Tracing the Roots of Jerusalem, Underground and Above

The rabbi will comment soon, but I am providing some details in the meantime. Bruce Newburger

Thursday (not sure exactly what day it is!) was our first full day in Israel, and we spent the entire time exploring ancient Jerusalem, starting the the City of David, a city that preceded the walled city of Jerusalem as we think about it now. This city was built by King David 3,000 years ago and preceded the first temple. After watching a very cool 3D movie, we trekked through a 600 yard water tunnel (in very shallow water) that was more like being in a very narrow cave. It was built by Hezekiah 2,700 years ago to protect the city's water supply from invaders. This gave us a great perspective on how Jerusalem evolved over time.

Our entire group at City of David.

We descend into Hezekiah's water tunnel.

We then entered the walled Old City, we finally ate delicious falafel in an outdoor food court. Ordering your falafel was not unlike a certain Seinfeld episode you are likely familiar with.

Rabbi Caruso finds a falafel!

Bryan Bonder, Steve Wexberg, Aden Wexberg and Joanne Bonder also find falafel!

Typical alley in the Old City.

It seems that the entire Old City is populated by tour groups of teens and adults from every country. One very interesting moment happened when we were leaving an ancient reservoir after our tour guide explained its importance in Jewish history of 3,000 years ago. We passed another tour group whose guide was telling them of the exploits of Jesus at this same spot 1,000 years later. (Giving sight to the blind, I believe.)

Our touring day ended with our first visit to the Kotel (Western Wall), which is actually a retaining wall of the Temple Mount, and is the closest most Jews will ever get to the location of the first and second temples, which is now covered with the Dome of the Rock. The Kotel area was very crowded with soldiers preparing for a swearing-in ceremony, aggressive tzedukah hounds, and even a bride. We all placed into the wall's cracks prayers written by Iris Edelman's temple preschool class.