On Day Five, We Rested

After an incredible start to our trip, we brought in Shabbat and welcomed the much needed rest and down time.

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. Kabbalat Shabbat service was followed by a communal meal, as we broke bread with some guests. The hotel was buzzing, families and friends gathered, to celebrate Shabbat together.

Following dinner, everyone gathered in the meeting room. Earlier in the week, we purchased small Shabbat gifts which we exchanged with enthusiasm, and enjoyed one another's company. Those with energy stayed awake to play some group games, while others took advantage of the opportunity to get to their rooms relatively early.

Saturday morning was the first time we did not have to be awake before 7:00 am! After a late breakfast, we went for a waking tour of the kibbutz where we have been staying. The modern day kibbutz was different than many of our expectations and the hour long tour was a nice way to get out and stretch our legs.

Following lunch, we had free time where some participants had visitors spend time with them in the hotel. Others cooled off by the pool, and enjoyed the flexibility of the open schedule. In the afternoon, we gathered for a full disclosure discussion about Judaism with Rabbi Zev, who fielded questions with class. Before the session was over, we prepared for our Sunday trip to the world famous Holocaust museum, Yad Vashem. This was definitely an emotional conversation that was continued into Sunday, however as we discussed, the trip would not be complete without this important experience.

We ended the night with a Havdalah follows by an evenings sound and light show displayed on the walls of the Old City.