We started the morning in our Shabbat pretty and walked over to Mishkenot Shaananim. This was a lecture hall situated next to the famed Montefiore windmill of Jerusalem. Our opening speaker was Adrienne Gold. She spoke about teaching our children values and the gift of generosity. This one I Sones out in a bit because the kids already partake in all sorts of mitzvah projects. Through school oentheough is , I think we're good in this neighborhood. .
I wish there was a way to capture in writing an accurate description of the Rob Gov delivery style. The best thing to do is to look him up online and hopefully there you will catch a glimpse of his delivery style.
The real highlight of the day was our lunch. We were split into groups and I had the pleasure to be invited (along with 20 of my friends) to the home of Rabbi and Debbie Wachsman. Rabbi Wachsman was Head of School at Emek for 30 years and he and wife retired to Israel. They asked us to share what has inspired us and where we have come from internally and how we are now forever changed. Not only was the food delicious but the sharing of stories and tears and emotions fed our souls beautifully.
Lunch was followed by more food - if that could be possible! We were invited for seudat shlishit - the 3rd meal - to the home of Pamela Claman and her husband. Not only did they open their fabulous old city home to all 200 of us, but they ensured we were able to understand what the IDF has done for us and that thanks to them and to Israel we are able to sit there or anywhere in the world for that matter. Further, we never felt surrounded by enemies or a war waging by ISIS only a hundred miles away. The IDF ans israel has created a safety net of protection room for all of us. We also had the pleasure to hear from Israeli mothers who spoke about the conflict in fear and pride in sending their children to military service. We also heard from several soldiers. The one who was most impressive was the 23 year old combat fighter pilot. SHE yes SHE was remarkable in strength and am immense sense of patriotic responsibility.
The evening at the Clamans was concluded with a beautiful havdallah held on their roof top patio overlooking the Temple Mount - WOW!
So it was now motzei Shabbat so I headed back to the Kotel for one last moment of prayer. Again it was tearful and spiritual and emotional. The emotion of the trip was starting to wear on me - it was so much more than I could have ever imagined. It filled my soul and spirit and gave me New food for thought.
After the Kotel, what do you do in the old city? You shop! Trinkets here and there I bought everyone a little treat and then a group of us enjoyed a magnificent light show at the Tower of David Museum. I have walked by many many times and never have unnoticed this hidden treasure - a wonderful space that was transformed though story and moving images.
