‘Israel in the Gardens’: The other super Sunday

We may or may not be stardust, we may or may not be golden, but without a doubt we've got to get ourselves back to the Garden. "Israel in the Gardens," that is.

It's time for the Bay Area Jewish community's annual family reunion. "Israel in the Gardens" -- which takes place this year Sunday, June 4 at Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco -- brings together Jews from across Northern California to celebrate the vibrancy of our beloved state of Israel.

To borrow a phrase from the Torah, "Lech lecha." Go there.

This isn't a tough sell, folks. It's hard to match the fun to be had at "Israel in the Gardens." Live music, art, crafts, fashion, delicious food and dozens of booths representing nearly every Jewish institution in the region: What's not to like?

Add to that some sunshine, a perfect lawn on which to spread your picnic blanket and the company of thousands of Jews, and you have the makings of one unforgettable day.

Despite what some may think, the Jewish community is far from monolithic. Political, religious, linguistic, ethnic and generational differences abound within the Jewish family, and sometimes divide us.

But there's one thing nearly all of us agree on. We love Israel and want to make sure she thrives. Attending "Israel in the Gardens" is one small way we can show our support and solidarity.

Actually, there's nothing small about it. Attendance is always tremendous, usually averaging somewhere between 15,000 and 20,000 people. Having that many Jews turn out in a major American city, all of them showing their commitment to Israel, sends a powerful message both to Israel and her detractors: "We speak as one people when we speak up for Israel."

Moreover, the money spent at "Israel in the Gardens" supports local Jewish-owned business and organizations. Many of the crafts for sale are Israeli-made, and those dollars eventually make their way back to Israel. With the country only now recovering from a devastating economic hit during the last intifada, it's nice to know we can do something to help bolster Israel's economic outlook.

From time to time, one hears the complaint that the Jewish community in the Bay Area is "invisible." Given that we are almost a quarter of a million strong, this contention is demonstrably false, but particularly so on this day.

Ultimately, "Israel in the Gardens" is a day for the Northern California Jewish community to strut its stuff for all the world to see.

We urge our readers to participate in our other super Sunday. We'll see you at "Israel in the Gardens."