We began our day with a wake up at the usual 7.00 AM get
up. We proceeded to breakfast for 7.30AM
and then went to our Tefillah session. We then went to the (Menachem) Begin
Museum in which we learnt about Menachem
Begin and his role to help create the independent state of Israel as well as
learning about his ventures after the established state of Israel. Although he
was one of the main members in establishing Israel, it took time for him to
become prime minister, getting the position in the 6th years vote. We then
heard about all the amazing things that he achieved after becoming Prime
minister. For example, bringing Ethiopian Jews to Israel. We found the museum
informative and interesting and were very moved by this amazing personality.
We then went to experience erev Shabbat Israel style with
a trip to the Shuk - market -
Machaneh Yehuda where we split into 3 groups to go to have our lunch. We
were given bite cards which allowed us to go to a variety of restaurants to get
a taste of the cultural food that Jerusalem has to offer. We also had free time
to explore the market and involve ourselves in true Jerusalem culture. 
Following this, we began preparing for the Shabbat. At
6.15 we met and started our journey to the old city to have our holy Friday
night by the Kotel. We lit 2 candles each to bring in Shabbat and then proceeded
to the Kotel. This was an amazing experience to see so many people gathered
together at this holy place. We davened together and sang the Shabbat songs. Some of us went
towards the front of the Kotel trying to touch the wall. We had a lovely
traditional Friday night dinner before returning to the Kotel when it was much
quieter and more private for us. We then walked back to the hotel. It was a
truly insightful night and will be cherished forever.
Shabbat
We were pleased to hear that we could have a lie in till
11.15. We made Kiddish together and ate lots of treats which were consumed
quickly. Next we gathered to do the Shabbat service as well as being blessed by
the Cohen in the group. We then had lunch
and soon afterwards the whole room broke into song and there was an incredible
atmosphere as all the different groups came together as one. With our free
time, some rested and some did other activities. Later in the afternoon, we all
met in the lobby being told only that we were going to a mystery location. We
starting walking, passing a shul as well as passing our madricha (Israeli Tour
guide) Ya'ara's house in order to pick up pillows and a blanket hinting what
our mystery activity was going to be. If you haven't guessed already, we had arrived
in the park. The beautiful scenery that surrounded us was a true pleasure to
see and we all agreed that it was a great experience. After the park we walked
back to our hotel where we went straight to dinner.
We finished Shabbat with Havdalah, singing songs to bring it to an end, creating a beautiful atmosphere. We went to our evening educational activity which consisted of us saying what Judaism means to us. It was a thought provoking session and was very inspiring. It was a great way to end the day.
By Zoe Gray and Amy Oberlander
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