Days Four and Five!

Friday morning we departed Ashkelon and headed towards Jerusalem. As we approached the city, we closed the bus shades and our eyes to increase the anticipation at seeing the city from our panoramic lookout point. Our soldiers helped us off the bus and we formed a human chain. We listened to Rabbi K’s words welcoming us to our spiritual home. And then...we turned around and opened our eyes, gazing at the glowing city below us.

We then trooped over to Machane Yehuda, the big market and pedestrian mall, where we watched the locals buy food and flowers for Shabbat. We ate more falafel and schwarma and bought gifts for our “Secret Moseses,” then rushed back to the hotel to get ready for the Day of Rest.

 

We initiated this special day by convening on a rooftop in the Old City, offering us a majestic view of the Western Wall below. The siren blew, announcing the arrival of Shabbat, and we discussed the meaning of the sight below us. The girls then went off to light candles and received special gifts  for Shabbat,  and as the sun set, we marched down the steps among hundreds of other Jews, joined in singing and dancing together. It was an overwhelming and emotional moment for each of us as we stood in front of the Wall. "It was absolutely incredible," said participant Elyssa Morris. "I felt so connected to everyone around me and I was overwhelmed by the passion everyone displayed, whether it was through prayer, dancing, or singing."

 

After our meaningful experience at the Wall, we enjoyed a delicious and very lively dinner, followed by a seemingly endless lovely walk back to our hotel.The next day, we slept in and had a delicious lunch, followed by an activity where we discussed and debated different Jewish values and their connection to Jewish continuity. It was really incredible to hear everyone's thoughts and understand their views on Judaism. The rest of the day was spent relaxing around the picturesque hotel grounds, offering us all some much-needed down time. We concluded Shabbat with the Havdalah ceremony; then we switched gears to hit the town for an evening of (tempered) merrymaking and shopping at the Ben Yehuda plaza.

The night ended with a spontaneous sing-a-long on a balcony overlooking Jerusalem, the whole group arm in arm. It was the perfect ending for such a special few days.