Day 7 - Entering Jerusalem

We left the north today and headed toward Jerusalem, but before entering the city to stopped at Neot Kedumim, a living museum meant to teach our students about the Bible. Our students practiced drawing water from a well, learned about the plants in the Torah, and (this was a huge favorite) got a chance to try out herding sheep. They loved it and some of them were especially good at it. Look below for pictures.

We then got into the bus and drove the half hour to Jerusalem. After a brief stop at an overlook of the old city, our students headed to the Zion Gate and entered. We said a quick prayer before walking in (thanking God for allowing us to reach this season) and stopped briefly for lunch. Then we started touring seeing many of the ruins and learning about the different people who called the city their home. We then headed over to the Kotel (the Western Wall) and our students got a chance to write notes to God and put them into the cracks.

After this visit we headed over the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus was supposedly crucified and buried. Our students were especially taken by the dark and ominous feeling that pervaded the place. Then we gave students a little free time to shop in the Shuk (market).

After checking into our hotel, our students headed out for a night on Ben Yehudah St, a hip (but touristy) locale in the heart of New Jerusalem. Most joined Rabbi Katz at Burger's Bar (his favorite from his year in Israel)‎.

We are now back in our hotel for the night. Tomorrow we have a full day, Yad V'shem, Har Herzel, and Machane Yehudah. Wonder what each of these are? Check in then.

Pictures from today: