My Israel Trail: Finding Peace in the Promised Land

by Aryeh Green

Experience Israel through new eyes as you join Aryeh Green on a 680-mile journey through the promised land. Following a devastating divorce, Aryeh decided to hike the Israel National Trail alone. Along the way, he found healing as he strengthened his relationship with the people, land and state of Israel. This inspiring story shares his descriptions of the stunning places he walked and the myriad breakthroughs he experienced along the way. Aryeh artfully weaves together the lessons learned while hiking which helped him move ahead with his life, based on Jewish and other sources, with a description of the trek itself. A tale of life, love and healing in the land of milk and honey, Aryeh's account is informative, moving, enjoyable and uplifting. A must-read for those who love Israel, are facing personal challenges, or both.

Genres: Memoir, Israel

304 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2018

Reviews

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I was amazed that this man even wanted to hike the Israel Trail, a 600- mile hike all on his own. Aryeh was in his early 50's and his wife had asked for a divorce. His whole life had changed suddenly. He wanted to go on this trek looking for answers to the turmoil in his life. This is why I wanted to read his story. I'm not much of a hiker like this, even though his accounts along the trail are very interesting, the good and the bad. I wanted to read about how his experiences helped him through a hard time in his life. Some of the main things he learned about on his adventure were:

1.Humility: And an understanding of our place in the universe. Humbly recognize how little we really control in our lives.
2.Acceptance: Of the reality of the world as it is and not as we'd like it to be.
3.Gratitude: Appreciation for what we have and what the world offers us.
4.Forgiveness: Of those who have hurt us or are perceived to have harmed us.
5.Purpose: A sense of meaning and direction.

I want to admit I did something as I read this book. When I read something that I felt inspired me, I underlined it and highlighted it in my book. I'm not one to advocate defacing any book, but my copy of this book now looks like one of my textbooks from my college days. I took notes along the sides of the pages, so if I wanted to come back and read something again it would be easy to find. As I got into the book, I felt myself seeking answers along with Aryeh as journeyed in the desert and through the mountains.

I wanted to point out some of the things that really got my attention in the book. I've felt like I've been at a standstill in my life since my divorce 10 years ago. Life has been hard. The teachings (that's what I'm calling them) in this book have really opened my eyes to changes I need to make mentally, physically, and emotionally.

-Choose Life: Take Life as it comes, not passively but actively choosing to look on the bright side and to focus on the wonders and beauty, on the "Trail" and always...
-Stay positive. Keep your thoughts LIGHT.
-Accept things I cannot change in order to free myself to heal.
If humility is the basis for a healthy approach to challenges, then acceptance builds the foundation for looking forward.
-Pray for strength: strength to carry on; strength to know,to understand, to perceive, strength to forgive; strength to give, to love, to survive...the ability to hold on.
-{This next one I know he was talking a lot about him hiking the trail and how hard it was, but it still was very impactful} "I'm thinking of the strength needed to persevere...Every hardship, every thought,brings me back to the reason I'm here...You find a solution; you push yourself harder,you take a break,you adjust your gear,you step carefully slowly. Sometimes through using the markers as a guide you have to choose your own way which is comfortable or best for you. But you don't just give up! Not without a fight."

This book reads like a self-help book, a travelogue, and an adventure book. There are so many other things I wish I could share with you but I really want you to explore this book on your own. I learned many new things about the land and the people of Israel. It made me only want even more to go visit and walk some of the trails that Aryeh did. This book is not one I read in one or even two sittings. I would read a chapter, close the book, and then contemplate about what I had read and written in my notes. This fascinating account of Aryeh Green on his journey of hiking and healing is one I recommend to those seeking answers in life, nature lovers, and those wanting to understand things from a religious perspective.
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[Tovi Vider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aryeh invites readers to experience the beautiful and sometimes terrifying journey he faces on the Israel Trail and perhaps more so, towards the new life he's been handed. With 50 pounds on his back and an even heavier weight in his heart, Aryeh takes each reader along with him for every step of his 1,100 kilometer walk - and it's inspiring!

[K C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting book, but a little too sacharine and maudlin at times for my taste. Could tell it had been written by a native Californian, even if he hadn't proclaimed it in every chapter. Nice to know that people with that level of innocence and spirituality exist, though, and it did make me want to hike the Israel trail, eventually...

[Ewelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Aryeh's wonderful book. What I appreciated about it wasn't only the descriptions of the trail itself - great way to get to know the path and its difficulties a bit before starting my own walk - but also the very personal story about loss, coming to terms with it and embracing what life has to offer. Definitely recommended!

[Naomi Silverman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book filled me with joy, optimism, purpose and better understanding. Totally recommend it, whether or not your life is taking you to unplanned destinations. For those who already have purpose, it's a very enjoyable read, and for those searching it will help you find your best solution.

[Tsipi]

I was on crutches while reading this book so I enjoyed the hiking vicariously. I added a number of places mentioned in this book to my 'to visit' list.

[Anna Vakhromov · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Aryeh Green’s “My Israel Trail” in just a day and a half. Like many readers, I simply could not put the book down after starting. The author has a very unique way of weaving together, in the most innate way, ideas about love, forgiveness, philosophy, history, and tradition. The book is never boring because every moment touches upon several themes at the same time. It is especially relevant now, as most of the world is on “lockdown” – using the lessons of patience and gratitude from the book, it becomes much easier to overcome the challenges 2020 has brought the world. As an Israeli and a Jew, I felt a strong connection many of the sites described and the experiences of the author throughout his journey; however, I strongly recommend this book to readers anywhere in the world, as the message of the book is overwhelmingly human: after overcoming hardship, letting yourself heal (for which the book provides many tools), and then using the experience to make yourself and the world a better place. It was a pleasure to read and I look forward to the author’s next book.

[Bonnie Kirsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!! I highly recommend it!!! Be ready to take this amazing emotional and physical journey with Aryeh. He is a beautiful, sensitive writer. It was a transformative experience for me. It had that much of a profound effect experiencing vicariously. I can't wait until I can do and experience the Shvil first hand. I'm rereading now. It's that type of book. It's a real life changer!

[Dena Estrin]

Felt Like I Was There!
Anyone who likes to travel--either actually or vicariously!-- anyone who finds value in reflecting on their own inner journey, anyone who enjoys hearing from a real thinker, from someone emotionally open and authentic will likely love this book. Then there's the added spice of learning about the people, history, and politics of the land of Israel. I knew the trail would end, but I didn't want the book to end!

[Bonnie Berkovits · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!! I highly recommend it!!! Be ready to take this amazing emotional and physical journey with Aryeh. He is a beautiful, sensitive writer. It was a transformative experience for me. It had that much of a profound effect experiencing vicariously. I can't wait until I can do and experience the Shvil first hand. I'm rereading now. It's that type of book. It's a real life changer!

[Martin L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply moving

I found this book courtesy of Rabbi Mark Golub on his program LChaim. If you are interested in Israel and the Jewish People, find his show on the JBS network he founded .

Rabbi Green provides a beautiful personal narrative of his journey through life, it is entertaining, informative, and uplifting.

I highly recommend the book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfection. I felt like I was on the trail with Aryeh, and his insights and information were exactly as I would hope I’d find in a book about walking the land of Israel. He’s both knowledgeable and a talented writer, making for a very enjoyable read indeed. I borrowed this book from the library, but ended up buying my own copy to revisit in the future. After starting and stopping a number of duds on this topic, I was relieved to find Aryeh’s book. I believe only a Jew can give true insight to what it means to walk the land.

[Ayelet · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a little too meditative for my liking but I did enjoy the parts about hiking. He could have used a better editor/proofreader. I don't know why people bother putting black and white photos in hiking books - they just come out as blobs rather than exciting scenery.

[Natalie Rudolph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aryeh’s physical description of the Israel trail and his emotional discoveries along the way completely inspired me and has sparked a dream within me to complete the trail myself.

[Bonnie Berkovits · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!! I highly recommend it!!! Be ready to take this amazing emotional and physical journey with Aryeh. He is a beautiful, sensitive writer. It was a transformative experience for me. It had that much of a profound effect experiencing vicariously. I can't wait until I can do and experience the Shvil first hand. I'm rereading now. It's that type of book. It's a real life changer!