My first weekend in Israel while leading a USY group during Operation Protective Edge. Due to safety concerns from protests in East Jerusalem during Ramadan, our planned First Temple exploration was replaced with hiking through terrace farming systems and exploring water caves from that historical period.
We visited Machane Yehuda market to shop and enjoy local treats before welcoming Shabbat at Yemin Moshe overlooking Jerusalem’s Old City. I maintained my tradition of sharing stories during Shabbat dinner, telling the story of Yossele the Holy Miser.
Saturday included services at the Great Synagogue, an oneg with Jewish storytelling, and kiddush at Rabbi Paul Friedman’s home. The group spent the afternoon playing Frisbee and concluded with Pirkei Avot study and havdalah.
Sunday featured visits to Yad L’Kashish, where elderly residents create Judaic products, and Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum.