Boy are we tired, what full days we have had! RJ woke us up bright and early at 6:00 am. We davened, had our final meal at the King Solomon hotel, loaded our suitcases onto the bus and off we went for possibly the longest day since day 1.
Our first stop began in Beit Yisroel area of Jerusalem, where we helped pack meals for terror victims, as well as the needy, for Shabbat. This organization helps so many people in need, it was awesome to help and be part of this tremendously important organization. As we were set to leave, a huge bakery truck pulled-up and the organizer asked if we could stay and help unload the Challot for Shabbat, there must have been thousands. Even though the children were dragging their feet by then, they immediately said yes and off they went…. What a great experience! If you are ever in Jerusalem on Thursday you must stop by and lend-a- hand, the personal payoff is remarkable.
Next we went to Mt. Herzl, where we saw an amazing video and reenactment of Herzl’s life. The reenactment started with his assimilated life and ended well you know, if not, ask your kids, as I don’t want to ruin it for you. One of the best presentations ever!
From there we went through the Jewish Military Cemetery and Yoni showed us many dignitaries’ gravesites such as: Hertzl, Jabotinsky, Rabin, Golda Meir and other Prime Ministers’ grave sites. We learned early this week that Ben- Gurion was not buried on Mt. Herzl rather in Sedeh Boker, with his wife. Yoni also showed us the Israeli soldiers’ plots and a special section for civilians who were murdered by terrorists, Hashem Yinakam Damam.
The natural next stop would be Yad Va’ shem, where we had the honor of Chanoach Teller being our tour guide, what a treat. During the tour he would ask the students many questions and he was blown away with our students’ knowledge, Kol Hakavod to their Jewish History Teacher. I can’t describe the experience of Yad Va’shem, as they are so personal and emotional but, I can say that the children were moved.
We then had a very brief stop for lunch and off we went….
We then headed for the old city for one of the old city highlights, Michon Ha’mikdash; the institute developing the vessels for use in the 3rd Temple. They have created almost all the necessary vessels in usable form. Outside the institute stands the Golden Menorah, over 6ft tall, ready to be lit daily by the Kohanim. Yoni explained which vessels are used for which service etc. G-d willing we will see the redemption soon.
From there we went to say our farewells’ to the Kotel from a tremendous view opposite the Kotel. A very emotional experience for all involved, especially after spending almost two weeks connecting to Eretz Yisroel. We were all saying “G-d willing we will see you again soon!”
Then we continued to Machne Yehuda for some well needed shopping. We all had presents and candy to buy, as well as Shekels that were burning holes in our pockets. This activity lasted about 45 min and the children were off literally and figuratively like: a kid in a candy store, what fun! The smells and noises of Machne Yehuda were exciting and thrilling, all and all a great experience.
Then some more food, dinner, at Ben Yehuda. Some had Shwarma others had burgers at Burger Bar, for the 4th time, others had falafel and then just a few more minutes for some final shopping.
Off again for the tradition of Burying the Time capsule. It took the 8th grade a while to choose/ decide on the perfect spot. Some dug, some supervised the digging, others supervised the supervisors and then some even got their hands dirty. This years’ 8th grade has assured us, that next years’ 8th grade has no chance finding the capsule; Otniel was the Map Coordinator, so look out class of 2011!
Another tradition took place; the Promenade, for our emotional goodbyes and thank yous to: Rabbi Weiss, Yoni, Eli, Marnina, Gamal (our D and D { our Drusi Driver, not Drowse Driver} I think I am the drowse one not the Drusi one, Oy Vey I’m tired), Claudette and all the other people behind the scenes who helped make the trip awesome Todah Rabbah THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then came the 11 hour Flight, at least it was a night flight so most of us slept at least 5-6 hours, then food, bathrooms, movies etc occupied the rest of the flight.
Thanks for the greeting home everybody you rock! Soon it will be your turn. RJ signing out
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