7 Jewish tips for travelers

By Rabbi Jeremy Gimbel
Beth Israel Quarterly

SAN DIEGO —  Are you going on a vacation this summer? Here are 7 easy ways to live out your Jewish values, even when you’re far away from home!

1) Travel Justly

“You shall not abuse a needy and destitute laborer.” -Deut. 24:14

Wherever you’re staying, think about the person who makes up your room. Throw away trash, organize your personal items, and leave a tip. Treat staff with kindness.

2) Help The Local Animal Population

“[Prohibition against] the suffering of animals” -Talmud

Did you know you can take a shelter dog on a field trip in Kauai? The Kauai Humane Society will let you get your “dog fix” while on vacation! You help the dog get exercise, a change of scenery, and with the help of the “adopt me” vest, you can help find the pup a permanent home. There are also eco-tourism programs in Mexico that allow you to help release sea turtles into the wild.

3) Keep a Positive Outlook

“Recognize the Good” -Jewish Value

The flight is delayed. Someone cut you in line. You’ve been in your place for hours waiting and it starts raining…on your parade. One option is to get frustrated, which is fair. Judaism teaches us to also recognize the good. Odds are you will get to your destination safely, the kitchen is just making your dish perfectly (even if slowly), and you’re with your loved ones (or you’re going to see your loved ones soon). Find little moments of gratitude rather than let frustration overwhelm you.

4) Be Open To Meeting New People & Experiencing New Cultures

“God created humanity in God’s image.” -Gen. 1:27

Humanity is incredibly diverse, so dive in! Take up a conversation with your taxi driver, get to know the people sitting near you, and be open to trying new things. In our morning prayers we say “How manifold are your works, O God!” Explore foods and dances and buildings that you can’t find here. For example, one of my most spiritually charged moments was walking through the Notre Dame in Paris. It instilled an incredible appreciation for how other people pray. Also, McDonalds tastes the same everywhere you go. Instead, try the small hole-in-the-wall restaurant with “mama” or “papa” in the kitchen.

5) Practice Your Critical Bible Skills

“…and the study of Torah is equal to them all.” -Mishnah

Are you planning on visiting a city that has beautiful churches, mosques, or other religious sites? Do a little research ahead of time on the artwork inside the buildings and see if any depict scenes from the Torah. Read those sections before you go and see how the artist portrayed (or perhaps reinterpreted) that scene. For example, in the Garden of Eden story in Genesis 2-3, the Torah makes no mention of which fruit is eaten, yet nearly all illustrations choose to make that fruit an apple. If you want some help researching these biblical scenes, know that your clergy is here to help! (That’s one of the most fun parts of our job!)

6) Get To Know The Jewish Community

“All Jews are responsible for one another” -Talmud

Speaking of being open to new things, reach out to the local Jewish community, because wherever you go, there’s always someone Jewish! Join them for services, or see if you can have a meal with one of the local Jewish families. Just be aware, in some cities you cannot just drop in to visit the synagogue for security reasons so email them ahead of time.

7) Recharge Your Batteries

“God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because on it God ceased from all the work of creation that God had done.” (Gen. 2:3)

Every week, we get an opportunity to have a break from our everyday work lives (yes, school work counts!) – Shabbat. Shabbat is a day of rest when we take stock of what’s important, reflect, and notice the wonders of creation which surround us. Try putting screens away, be fully present, and don’t worry about creating or making things. In other words, remember why you’re taking the vacation in the first place.

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Rabbi Gimbel serves as the assistant rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel.  This article is reprinted with permission from the Beth Israel Quarterly.