Winter Taglit-Birthright Israel: DC Community Trip Day 5

So if it was not blatantly clear that we were in Israel it became clear yesterday. We visited the "Holy City" - Jerusalem. Having been there ten years ago with my family, you might think the experience would be less overwhelming or meaningful but that was not the case. The Western Wall, while in most people's opinion smaller in person, is still quite a sight and experience. Men and women were of course separated and we were given time to approach the Wall and in whatever way we felt comfortable pay our respects, so to speak. It is almost impossible there not to feel connected to being Jewish when you see people from all countries and walks of life gathering at a single place to pray, leave notes, or just touch the Wall. As if anything could live up to this experience, afterwards we headed to the open market. With the help of our Israeli haverim (friends) we had lunch and participated in a scavenger hunt of sorts. If this sounds exciting, you won't believe our evening. After a brief but touching Shabbat service and dinner we had what can only be called a sing-along battle. Men versus women with songs as diverse as Salam to Grease, Shalom Aleichem to Sir Mix-A-Lot. This evening proved that we are here for a religious experience, but that does not mean we can't show Israelis how to have a proper battle of the sexes in the Holy Land! Shalom for now.

Mindi Levitz, Washington, DC