On Friday night to open Shabbat, everyone got to light their own candle before choosing between reform, conservative, or alternative services. We enjoyed learning more about Shabbat with Jake’s learner’s service. Being in Israel on Shabbat was an especially meaningful experience. Instead of facing east during prayer like we normally do at home, we got to face south toward Jerusalem. After services, we had a delicious dinner (a million times better than the Leonardo Inn) with lots of yummy food, like schnitzel, brisket, roasted chicken, and veggies for the vegetarians!
Next, we had discussion sessions and chose between “Ask the Rabbi,” “Love, Sex and Relationships in Judaism,” and “Analyzing the Parsha”. Everyone learned a lot and had a few laughs along the way. When we were finished, we had an Oneg Shabbat where we got to try so many different types of delicious Israeli food, one of our favorites being the pamello. We also got to celebrate David’s 21st birthday with some cake! Yom Holedet Sameach, David.
It was so nice to be able to relax on Shabbat, and we even got to sleep until lunchtime on Saturday! We were able to hang out for a while until the Israeli soldiers led a discussion on Israeli stereotypes. They performed a skit to demonstrate them, and some of the most common stereotypes were that Israelis are rude, they talk like Borat, and smoke a lot of cigarettes.
After that, we had an amazing Bat Mitzvah ceremony for Mina, Louisa, Rebecca, and Danielle. They were all able to officially recognize becoming a Bat Mitzvah. They each spoke beautifully about what it means to them and we were all very inspired. Of course we had to congratulate them by hoisting them up in a chair and singing Hava Nagila. We closed Shabbat with a Havdallah service with the candles, spices, and grape juice.
After not being on the bus the whole day, we were so excited to get back to our seats (if you’re not first, you’re last). We went to a chocolate factory first where we put on our factory hats and were able to decorate our own chocolate and drink specially made hot chocolate. Then, we got to go right next door to the winery (still wearing the hats, of course). After touring the 3-room facility and learning how wine is made and bottled, we were able to taste a few different types of wine. Of course this turned into a dance party complete with our favorite songs and a cleared out dance floor. With bus 972, there is never a dull moment, and we were singing the whole way home.
- xoxo Gossip Girls AKA Emily Schenck and Sam Weiser