Friday 24th July:
To kick off the day, we went to the Botanical gardens in
Jerusalem to learn about Sh'mita. Sh'mita occours every 7 years in the in which
fields in Israel, have a year of rest. It was informative and fun learning about it.
Following this, we went to the very famous Jerusalem market – the shuk "Machane Yeshuda". The shuk really captures the heart of an Israeli especially going
on a Friday when it is at its busiest with people trying to get their food for
Shabbat. We were given money for lunch to allow us to smell and
taste typically Mediterranean cuisine.
We then went back to the hotel to get ready for Shabbat – our first in Jerusalem.
Friday Night was a major highlight for us as we all got
the opportunity to daven (pray) at the kotel and we enjoyed eating dinner overlooking the Kotel Plaza. This was extremely powerful especially as we were about to commemorate
the 9th of Av where we mourn the destruction of the temple & our
city.
Shabbat 25th July:
On Shabbat day, after davening, we had a session of
games and discussions. We then had a really fun surprise Kiddish to celebrate Jade's birthday with special food we all bought in the shuk.
After Lunch, we we went on a walking tour of the Jerusalem
neighborhoods. It was really special seeing
how all the different types of people – Modern Orthodox, Ultra-Orthodox, secular, Arab and tourists all come together to make this city so wonderful.
As Shabbat went out we had another special seudah shlishit (Shabbat evening meal) singing songs that we have learnt over the past two weeks.
Sunday 26th July - Fast of Av
We had a really interesting and
insightful morning, learning more about the day of Tisha B'av, why it’s the saddest day of the Jewish calendar and what it means for the Jewish people.
We spent the morning in the hotel but after it cooled down a little,
we headed to the Tayelet – where you can get get the best view of Jerusalem, an uninterrupted vista of the old city stretching
from Mount Scopus around to the Mount of Olive and on a clear day practically
down to the Dead Sea. You can also get to understand just how big
the temple was and exactly where it stood.
We went back to the hotel where we
watched a video and stayed indoors until the fast went out.
Well done to all those that fasted
all the way through and those who tried fasting for their first time.
Once everyone had eaten, we went to Cinema city for a special night out.
After this, we went back to the
hotel we prepared for our last night in Jerusalem (for now) before
starting our journey down South tomorrow.
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