TL-45-96 Update 4
What a weekend! Friday our Israeli peers joined us – 7 Israelis from all walks of life joined our journey. Kind, funny, and knowledgeable folks. We followed the yellow brick road on a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter/Old City. We saw, smelled, and touched a lot of food, artwork, and all the fun stuff that was being sold. Many bought large pretzels and other foods from the street vendors, yummy yummy! Then after learning more about the history regarding that neighborhood, our group went to Machane Yehuda to shop and get a proper lunch. It was fun seeing others celebrating Purim- a real Jerusalem experience. We then took a walk through the neighborhood and got to meet locals to ask them questions and listen to their stories. We returned to the hotel and celebrated Kabbalat Shabbat. Incredible time! We then got to visit the Kotel and put notes into the wall – wishers- prayers- hope from our ancestors to ourselves onto our loved ones. It was a spiritual experience had by many. We returned to the hotel for a festive Shabbat dinner and then celebrated Oneg Shabbat- played improv games, card games, 1-2-3 contact (best game ever!), and shared in laughter for hours into the late night.
Saturday we had optional synagogue services for those that wanted to experience it, followed by breakfast, and then a visit to the Israel Museum. Wow, all the artwork and history we got to learn and experience. On our walk back to the hotel, we got to have some fun in the sun- in a gigantic playground that allowed the participants to embrace their inner children and ignite the play within their hearts. Lunch was delish per usual, then we had downtime for folks to chat, rest, read, recharge. We had a deep conversation surrounding our preparation for Yad Vashem and the Holocaust. Thankful for all those that shared their personal experiences. Heartfelt conversations had this evening. We then had a festive Havdallah ceremony that was filled with tradition and fun! Singing, candles, wine, spices to smell, and dancing. This was followed by a Political seminar to discuss the complexities in the Middle East. Dinner out in the town allowed folx to chat about what they heard and dig deeper into conversations. The evening was relaxing and inspiring.
Sunday was a heavy day. We began by going to Yad Vashem- learning and sharing about our relation to the Holocaust and practicing gratitude we are here today- breathing and alive.
This was followed by Lunch at Cafe Shalva- a center for children who are differently-abled mentally and physically. Although the lunch was free for participants, Birthright paid for the lunch and those proceeds go to the center to help children who are differently-abled.
After a delicious lunch and interacting with children with shinny smiles and big hearts – we went to Har Herzl. We heard from the Israelis of their friends lost to protect the country. Somber day, but beautiful in the appreciation that we are still standing and here today.
We then visited Mevaseret Zion- a coexistence community of families that want more in life than the traditional forms of connection. A chosen family where everyone cares for each other on ad weir elves than what society may look like for many – solving the problems of isolation that many feel- even when surrounded by friends. We had processing units to discuss our feelings on a serious day and so many insights were shared and hugs and tears exchanged openly with loving-kindness.
This lead is to go out in Jerusalem for dinner and then a leisure evening to dance, laugh, and explore the town.
Wow, so much! Stay tuned for more updates on #bus96’s adventures in Israel!
Much love,
#Bus96, Deb & Hal
