We visited the old city and saw many historical sites. We saw the orthodox praying and dancing in King David's Tomb and stuck notes in the Western Wall where some people also wrapped tefillin.
We visited the old city and saw many historical sites. We saw the orthodox praying and dancing in King David's Tomb and stuck notes in the Western Wall where some people also wrapped tefillin.
We were able to listen to a pair of local musicians who play instruments that date back to the earliest times recorded in the era. The three instruments resembled a guitar, a piano, and a UFO-shaped steel drum. They played a beautiful set of traditional and modern music.
Today, after spending the morning in Tel Aviv, and visiting Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market), we drove to Jerusalem to see the historic Old City, which was the highlight of the trip for me so far. As someone who regularly prays for the reconstruction of this Holy City, it was amazing to be back after four years away. We started our tour at a lookout, with those who had been before leading those who hadn't to a shocking and stunning first view of the walls.
I must say that today, our fifth day, was probably my favorite so far.
On Friday December 25th, we spent the day in the Old City of Jerusalem. As a group, we had the pleasure of learning about and exploring the area. Before heading to Neve Shalom, where we stayed for Shabbat, our last activity in the Old City we had time to spend at the Kotel. It was there that I was truly unprepared for what was to come.
I could practically feel the history radiating out of the stones as Ido led us through the streets, some of which were thousands of years old (and some somewhat-recently refurbished).
After a meaningful morning, we went to the shuk (market) on Ben Yehuda street and got a taste of the busy environment right before Shabbat. We sampled Israeli pastries, drank fresh squeezed juice and picked up souvenirs.
Bus 683, dressed to impress. gathered outside to get in the spirit of the the night and take the spiffiest of our group photos thus far.
The small alley ways and twisty roads are distinctly Jerusalem. As we explored all the nooks and crannies, we were able to relive where people lived, prayed and shopped over 2000 years ago.
"I felt at home even though I was in a different country. I felt comfortable with people I had just met only five days ago."