Today we celebrated Shabbat- Israeli style. This morning some of us went to synagogue and the rest went to the German Colony. The differences between Shabbat here and back in the Garden State are extremly apparent. All of the restaurants and shops were closed, and there were hardly any cars in the streets. We walked everywhere, starting last night from the walk home, when we returned from the kotel. We realized that in Israel it is much easier to observe the holiday. Even if you were not at services, you could feel the presence of Shabbat because we were in Jerusalem, the holiest city in the world. Sitting on the Hass Promenade and enjoying seudah shlishit, it was obvious that it was a special day. Fyi, seudat shlishit is the third meal on Shabbat. We got to try lychees and raw figs and Japanese “american peanuts” and a ton of other interesting snacks. It was a restful Shabbat afternoon; it was awesome to catch up on some lost sleep. After dinner and a spirited havdalah, we boarded the bus for Ben Yehuda! We were super touristy, but it was fun to shop around. The shwarma and waffles were soooo good, and everyone enjoyed souveiner shopping. Plus, I finally got a chance to buy saran wrap for my activity! We ran into some other North American Dillers who we will see again next week. Some of us got to see family and friends, which topped off a wonderful Shabbat. Then back to Kiriat Moriah for the last night here. We had the opportunity to speak to the 300 French teenagers staying here, as well as next year’s Israeli emissaries. It was awesome to talk to them about their lives and the differences of being Jewish all around the world. Afterwards, Darren led all of us in some rockin dance lessons, ranging from swing dancing to the dougie. Then off to bed. We need to get some sleep, because tomorrow the ballagan begins- the Israeli’s arrive!
Shavua tov--
sarah
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