Shabbat and New Years | Shorashim - Israel with Israelis

Shabbat and New Years

In America, most teenagers would be getting ready to celebrate New Years Eve. The participants of the Shorashim trip have been busy celebrating Shabbat instead.

An early start at 7 a.m. brought the 52 members of the group onto the bus to head to the city of Jerusalem. The holy land started off with a light rain, but sunshine followed when we entered Wailing Wall. Each person wrote a personal note and had the opportunity to pray and put their note into the wall.

Then we took a trip to the local market. Since it is a Friday, the market was very overwhelming and busy. People were buying food for their Shabbat dinners and Oneg. We all had a few hours of free time to shop and eat special Israeli treats.

The day was getting closer to sunset, so preparation for Shabbat took place back at our Kibbutz. A service was held and participants enjoyed singing with the staff leaders and friends. A quick conversation of the 10 Plagues was discussed which was the parsha of the week. Shabbat dinner was then served with saying the blessings before we ate.

An Oneg ended the Shorashim part of our day. Candies and breads were shared with the group to end a ‘sweet’ Shabbat day.

To all our family and friends in America, Happy New Year!

By: Paige Sinker