All About Friday

After a free evening to explore Jerusalem restaurants and nightlife, we all gathered to begin our second full day. Friday is a big day in Israel, especially Jerusalem, because we are all anticipating Shabbat in some way. Keep in mind that in Israel, Sunday is a work day. As such, underneath all of our activities was the building anticipation towards this Shabbat, which for many families is their b'nei mitzvah weekend.

We began in the neighborhood of Nachlaot where families grouped together to complete a scavenger hunt of the area. This included a stroll through Machaneh Yehudah shuk (market)--full of beautiful produce, dried goods, fish, candy, baked goods, as well as housewares, sunglasses, and any number of other miscellaneous items. Then, we boarded the buses to Latrun, the armored corps tank museum and memorial. Despite the scorching sun, our kids climbed on an Israeli tank and we learned about the various innovations which have kept IDF soldiers as safe as possible when fighting in these machines. We also visited the Wall of Names, a memorial to the over 4500 members of the armored tank division who have been killed, and watched a short film about the dedication of the soldiers and their families, particularly in the case of injury or death. The tour was led by two young female soldiers, so there was also an opportunity to learn about the Israeli military and particularly how women soldiers participate in the army.

Then, we had the afternoon to prepare for Shabbat, whether by shopping on Ben Yehuda street, eating a leisurely lunch, swimming in the pool, or resting. Without a dinner to prepare, we have some time to relax! Tonight we will head to Hebrew Union College and have a Kabbalat Shabbat service with all three Temple trips led by Rabbi Berg, Cantor Hartman, Rabbi Rau, and myself.

We are excited to, on this Shabbat, be with all of our Temple travelers. Each trip has its own goals, itinerary, and personality. Tonight, we will all be pilgrims, fellow Jews in our shared homeland, starting a day of rest, renewal (and a little touring :-)). There is nothing like Shabbat in Jerusalem, particularly the first time, and we are excited for our families to join with others in experiencing it.

All of us wish you the warmest Shabbat Shalom. May we all be blessed, wherever we are, with Shabbat peace. 

Rabbi Lapidus