Birthwriting: Shabbat in Jerusalem
After the Shouk, the group headed back to the hotel to prepare for our Shabbat experience. In our best clothes, we met back in the lobby for a few prayers, a ceremony in which the men give women a rose, and a joyous round of song and dance that livened the spirits. After, the group split into three groups - the first heading to an Orthodox Synagogue in Jerusalem, the second to a service inside the hotel and the third for a refreshing Shabbat yoga retreat. Each group involved themselves in a tenet of Shabbat, whether it was prayer, community or rest. After the split, our group rejoined itself for fun and games inside the hotel.
The next morning was memorable simply for it being the only morning we actually slept in. To the tremendous joy of our tired bodies, we got in a few extra hours of sleep. After some coffee and cake, the group met outside for a tight-knit round of prayers and song. It was certainly a step forward in the group’s dynamic, as we hugged and sang together - reveling in ancient Shabbat traditions.
Later, we formed groups for an activity discussing several tenets of Judaism and how they rank in importance. It was undoubtedly an activity with passionate conversations and disagreement as we realized how uniquely each individual approaches their Jewish identity, but ultimately it brought us closer together. That activity was followed by a lighter one - an afternoon of Shabbat rest and fun. Most of the group trekked with Lior to a park in Jerusalem and many others took a tour of Israeli government buildings - its Parliament and Supreme Court.
Returning back to the hotel, we retook the question of Jewish identity and discussed some of the more controversial ideas on modern definition. Again, the group revealed its opinions in an emotional and respectful way, eventually coming to the same ending - an understanding that the power of our Jewish identity can come from the diversity of its undertaking. The activity was a proper end to a traditional day and we officially ended our Israeli Shabbat experience.
The night, unfortunately, was tainted by the loss of one of our favorite group members, Dana. She announced that she would have to leave the group because of work and we were all sad to see her go. Hugs went around and a few of us were lucky to get one last dinner with one of the more friendly, funny and amazing people we all got the fortune to meet. Dinner was out in the Jerusalem night and the group separated to dine downtown.
After our dinner, and saying goodbye to Dana, we met one last time to prepare for Yad Vashem - the national Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem. Our discussion turned to sharing our emotional responses to the atrocities in Europe and we learned a bit about how to prepare for the museum.
It was a Shabbat to remember in the Holy City.
