The services were beautiful, with people singing and praying with such ruach (spirit) and love for their religion. As everyone's voices joined together, I thought this is what Shabbat should be. The services was just so lovely, and I was surprised by how many of the prayers I already knew. While I did lose my place a few times, I easily found it again. I was excited to see women at the service wearing Kippot and Tallis's, if that was their custom (this is not allowed in most Orthodox synagogues) Most surprisingly, I really liked having the Mechitza. As many people know, I am a huge people watcher, and looking up seeing the Mechitza, it would remind me that now my focus should be on my prayer and help guide me back to the service. Shabbat just felt so right at Shira Hadasha. While I will be exploring many synagogues in Jerusalem, I plan on going back their often.
This past week was also the Jerusalem Wine Festival. The Kef (fun) committee at school organized a group outing to the festival on Thursday night. About 15 of my classmates and I went, and it was one of my favorite nights in Jerusalem so far. It was held at the Israel Museum in the sculpture garden which is just beautiful. I am planning on going back next week during our summer break (or intersession as us camp kids are calling it) so I can see the sculpture garden in the daylight (as well as the rest of the Museum). But back to the wine festival, it was 70 shekels to get in (around 20 US dollars) and included unlimited tastes, and worth every cent. There were about 30 wineries from all over Israel, and it was just so much fun trying out all the wines and hanging out with my classmates. I also decided that it would be perfect night to improve my hebrew and decided before getting a wine taste from any place, I would have people teach me Hebrew. I'll be honest and admit in the sober light of the next day I forgot most of it, but I do remember the most important saying I was taught, "?איזה יין שלך הכי טוב" ("Which wine is your favorite").
At the "ahava" (love) sculpture at the Israel Museum
Picture by Elle Muhlbaum
Hanging out with some classmates at the wine festival
Picture by Emma Goldin
Last night, my roommate Elle and I hosted a Shabbat dinner for seven of our classmates (so nine people total). Through a bit of Shabbat magic, we were able to fit everyone at our small kitchen table. It was so much fun, and a great meal including pasta and veggies, zucchini pancakes, garlic asparagus, Israeli salad, pita chips and salatim, desserts and wine (oh the wine!). I really enjoyed spending the day preparing for Shabbat and cooking and cleaning (maybe I will come back to the US domesticated... maybe...). But really, Shabbat is just such an amazing experience in Israel, and I love being able to share it with my classmates and friends.
A few other odds and ends:
The Shuk. I have finally gotten over my initial fear of the shuk (which is a large outdoor market with many many Israelis screaming out their prices and even more Israelis pushing through the crowd to get to those good prices) and fallen in love with it. The food is so fresh and delicious, and cheap! At one stand yesterday I bought 8 cucumbers, a bunch of tomatoes, several onions, and several bell pepper for 14 shekels (around 4 dollars)!
As many of you have heard, there was a terrorist attack near Eilat on Thursday. Eilat is the southernmost city in Israel, about 5 hours from Jerusalem. Since this attack, Hamas's militant wing has called off its "truce" (during which they shot hundreds of rockets into Israel anyways). It is a very interesting time to be Israel. I feel very safe currently-- security is up everywhere and I am being very observant and not going on busses for the next bit.
I want to include one shout out to my Mom, who is having not the best week. Mom- know I love you so much and am sending you a giant cyberhug from Jerusalem.
Shabbat Shalom everyone!
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