This morning we drove two and a half hours and were rewarded with our first glimpse of the city of Jerusalem. Our first stop was the City of David. After successfully making our way to the bottom of the sight without anyone falling, we split into two groups, where half of us chose to slosh underground through an ancient water conduit, while the other half chose to take the dry route.
Shortly after feeling the cool, refreshing water on our feet and ankles, we found ourselves in knee deep water as we sloped downward into the “cave”. Just when I feared that the water would reach my rolled up shorts, it began to get more shallow. The cave was dark except for the light from our flashlights which illuminated our way enough so that we could prevent bumping our heads on the low ceilings. While the passageway was narrow, we were able to avoid scraping the side walls with our bodies. The passageway went on and on.
So, we started singing…
Bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my chevy to the levee
But the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die
We finally made it to the end after about thirty eight minutes, when we met our dry footed friends. Much to our surprise instead of simply climbing the steps out and ending our journey, we traveled through another narrow, recently opened passageway.
After making our way back to the bus, we rode to the Mahaneh Yehuda Market, where we were faced with our next difficult decision. Did we want to eat falafel or schwarma?
While devouring my tasty, stomach-filling schwarma, I made my way with some of my fellow Pittsburghers through the pre-Shabbat, crowded market place. Despite the fullness of my stomach, my eyes could not get enough of all of the colorful foods in front of me. I sampled halava, wine and sunflower seeds and purchased and ate fresh, hot pita laced liberally with zatar. However, I must say that the best treat of the afternoon was when one of my traveling companions offered me the most luscious and tasty chocolate ruglach I have ever eaten. It was still hot from the ovens at Marzipan.
After a chance to freshen up and change at the King Solomon hotel, we took our bus to the residence of Chaim Dovid, a Jewish musician who has a large balcony overlooking Jerusalem. Not only did Chaim share his generous hospitality, but also his music as he strummed his guitar and sang to us as we prepared to welcome the Sabbath.
After lighting candles, we walked to the Kotel where we joined throngs of people praying and experiencing special moments at the western wall. As I touched the wall, I felt the lingering heat from the afternoon sun warm not only my hand but my heart as I felt moved to have my own private conversation with g-d. As I walked to the next destination with my group from Pittsburgh, I marveled at the fact that our diverse group of educators, including reform, conservative and orthodox Jews as well as non-Jews could share such a special experience together.
We walked to the King David hotel where we met with the 300 or so participants of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s centennial mission to Israel. We were treated to a gourmet feast among friends from Pittsburgh as well as Israel.
What a wonderful day!