Update from Israel #Bus366

We visited the Kotel in the Jewish Quarter, and had an opportunity to place our notes in the Wall and learn about the history of the area, including the current political situation. Lunch in the Machane Yehuda shuk (marketplace) was fun and invigorating, and gave the group a chance to really experience the shuk and the colors, sights, and smells of pre-Shabbat chaos.

Shabbat with bus 366 was energetic and included getting together in Gan Sacher park with another group to hang out and participate in ice-breakers and other fun games. We experienced Havdallah, final Chanukah candle lighting, shared our hopes and dreams for 2017, and then went out to enjoy the evening’s New Years events in downtown Jerusalem.

Though many emotions have come up for people visiting Mt Herzl and Yad Vashem, each participant has had an opportunity for reflection on the meaning of being Israeli, and how every citizen whether they are left, right, or in between, know that they must join the army, navy, or air force, and defend the State of Israel.

This morning we woke up at 4am and hiked up the Roman Ramp to the heights of Masada. The sunrise was magnificent and our amazing guide, Chen, shared the history of Masada, and the sad tale of suicide by those that lived there.

Today,we will be saying L’hitraot to our eight Israeli soldiers that have shared their lives with us over the past 5 days.

Tomorrow brings a new adventure with 6 participants experiencing a Bar or Bat Mitzvah in the place that David Ben Gurion is buried.

From Aliza and Hal
Bus 366