Shabbat in Israel
Shalom, everyone! This is Eric J, and I wanted to share with you my first Shabbat in Israel. A quick background on my past experiences with Shabbat: At my home and college I have participated in many different Shabbat experiences. I spend many Friday nights at the Hillel in Iowa where we gather, say a few prayers, and then feast! I also enjoy the occassional Shabbat dinner with my family, but these experiences were always missing something. I discovered what I had been missing in my Shabbat experiences here in Israel.
It was all about what happened after the meal. Our group was given the choice to have a more formal service or casual discussion. I chose to pray, which is not something I have normally done. I have never sat in a circle of less than 20 when praying, and it was a truly amazing experience. Everyone was on the same level. We prayed and spoke as a community. Nicholas may have led us in prayer, but it wasn't like Shabbat services in temple. We looked at each other in the eye, sang, discussed, and just felt comfortable. It was a new experience for me to have such an open and welcoming Shabbat service.
This was also the first Shabbat that I truly treated as a day of rest. I wasn't aware that there would be such an impact on my mood and body to not use technology or participate in trade. I had time to reflect and time to just sit and talk with my newfound friends. And as we all relaxed, excitement grew for Havdallah.
We all congregated on the roof of our hotel. As we lit the candle, smelled the rosemary, and toasted I was filled with energy. The beautiful view of Tiberias and the Kinneret are images that will stick with me forever. Pictures can do no justice to the beauty we all witnessed that night.
My first Shabbat in Israel... It felt like my first Shabbat ever. I can't ever go back now that I've glimpsed the signifance of this special day. I thank donators, organizers, and God for the gift we have all received. To be in Israel with these wonderful people is the most wonderful thing I can ever imagine. Shabbat Shalom!
