Hello from Jerusalem!!
We had a great Shabbat in Tel Aviv. On Friday we began at the Diaspora Museum learning about Jewish continuity outside the land of Israel - about us! A highlight of this museum is the collection of model synagogues from all over the world going back hundreds of years. Amazing. We then went to Independence Hall and learned about the official founding of the State. Following lunch we ventured to Nachalat Binyamin artist market and the Carmel Shuk. Services were held in old Jaffa overlooking the beach and the city. Saturday we explored Jewish ideas of Gan Eden (heaven) and forgiveness as part of our services held on the roof of the hotel. We then went to the beach before returning for a really thought provoking presentation about Darfur refugees who come to Israel seeking freedom and related policy concerns. We also heard a little bit about a young American's decision to make Aliyah and serve in the IDF as an American before a fabulous night out at Azrieli Center/ mall.
Today we first went to Kikar Rabin and learned about Rabin's work and legacy. Then we visited Chaim Weizmann's home and learned about his work for the State before it was a state before a great lunch of burkas. More to come as we begin our final week in Jerusalem.
Joy Getnick
CSL in Israel
