Jerusalem's Old City

Day 8 (As reported by David, Carolyn, and Steve)

Dateline Jerusalem. 28-7-10 (as our guide David said, the whole world does their calendar as day/month/year except for those Americans!). We decided to be "slow moving" Americans today. After our exciting action packed 18 hour day yesterday, the entire group was late for breakfast. The huge buffet at the hotel had everyone going up for seconds--just the thing to get us going for our first full day in Jerusalem.















We started off by going to see a 3-D movie about the City of David, the original Jerusalem. Afterwards we entered the 2700 year old water tunnels under the city. They are dark and still have the spring water running in them. One enters the tunnels in water shoes and shorts so that you can Wade through the cold and up to 75 cm (30 inch) deep water. It is very cool literally and figuratively. The kids each carried a light stick to light the way and enjoyed the 1000 meter walk--especially watching their parents having to crouch through the low sections as they scooted right through.




























The group entered the Old City and had lunch on their own. Afterwards our guide took us to the courtyard of his home-a 500 year old place. He was surprised by his four year old son as he spoke--the boy was very cute. We then did the ancient Jewish custom- shopping in the Cardo. Then the main highlight--the Kotel (Western Wall). It was a moving experience for the first timers and for those who have been there before. We all put our notes in the wall in this beautiful and Holy setting.















Afterwards we listened to a talk by Rabbi Stacy Nolish Blank, who grew up attending Fairmount and is now a rabbi at Congregation Darchei Noam in Tel Aviv. She spoke about the Reform movement, and issues in Israel.















In the evening, we heard from Rabbi Richard Kirschen, director of the Anita Saltz International Education Center in Jerusalem. Rabbi Kirschen is an old friend of particpant, Liz Krantz, and a colleague of Rabbi Caruso. He spoke about the challenges and joys of living in the State of Israel.















Another exciting day in Israel!

Your correspondents David, Carolyn and Steve