Happy New Year!
What an incredible Shabbat we shared together! There may be no better place to spend Shabbat than here at Neve Ilan, where the food continues to amaze, the grounds are magnificent and the company unmatched.
Last night, we began Shabbat in song and story and then each of us offered a Shabbat blessing to another. Participants spoke thoughtfully and with great emotion, often tailoring their thoughts to their new friends. Following yet another incredible meal, our Israeli friends led us in an evening of games which had everyone laughing til their sides hurt. The evening ended early enough to allow for more socializing or a good night's sleep.
This morning, one highlight of our service was an alphabetical acrostic we created of the things for which we are grateful, modeled after Psalm 145 (Ashrey). A makeshift team of players acted out the Torah reading after each section was chanted, inspiring a powerful discussion on hurt and forgiveness. One participant chanted the Haftarah for us, with but a day's preparation. We concluded our service with a conversation about prayer, what can make it easy and what can make it challenging.
More eating, time at the pool, informal conversations and Torah study in the lobby and a visit from one of the founding members of the Kibbutz to which Neve Ilan is attached, filled the afternoon and an intense text study on inclusion in Jewish tradition rounded out the day. We finished Shabbat as we began, with candlelight, holding havdalah (the ceremony which marks the end of Shabbat) outside beneath the stars.
Our two-part evening celebration began with the Sound and Light Show at Migdal David in the Old City (http://www.towerofdavid.org.il/English/Night_Spectacular) where an ancient site is transformed into a surround-sound experience of history. We bundled up against the chill and delighted in the music and beautiful imagery. En route to the hotel, a brief stop at the Harel Mall in Mevasseret Tzion gave participants a chance to buy some classic Israeli snacks and see what the mall experience in Israel is like.
On our return, homemade mocktails and music, karaoke and guitar were the highlight of our Sylvester (New Years' Eve) celebration, and we counted down to midnight together, just as evening was beginning to settle in for you at home. The party was like a gathering of old friends, as our group has really come to know and appreciate one another.
Tomorrow we travel south, leaving the cool Jerusalem air behind us for the day. Participants are looking forward to the gentle climb up Masada and their float in the Dead Sea. We have plenty more surprises in store.
We promise that more photos are on the way, just some technical challenges we are resolving!
Wishing you a good and sweet week and a happy and healthy new year!
Rabbi Elyse Winick
