the world through a Jewish lens.

With that in mind, we are thrilled to invite you to join a special Temple Sinai Congregational Trip to Argentina, taking place December 20–27, 2026. Argentina’s vibrant Jewish community, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes offer a deeply meaningful backdrop for exploration and celebration. Traveling together, we’ll experience the joy of connection, learning, and shared adventure.

To learn more, please join us for an informational Zoom session on Tuesday, July 30 at 7:30 pm. RSVP here and contact Erica Faircloth at efaircloth@templesinaiatlanta.org with questions.

While we’re especially excited about this upcoming trip to Argentina, it’s just one of many opportunities on the horizon—including a trip to Israel with Natan, a journey to Portugal with Beth, and both men’s and women’s spirituality retreats currently in the works.

We hope you’ll consider traveling, learning, and making memories with us. But we also know that not all meaningful journeys require getting on a plane. Whether it’s walking a nearby trail, spending time by the lake, hiking in the mountains, or exploring a neighborhood park, these everyday adventures can also bring renewal, perspective, and joy.

Wherever your path takes you this summer, may your eyes be open to the blessings around you.