Thoughts from Roberta Simon

As I stood on my balcony overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem and was looking out, I said the Shema and I thought what a beautiful way to start the day. It meant so much more to me. I felt as though I had finally arrived.

Yesterday we walked on Ben Yehuda Street at night. To see all the youth congregating there after Shabbat, they were having so much fun. They are just like any other youth having a good time.

The havdallah service was very beautiful standing by the windmill in Yemin Moshe overlooking the walls to the Old City. The rabbi conducted the service.

Looking forward to another wonderful day in Jerusalem.

-- Roberta

Today's Video #2

After dinner, most of us walked up to Ben Yehuda Street -- the popular outdoor pedestrian shopping mall. Shabbat had just ended, and it seemed as if the entire teenage population of Jerusalem had come out of the woodworks to enjoy a night out.

Today's Video #1

Formal touring will begin Sunday (today) with our 6:30am wake-up, 7:15am breakfast, and then an 8:00am departure by bus to our archaeological dig, followed by a full day exploring the Old City of Jerusalem.

Here is a video from last night's dinner at one of my favorite Jerusalem restaurants, Minaret. A traditional Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant, we were treated to multiple courses including delicious and unusual salads, endless skewers of chicken, lamb, and beef, and ending with an overflowing plate of baklava.

We Have Arrived!

Good evening friends and families...

While it may be 4:30pm back in New York, it is 11:30pm here in Jerusalem -- Friday, June 29. Shabbat arrived without us, unfortunately. Due to some issues with El Al in New York, we did not depart the US until close to 2:00am EDT. Arrival in Tel Aviv came at about 6:45pm, Israel time. We would have been here a little earlier, but there was an oil spill on the arrivals runway that had to be cleaned up before we could land. So we circled for a short time.

Once through passport control, we were met immediately by a representative from the tour company, as promised. Everything was smooth sailing....until the Wolfners realized one of their suitcases wasn't coming around the belt. The Ayelet agent very proficiently helped guide them through the process of filing a claim, and we are hopeful that their suitcase will arrive in Jerusalem before their 2-days of emergency clothing they were so fortunate to put in their carry-on luggage runs out.

Because we arrived so late, and had the luggage issue, we were unable to visit the Wall this evening. In fact, we did not arrive to our beautiful hotel until 9:15pm. We walked into the hotel....checked in....and were ushered into the dining room so they could serve us dinner. Fortunately for us the food was absolutely delicious.

Most of us have retired to our rooms for our first night in Israel. Tomorrow we will start early, with breakfast at 8am in preparation for a 9am walk to the Hebrew Union College for Shabbat morning worship, a lecture about Progressive Judaism in Israel, and lunch. In the afternoon many of us will head into the Arab market (the "Shuk") to do some exploring and shopping -- a real treat, and an amazing experience.

Before signing off for the night...here is "Today's Video"...

Faithfully,
Rabbi Jeffrey Astrachan

Today's Video

I invite you to click on the "comments" link below any of the posts you see, and leave us a short note to let us know your thoughts. We look forward to hearing from each of you, as much as we hope you look forward to hearing from us.

Faithfully,
Rabbi Astrachan

Neil & roberta's test blog

This is our very first blog posting-ever! We are focussed on a packing list. We have gotten various pieces of advice on dress. Our neihbor (a lady) says she felt "too much like a tourist" in shorts, despite the august heat. Others have advised "comfort first".

The common theme has been "prepare for the heat-be prepared to hydrate properly"

On the more spiritual side-not one sinle friend, relative, etc. failed to be moved by the spirit and history.

Be prepared to be blown away by old Jerusalem.

Ed's Excitement!

This is a first in many ways. I'm getting more and more excited each day that we are closer to Israel. The weekly readings that have been sent by Rabbi are changing my attitude from going on vacation to opening my mind to an experience that I will never forget. To breathe the air that our ancestors drew is in itself "mind blowing". Shelley and I have inventoried everything that we will need. The only thing left is to go to the airport and get on the plane. I know that when I get off the plane it will be a feeling that I will always remember. Talk to you soon, ED.

This Month In Jerusalem!!!

Well...it's finally here!!!

It's June 4 and we're just a few weeks away from departure. I am beginning to put final touches on the details: The itinerary is set; our final meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 19 at 7:00pm at the temple; and I've got my clothes and travel-accessories spread all over the guest-bed waiting for final inspection before going into the suitcase!

This is when the excitement really begins to build. And yet, there are those who have raised concerns regarding the violence that seems to be, again, escalating around Israel's borders. I certainly understand the concerns, the anxiety, and perhaps the second-guessing about traveling into a potentially dangerous region of the world. But this is Israel -- our Homeland. And this is not a vacation -- it is a Mission. We are traveling to Israel not only to learn, first-hand, about this great Land.... we are traveling to Israel as a show of support -- spiritually, emotionally, politically, financially, and every other way possible.

I am so greatly looking forward to eating falafel on Ben Yehuda Street (Mmmm, Melech HaFelafel is calling to me...), standing at the Kotel with my son, sharing in Shabbat worship on the beach in Tel Aviv, and so much more...

24 days, and counting....