Shabbat in Jerusalem and Exploring Tel Aviv
After our first few action packed touring days, a relaxing shabbat in Jerusalem was rejuvenating and inspiring for all of us. We were welcomed to Jerusalem with a historical walk through the Jewish Quarter of the Old City and the Kotel (Western Wall). As the sun began to set we lit Shabbat candles are began Shabbat with a special Shorashim tradition where each male participant presented a female participant with a rose. Follwoing the roses, we had a Kaballat Shabbat service, as well as a conversation about how we each celebrate shabbat at home. A delicious Shabbat meal at the hotel was relaxing at the end of a great week!
On Saturday we started the day with a discussion surrounding the weekly Torah portion, followed by a discussion of the emotions that surround the holocaust for each of us, in preparation for our visit to Yad Vashem (the Holocaust museum). We also had a thought provoking discussion about hard scenarios Israeli soldiers face, which allowed us to gain insight into the dilemmas and challenges our peers face in the Israeli Defense Forces defending Israel.
After much discussion, a delicious oneg shabbat (afternoon snack) with homemade cheese (courtesy of our guide Ori) hit the spot. We ended Shabbat with an outdoor Havdalah ceremony before a nice evening and dinner on Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem.
Ori's awesome home-made labane recipe (israeli white cheese)
- take plain yogurt and add salt
- shake until it begins to thicken and pour into a cheesecloth
- hang cheesecloth over a sink or shower for a day until it is mostly dry and thick
- enjoy on crackers!
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On Sunday we started the day at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum. We were so fortunate to have a survivor speak to us, telling us his unbelievable story of survival in the Holocaust, not by running, but by working and thinking. After his incredibly moving story we had a guided tour of the museum that was moving and challening.
As we headed from Yad Vashem to Tel Aviv we made a special stop at a goat farm. A special passion of our Israeli tour guide Ori, most people never get to see this amazing place where they grow all their own food and let the goats roam free in the pasture. Even though we all felt a bit dirty after trekking through the goat pen it was an amazing experience!
In Tel Aviv we had a tour of Independence Hall, and learned about the inspiring beginnings of the State of Israel, and how despite the timing and hardships, the celebration took priority when the state was born. We learned that despite hardships in life and war, you have to live in the moment and enjoy life.
A night out in Tel Aviv was the perfect end to the evening as we got a taste of Tel Aviv night life.
Off to Rabin Sqaure, more to come!
