Shabbat in Jerusalem

On Friday, April 12th, we arrived in Jerusalem. It was my first time there, and it was a great experience to see the place that we had been learning about for such a long time. It was great to walk through the Old City and pray in a place where we could see the Kotel. When we returned to the Old City on Sunday, April 14th, we saw the Kotel for the second time. We had prayed at the Kotel a little bit on Friday, and we had put our notes in, but this time it was less crowded and we could spend more time there. I think that the first time we went was more meaningful because it was Shabbat and there were so many other people there that were praying, too. We placed people's hopes and wishes in the Kotel.
In the old city on Sunday, we went into the tunnels. At first I was terrified, but it turned out to be really fun, and it was cool to see the original arches that held up the Temple. It was also very cool to walk on the same street that people in the time of King David walked on to get to the Temple. It was really awesome to get the chance to experience these places.
--Melanie Raush

Shavua tov!  Heading to Ben-Yehuda after Havdallah

On Friday Afternoon a little before Shabbat, we went to the Shuk. The Shuk was so busy with people doing last minute shopping for Shabbat. It was so crowded that I could barely walk without banging into people.  While shopping I found every kind of food you could imagine. The two best foods were the different kinds of fruits not found in America and the Marzipan rugelach.  After Shabbat we went to Ben Yahudah street. There were so many stores. Some sold food, or shirts, or kippot. It was interesting to find what was there.

--Aliza Bromberg Gaber

On Shabbat morning we got the choice to attend various synagogues.  There were multiple  choices.  They were all nice and creative in their own ways. I went to a Modern Orthodox one located in an old bomb shelter, which felt very safe. Towards the end of the service a young boy sang beautifully, it was a perfect ending to a peaceful service.  After praying we walked to a park to have a snack.  It was a little cold, but it was so nice, quiet and peaceful.  I enjoyed the quiet, it was very relaxing.

Then we talked to a guy named Ismael who came from Darfur.  He was able to get into Israel because of Yemin Orde (which you read about from our visit there on Tuesday).  He moved from refugee camp to refugee camp all throughout Africa.  He told us about his studies and religion.  He ended up knowing eight languages - it was a lot to know. 
In the evening we got to meet some Israeli teens.  My group spoke with a British guy, and he was awesome.  All the teens were dancers and singers.  Some of them danced for us, and they were very good.  Afterwards we did Havdallah and walked to Ben Yehuda street, where we shopped and had really good ice cream.  This day was packed with fun and exciting things; I had fun but was so tired out.  I can't wait for an another amazing day.
--Carly Epstein