From the new to the old

Shalom from Jerusalem!
Since our brief stay in Tel-Aviv, where we walked through the city center and sang a song for peace (shir l'shalom) in Rabin square, we first spent some time in a JNF preserve doing some wilderness preservation work this morning. We then returned to Jerusalem and spent most of the afternoon at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, where Hillel's own Associate Director Michael Simon studied for two years. Led by a faculty member there, we underwent a text study of key Rabbinic interpretations of the stories behind Hannukah, Passover, and the destruction of the second temple. The day ended with a great performance by Udi Krauss, who shared several contemporary Israeli songs with us and finished with a energetic rendition of Moshe Ben Ari's "Salam." Unfortunately, tomorrow is our last day. Some of us are looking forward to more time in Israel as we extend our trip with friends, while others are looking forward to returning home soon. Before leaving the holy land, we will be going to Har Hertzel, the most important Israeli military cemetery for soldiers and national heroes, and Ben Yehuda St. for one last falafel and shopping spree.

Getting to know the Israelis on our trip has definitely been an invaluable treat. We hope to maintain contact with them as best we can and hopefully have them visit us in the US at some point.

L'Hitraot!