2022 Israel Study Tour: Day #10

Splashing Through Tunnels, Bringing in Shabbat

This was our second full day in Jerusalem. In the morning, we headed to the Jerusalem Walls National Park in King David's City to explore the underground water tunnels used in ancient times to keep the city supplied with potable water. The students splashed through dark, narrow tunnels -- with water up to their shins and sometimes thighs -- all while learning more about the history and archaeology of Jerusalem. 

For lunch, the students spent a couple hours wandering the Machane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem, navigating the teeming crowds and stocking up on snacks for Shabbat. The market was full of stands selling fruits, vegetables, candy, nuts, spices, pastries, coffee, and much more. 

Later, we visited a Muslim family in the Arab village of Ein Rafa, about ten kilometers west of Jerusalem. Our host, Jasmine, talked to the students about Islam, answered their many questions, and gave a brief tour of her neighborhood. 

For Kabbalat Shabbat, we headed back to the Old City and the Kotel. After inspiring prayers, singing, and dancing with our host Hanan Lieberman, the students received another opportunity to pray at the Kotel. The Kotel was packed with massive crowds celebrating Shabbat, creating an exhilarating atmosphere for us all. 

Walking down the middle of the empty street, we returned to the hotel for Shabbat dinner. Afterwards, the students were able to share their day's purchases and enjoy time together in the courtyard in front of the hotel. 

Ben S.

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MIlo and Noah's Summary

Hi people! We started the day by eating a breakfast of champions, and then we explored the water tunnels underneath Kings Hezekiah’s palace. Walking through the dark, narrow cavern with water up to my knees made me feel a little bit like Indiana Jones.

After that, we went to the Shuk Machane Yehuda, where my friends and I roamed around searching for lunch, snacks, and presents.

Once everyone had eaten and shopped, we took the bus to a town called Ein Rafa, where we learned about Islam and Muslim culture while enjoying some great hibiscus juice.

Finally, we celebrated Shabbat by Zooming in with you guys, going to the Kotel, and then eating a big meal at the hotel.

Milo’s highlights of the day:

* singing in the water caves with my friends 

* buying the weirdest items we could find in the market

* seeing the crowded Western Wall

* eating Shabbat dinner

* Zooming in with the people and parents from home

* eating snacks outside the hotel while showing off the weird items we bought

Milo L. and Noah P. 

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