On Thursday April 11, we visited the Old City and the Jewish Quarter, walking the walls of King David to the Zion Gate and to the Kotel, Western Wall. The Kotel is the holiest place in the Jewish religion . The last remnant of the second temple is visited by millions every year. People feel that it is a direct window to G-d. But for me I did not get to experience the kotel, I feel asleep on a step at the king David exhibition and was left by the group for approximately 3 hours. Finally when they decide to leave they had noticed that someone was missing and I was found. In my defense I did have a migraine and took medication.
Friday morning, we set out for Tel Aviv's Rabin Square, learning about former Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, and meeting at the very site of his assassination in 1995. We broke into discussion groups there and the teens had the opportunity to talk about peace and relative issues facing Israel today. Later, we strolled through the artists' market nearby and did some more shopping and snacking. Sadly I did not get to attend and was back at the hotel due to my migraine.
Shabbat in Israel is very special and some of the teens led the service with personal quotes.Saturday morning services were a real celebration, as one of my friends Alice was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.the trip has really inspired her to learn more about Jewish identity and learn more about herself . After reciting the blessings over the Torah, we danced around her, lifting her up high on a chair and signing .
After a beautiful Havdallah service outside overlooking Jerusalem , it was time to celebrate with a party for all the birthdays in our group. Set in the forest, with a DJ playing songs, we danced and lots of making out occurred during this time. Hopefully no one had mono!
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