Shabbat Shalom
Hot and sweaty as usual, we loaded the bus and headed once more back to Jerusalem. I blasted the air conditioner, or as the Israelis have corrected me in hebrew, the “mazgan". The light air reminded me of the sweet Jerusalem breeze I had felt just a few days prior. Upon our arrival in Jerusalem we returned to the shuk, this time far more crowded, bustling with people busily trying to get everything prepared in time for the sabbath. We too were preparing as we were instructed to buy desert for oneg shabbat. And few things bring more joy (or oneg) than a freshly baked ruggelach from the shuk complete with the experience of having the pastry be sold to you by an Israeli man shouting prices at everyone who passes by. The overwhelming smells, the heat, the bustling streets full of people and the constant joyful shouting; an invasion of the sense that I welcome with a grin. From the shuk we headed to the hotel and prepared to visit the Kotel.
Though we had been to Jerusalem before, this time the Holy City would offer many of us a more entrancing experience. Some of us have been to the Kotel on Shabbat before but for many of us it would be the first time. Personally, I have had the fortune to spend many a Shabbat at the Wall, but I have found that each time offers a fresh perspective, a new experience and a greater understanding of how I connect with my Judaism. This ancient place brings Jews from all around the world together and regardless of how observant one is, one can find value in the community and the comforting embrace it provides.
The night was cooler (but definitely still hotter than necessary) as we walked towards the Wall for the second and final time of the trip. Some watched from a distance, others hastily approached the wall and a few engaged in prayer. I couldn’t help but smile as I felt the loving energy of those around me, especially nice was seeing two girls run and share a joyous embrace for they had not seen each other in years; the wall is a special place.
After I had softly sang my prayers near the wall I met back up with two girls from our group who proceeded to tell me how a stranger had just asked them if they needed a place to go for shabbat that night, and once more I couldn’t help but smile wide; the Jewish community is magnificent and I feel so fortunate to be a part of it. We on this group have created our own Birthright Israel community or family, and as we returned to the hotel for dinner and oneg I felt equally as fortunate for this experience. Shabbat shalom.
Photo credit: @laynee_bug (header), @rsnyder
