Thursday:
Our blog today, is written in memory of Rabbi Levene's grandmother, who unfortunately passed away last night (Thursday) at great sadness to all of us, and we all wish him and all his family a long life.
We started our day off, boys in Yeshiva, and girls in Sem. For me, Yeshiva was an interesting and eye-opening experience. Before I went I had the thought that Yeshiva would be a large, un-homely building, with old men sitting in cold rooms just studying Torah. It was quite different. The "Shapell's" Yeshiva was a welcoming building, warm and lovely, and the Beit Hamidrash was a buzzing and vibrant place. We were sent out with Chavrutah (study partners) and we learnt about giving the benefit of the doubt and what to do in different situations. Afterwards we were given an inspirational talk by a Rabbi then who was one of the best speakers I have ever heard.
On the other hand the girls went to Moriah a seminary in the centre of jerusalem. We started by a one on one session with a girl who was similar to ourselves. We discussed many relevant topics Such as justice, sincerity and truth. It was particularly amazing how all we had in common was a mutual belief in Judaism, which immediately gave us each a strong connection whith the girls. After an hour's conversation and numerous debates, we moved somewhere else and had a talk by the head of guidance, whose name was Bracha. Her talk was very moving and reassuring although the tiredness of some of the girls managed to get to the better of them! Overall visiting the Sem was surprisingly fun and managed open many of our eyes.
Then, after an emotional goodbye to one of the nicest men I've ever met, Rabbi Marc Levene, (who is the HGS Tribe Rabbi) we set off to the Old City. Amidst the pouring balls of rain, we were sent out to find lunch. After exploring and eating, we set off into our individual groups. We went to the Davidson Centre which showed us the 'now and then' model of the Second Temple and the Western Wall. After learning about all of it, we actually went to the walls to see what they actually looked like, and it was completely synonymous with what we had just seen. We went climbing on the rocks that had been displaced from the temple, and we had a great time. We then did the serious stuff, and went to the wall to daven Minchah in our separate sexes which was an emotional experience for everyone. Wet and depleted, we went to a cafe for a hot chocolate, and a discussion about the day so far. From there we went to eat shwarma and falafel. For me, the highlight of the day came next. The Kotel Tunnels were an incredible feat of engineering, and an amazing look at the different stages of the wall, and we managed to get to the very bottom of the first and original wall. The climax of the day was praying at the holy of holies, where I can safely say everyone felt a connection.
To lighten up the day, we went bowling which was very entertaining and a fitting end to a great day.
Friday:
In the morning, we took the coach into the desert in order to meet some israeli soldiers. This was important for them as they do not understand the respect and gratitude that we have for them. It is the Israeli Defense Forces that made sure that we were able to be here to have the opportunity of a memorable experience in Israel. Next was the shuk, here in Jerusalem. We had a laugh, practicing our haggling skills(thanks mum) and coming back to the hotel with book, nuts, fruit, trousers, ugly hats(ed) and a fish's head.............
At the hotel being forced to wash for shabbat we headed to a yeshiva right outside the kotel. Being able to pray and dine there was a true one off experience. After the song and jokes at Friday Night dinner. The 'High-Stead' crew went off to reflect how we felt in a cozy room and heard the heaven open just outside. We spent 4 hours just talking, it was indescribable. With even the stronger ones shedding a tear. As 3am loomed we finally achieved the life changing tribe experience before the trip was even finished. We walked back to the hotel through a big storm with our clothes soaking, shoes wet, and nobody in sight. It was so tranquil. None of us could even care if our shoes were wet. We were on such a high.
In the morning, we took the coach into the desert in order to meet some israeli soldiers. This was important for them as they do not understand the respect and gratitude that we have for them. It is the Israeli Defense Forces that made sure that we were able to be here to have the opportunity of a memorable experience in Israel. Next was the shuk, here in Jerusalem. We had a laugh, practicing our haggling skills(thanks mum) and coming back to the hotel with book, nuts, fruit, trousers, ugly hats(ed) and a fish's head.............
At the hotel being forced to wash for shabbat we headed to a yeshiva right outside the kotel. Being able to pray and dine there was a true one off experience. After the song and jokes at Friday Night dinner. The 'High-Stead' crew went off to reflect how we felt in a cozy room and heard the heaven open just outside. We spent 4 hours just talking, it was indescribable. With even the stronger ones shedding a tear. As 3am loomed we finally achieved the life changing tribe experience before the trip was even finished. We walked back to the hotel through a big storm with our clothes soaking, shoes wet, and nobody in sight. It was so tranquil. None of us could even care if our shoes were wet. We were on such a high.
By Dan Hilton & Joseph
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