Day 3 -- The Peace of Shabbat
Shavua Tov to all our readers! (we wish you a good week!)
We had an absolutely wonderful Shabbat at Neve Ilan (http://www.c-hotels.co.il/en/?cat=4). The food here is abundant and excellent; we have shared enlightening and uplifting times of prayer. Last night we concluded the evening with a role play about the various ways people in Israel celebrate Shabbat, ranging from ultra-orthodox Jews in Jerusalem to Tel Aviv hipsters. It was a great way to begin to understand the diversity of this amazing country. Many thanks to Elie Aizner, our Shabbat guest, who brought extra singing and creativity to the experience.
Today was restful, as we recharged in preparation for the whirlwind of activities which lie ahead. Our Shabbat morning service involved Prayerobics, in which we developed movements for each of the morning blessings and dramatic interpretations of the Torah readings (by our participants) of the blessings Jacob offered to his children and grandchildren at the close of his life. The energy in the room was powerful and uplifting.
Following our morning service, participants could choose from a variety of activities, including card games on the patio, Torah study, a walk around the grounds and time to rest and read in their rooms or in the hotel lobby. We met Eliezer, an 86 year old founding member of Neve Ilan who regaled us with tales of the community's history, in French, English and Hebrew and accompanied by a lifetime's worth of photos.
After another amazing meal, most participants spent the afternoon at the beautiful pool, while others availed themselves of Shabbat's greatest delight, an afternoon nap.
In the evening, we went for a stroll on Emek Refaim, a several block stretch of cafes and shops, to begin to get a feel for the many and varied neighborhoods of Jerusalem. From there we went to the Tower of David Museum (http://www.towerofdavid.org.il/English/General/Tower_of_David-Museum_of_...) where the most amazing music and light show is projected on the ruins of this ancient tower. The experience was breathtaking and so many participants wished they could bring it home for you.
Another brief stroll took us through the Mamilla Mall (http://www.mamilla-jerusalem.co.il/en/?p=113), a beautifully lit restored area filled with upscale Israeli, American and European shops (a bit disorienting to see the Gap and Columbia sports...) and cafes. A speedy bit of shopping and snacking saw us back on the bus and returning to Neve Ilan for the night.
It was a long and wonderful day and participants spoke of enjoying the peace of Shabbat, of experiencing Havdalah (the candle-lit ceremony which marks the end of Shabbat) for the first time, of the wonderful food and even of enjoying one another's company. They are truly a very special group and we on the staff are filled with great joy as we watch them awaken to the wonders of Israel and the wonders of being part of the group.
We start again early tomorrow, for our climb up the Roman Ramp at Masada, our float in the Dead Sea and many more adventures.
Know that everyone is well and content. We wish you could see all that we see (through the bus windows as well as on their faces) each day.
Wishing you a week of joy and wonder.
Rabbi Elyse Winick
