Montgomery

I just returned from the "Cradle of the Confederacy" Montgomery, Alabama. A lovely city, despite so much harsh history. Jews have been in Alabama since before the Civil War, and were active with MLK particularly in the mid 1960s in the state. Tomorrw I intent to visit Knoxville Tennessee. See ya. Â

Tours to Israel

I am planning to take a Jewish tour to Israel the first week of November of this year. It is a tour sponsored by Shomrim Atlanta-the Jewish law enforcement association, but anyone is welcome to join us. If your interested, please contact me at richardbaroff@sbcglobal.net.

I would also like to take a Christian group to Israel in Febuary. Although geared for church groups, everyone is invited. Please express your interest in emailing me at the address above. Thanks. Â

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Tours

I will be putting together tours for 2008.

We can go practically anywhere in the world.

I would like to take some travellingrabbi.com bloggers to Israel, maybe to Europe as well.

Any archeology buffs who want to go to Egypt, or Petra, Jordan?

How about to Peru (Macchu Picchu), Indonesia (Borodador) or even Cambodia (Angkor)?Â

Or maybe a tour of Europe's great churches, and synagogues, or museums?

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Let's here from you.

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Chicago

I just returned from Chicago. We went to services twice, first at Temple Kol Ami on the ninth floor of the Water Tower Plaza on Michigan Avenue, next to the Hancock Building. The congregation exists on the 9th floor, above Lord and Taylor. The people were very friendly and the place had a nice spirit. Saturday I went to Anshe Emet Congregation in north Chicago near Wrigley Field. This is a large Conservative congregation.

We went to the Lincoln Park Zoo Shabbat afternoon. This is one of the finest city zoos in the country. That night we ate at Rosebud in Little Italy. The eggplant parmesan was maybe the best I've ever had.

Sunday we went to the Shedd Aquarium. Although the facility is 75 years old, it is still a great aquarium. Actually it is the mixture of the old building with the new exhibits which lends to the place a special charm.

Then we went to the Navy Pier and rode the 15 story Ferris Wheel. It was a beautiful summer day, and many boats were out on Lake Michigan. The Blue Angels naval air show was over head-and very loud.

We stayed at the Crowne Plaza on Madison and Halstead, and enjoyed the stay. THe hotel is well positioned for tourists.

The traffic in the city, as well as going in and leaving can be rough. parking is also expensive. Yet it is one of the best cities to take kids.Â

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Atlanta

I just returned from sweltering Atlanta. I am told that the Jewish community in Atlanta is now 130,000 out of a metro area population of 4 million. The northern half of the metro area continues to grow through endless subdivisions, technology parks and of course malls. Will the Jews move out with everyone else? Until now the Jewish community has been concentrated in the north to northwestern part of the area: Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Marietta, and Roswell. In the past ten years Alpharetta has been hot as well. That might suggest that the jews are moving to the east.Â

Acadia

Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park comprise a national treasure.

The coast of Maine is in fact a jewel.

My friend Billy and I especially were impressed by the view from Cadillac Mountain.

Bill consumed much lobster, but you will all be proud to know that the travelling rabbi abstained like the mensch he is.Â

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Maine

I am near Portland Maine. I will be at Bar Harbor today and Accadia National park tomorrow. I will have lots of pictures and commentary about the coastline area.