By Josh Levine and Josh Yanover
After a long but fun night out on Ben Yehuda Street, we were off to the old city of Jerusalem. Upon our arrival, our first stop was at the gates of the city. We learned about the different settlements who have conquered Jerusalem in the past. It was amazing to see the stone structures that have withstood time and made this city what it is. After learning about the history of Jerusalem we went on a tour of the city itself. One of our stops was at the broad wall where we learned that archeologists discovered a wall that was built through houses. This discovery recognized that the Israelites were the first to settle in the land of Jerusalem. Next we were given some free time to eat, shop, and explore on our own. We bought gifts for our family and friends such as a Chamsa, Mizzussa, and other Israeli items.
Our next stop of the day was at the Kotel, which looked a little different from the sight we saw on Shabbat. As usual the boys and girls split up to their respective sides of the wall. Boys were given the opportunity to put on Tifilin and everybody was able to pray and deliver notes to the wall for themselves, as well as their families. Everyone seemed to have a special connection with Judaism that can only happen at this holy ground. In addition to praying at the wall, eight members of our trip who had not previously had a bar/ bat mitzvah were given the opportunity to have one. We sang, danced, and lifted our friends in a chair in the air to celebrate their becoming of an adult.
The southern excavations were next up on our list for sights of the day. There we were able to see first hand how each successive empire settled and added on to the previous empire’s establishment. It was exciting to be able to stand on holy ground upon which thousands of years of history have existed. Unfortunately at the end of our tour of the excavations it was time to say goodbye to our new Israeli friends. They all expressed how much fun they had with each and every one of us, and how similar their lives are with ours. There were many hugs, tears shed, and personal Israeli Army items exchanged between us. It was very hard to see them go, but we all know we have eight new friends for life.
When we arrived at the hotel we had a preparation activity for Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. At the activity we talked about how different pictures and quotes represented the holocaust to each and every one of us. To end the night, we had a presentation from Neil Lazarus who talked about the political issues occurring in Israel today. It is amazing to hear about the danger around the state of Israel, yet we still feel so safe. We had an exhausting day and we are getting ready for the next one. Josh’s out!
After a long but fun night out on Ben Yehuda Street, we were off to the old city of Jerusalem. Upon our arrival, our first stop was at the gates of the city. We learned about the different settlements who have conquered Jerusalem in the past. It was amazing to see the stone structures that have withstood time and made this city what it is. After learning about the history of Jerusalem we went on a tour of the city itself. One of our stops was at the broad wall where we learned that archeologists discovered a wall that was built through houses. This discovery recognized that the Israelites were the first to settle in the land of Jerusalem. Next we were given some free time to eat, shop, and explore on our own. We bought gifts for our family and friends such as a Chamsa, Mizzussa, and other Israeli items.
Our next stop of the day was at the Kotel, which looked a little different from the sight we saw on Shabbat. As usual the boys and girls split up to their respective sides of the wall. Boys were given the opportunity to put on Tifilin and everybody was able to pray and deliver notes to the wall for themselves, as well as their families. Everyone seemed to have a special connection with Judaism that can only happen at this holy ground. In addition to praying at the wall, eight members of our trip who had not previously had a bar/ bat mitzvah were given the opportunity to have one. We sang, danced, and lifted our friends in a chair in the air to celebrate their becoming of an adult.
The southern excavations were next up on our list for sights of the day. There we were able to see first hand how each successive empire settled and added on to the previous empire’s establishment. It was exciting to be able to stand on holy ground upon which thousands of years of history have existed. Unfortunately at the end of our tour of the excavations it was time to say goodbye to our new Israeli friends. They all expressed how much fun they had with each and every one of us, and how similar their lives are with ours. There were many hugs, tears shed, and personal Israeli Army items exchanged between us. It was very hard to see them go, but we all know we have eight new friends for life.
When we arrived at the hotel we had a preparation activity for Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. At the activity we talked about how different pictures and quotes represented the holocaust to each and every one of us. To end the night, we had a presentation from Neil Lazarus who talked about the political issues occurring in Israel today. It is amazing to hear about the danger around the state of Israel, yet we still feel so safe. We had an exhausting day and we are getting ready for the next one. Josh’s out!