Day 4 - Jerusalem
Today was yet another busy day, filled with amazing sites and experiences. We spent the day in Jerusalem exploring the Old City, the Western (Wailing) Wall, and the City of David. We began by going through Shaar Zion or the Jewish Quarter Gate, and meeting with 6 Israeli students/soldiers who were to join our group for the next 5 days. We met, Tal and Igor who are soldiers, and Rubi, Ofir, Maayan, and Lera who are students. The Old City is divided into Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian Quarters. where we saw a great view of Israel and learned about where the Jewish people believe "Hell" is. We also saw King David's Tomb. Below is a group photo, a statue of King David (the second king of Israel), and the view from the roof of a building (out there is where "hell" supposedly is).
We then continued to the Western Wall. This was a very interesting experience for me as I am not very religious at all. I was more interested in the people and meanings around me. The wall is divided by men and women. It is a very religious area so women must cover their knees and shoulders and men must wear kippahs. The men's side is way longer then the women's, and the men's side even has a cove where they are basically hidden from anyone outside that the wall extends into (I only learned about this when one of my male friends shared his experience). The men had an easy time finding a spot to pray at the wall, while the women's side took time and effort. With a much smaller space, we were two to three people deep, had to wait our turn, and then squeeze in to claim a spot. When people go to the wall they pray, cry, kiss the wall, and everything. Many people also write prayers on paper and leave it at the wall. I wrote two wishes because I don't pray. Papers were squeezed into every crevice on the wall. Mine is the note on the right in the center picture, settled on a ledge. When you leave the wall you have to walk backwards as to "not turn your back on the wall" because it is disrespectful, and "the wall cans see you". So, Alyssa and I took a picture standing sideways as to not completely disrespect the wall.
While exploring the City of David we were able to go on a wet path or dry path. Naturally I chose the wet path. This is a path citizens used to travel to get water without leaving the city. I am extremely glad I chose this path, but someone definitely should have described it more then wet. It was pitch black (luckily I had a flashlight, although was forced to turn it off at one point) and it was about as wide as me and at some points only as tall as half of me so I had to bend over to walk. The path lasted about 20 minutes. I was glad to be in between members of my group. The water came up to my thighs at one point and was pretty cold. But like I said it is not the water I minded but the amount of room - I am not fond of small spaces.
From left to right: 1. How I felt on the inside. 2. How I appeared to everyone around me. 3. I see the light; I finally made it out!
According to the other group, the dry path was about 8 minutes, well lit and rather spacious...but like I said I was happy with my chose so maybe it turned out well that I didn't actually no all the details and differences for each path.
Once we met up we continued through old streets and sewers from the City of David. Another closed spaced trek. This time at least it was lit. However, the floor walls were slippery and moldy, and it became a pretty steep journey. According to legend, this is where people would climb to make sacrifices. At the top we were able to view the remains that have been found of the City of David.
Next we boarded our lovely bus and went to another market to grab what we wanted before Shabbat. We were also given the task of buying a care package for lone soldiers (people who come to Israel on their own choice to make aliyah and serve in the army). The market was packed and people were handing out shabbat candles. Everything wrapped up quickly so that the workers could make it home in time for Shabbat (at which time they cannot take part in any "work" if they observe the holiday). They had more halavah flavors then I could have imagined. Halavah (lower left) is a sesame seed desert. I bought chocolate, coffee - apparently the original flavor, and Jerusalem - a mixed nut flavor. There was all kinds of food in the market, clothing, and souvenirs. They had giant cayenne piles (lower right).
After the market we reached a new Kibbutz that we would be staying at for three nights. I am glad we stayed here the longest because it was definitely one of the nicest places. It had a great courtyard we could all hang out in and over looked the Dead Sea (bottom right) which was in walking/hiking distance. Unfortunately, our bus driver had a little snag and backed up into something casing the glass on the door to shatter. Whoops. Nothing a little card board and tape can't fix...
Our final activity for the day was shabbat. The girls lit the Shabbat candles and said the prayer. We then proceeded to dinner where Leo, a member of our group said the kiddush (prayer over the wine) and a prayer of the food. And then we ate! We had shintzel and brisket and veggies and humus and more. Alyssa, Ali, and I shared some of the chocolate challah we got in the market earlier, for dessert. Delish! And then we all hung out in the courtyard till all hours of the night. Since Shabbat is from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, we did not have to get up until noon since we cannot travel by bus or car on Shabbat.
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