May 6: After Shabbat

Our kids had an incredible Shabbat at Ramat Rachel. They came to the hotel after having been to a fabulous party that was hosted by the Natanzons which I believe I told you about. They took naps, hung out, went to the pool and just took advantage of the opportunity to just relax. They had a wonderful Kabbalat Shabbat which included a group dinner and group bonding games. This was an opportunity for the kids to get to know one another in ways they had not had before. 

 

They went to a little synagogue at Midreshet Lindebaum (not far from Ramat Rachel) on Saturday for services for shacharit. Then they came back to the hotel, had kiddush and lunch. They then had a good block of free time to relax, catch up on sleep (hopefully) or just to be together. Later they had some group time where they talked about how they felt coming into Israel after their experience in Poland - and it was a powerful experience. One boy reflected on the fact that seeing a friend cry during their reflections of the Poland experience made him cry and he hadn't done that in a long time (and said it felt good!). So our kids have not only gotten in touch with themselves, but with each other. The experience on Shabbat solidified that.

 

Later they davened mincha, had seudas sheleshet, and Maariv, made havdalah and had an early curfew, which I think many secretly appreciated.

 

Plans for Sunday included a tour of the City of David and the Kotel tunnels.  They were going to the Old City and were given money to get lunch where ever they wanted and then were to go for another tunnel tour in the evening which is a very dramatic experience. They were looking forward to all of that.

 

Have a wonderful day,

 

Zipora Schorr