Shabbat In Jerusalem & the Jerusalem Light Show!

Hey Everyone!

Our Birthright group experienced a wonderful Shabbat which consisted of rest, prayer, song, text study, time to socialize and play games with friends, swimming in the beautiful indoor pool and preparation for tomorrow’s visit to Yad Vashem. Everyone is now packed and in their rooms, resting up for our day tomorrow.  We will end the day in the north, at Kibbutz Gadot.

We arrived at our hotel yesterday afternoon with time to shower and dress for Shabbat. Following candle lighting and learning a bit more about Shabbat, we met in our group room to discuss what Shabbat means to us and to pray Kabbalat Shabbat.   The sumptuous dinner started with Kiddush and hamotzi and was shared by many hotel guests from all around Israel, and by several Birthright groups.  The night ended with a very fun round of “Speed Dating” or “getting to know you better.”

Everyone was super pleased with the opportunity to sleep late this morning.  We came to breakfast when we were each ready and started our first activity at 10:30 am with brief morning prayers and discussion, and a text study on the portion of Shemot—about the birth of Moses.  We discussed some ethical and moral dilemmas and lessons learned from the midwives, Moses’ killing the taskmaster and the Burning Bush.  The small group format of five participants and as staff member worked well at this activity, as well as at our Yad Vashem prep later in the day.

After another great Shabbat meal (cholent and many many entrees, salads, sides and desserts!), we had many options for free time—games in the lobby or in our meeting room, swimming or relaxing time.  Yad Vashem prep time is a very important part of every Birthright Trip and the discussions were very productive.  Following Havdalah, packing time and dinner, the group was off by bus to the Old City.  This time, we were at the Jaffe Gate for the Sound and Light show.  Luckily, the rain held off, it wasn’t too cold, and we had a nice, self-contained, private viewing area.  Once again, our group did a great job. We are looking forward to tomorrow!