We began our final work day in Kiryat Yovel, a lower income neighborhood in Jerusalem. Upon arrival we were greeted by Mike, a Brooklynite who made Aliyah over 20 years ago, who explained to us that the neighborhood originally served as a central absorption center for new immigrants after the founding of the state in the early 1950's. Mike is the professional who is responsible for the development and maintenance of an expansive green space that sits in a valley in the center of the neighborhood and his goal is to turn it into a beautiful place for the residents to enjoy. After learning about the work we grabbed our tools and started hacking away at weeds, clearing paths, laying mulch and building flower beds for the natural herbs and flowers that another group had planted in the area last year. While we worked, Paul, a resident of the neighborhood came out in his gloves to get dirty with us. He thanked us for coming and told us how important our work is to him and his neighbors. After just three hours, the difference we made was readily visible and we felt great about what we had done to enhance the quality of life for these Israelis.

 

Next stop: Machane Yehuda market, a.k.a., "the shuk." There is no better time to get a true sense of what Shabbat means in Jerusalem than Friday afternoon at the shuk. The market was packed with Jerusalemites of all religious affiliations, tourists, and local merchants. As we made our way through, swirls of color and wafts of fresh baked challot and pastries tempted our senses (and taste buds!). Among our group we probably bought at least one of everything including luscious red strawberries, crisp green apples, various nuts and dried fruits, fresh squeezed orange juice, and of course, the best falafel in Israel!

 

Now we are back at the fabulous Caesar Hotel, taking showers and getting ready for Shabbat. In a just a few minutes we will gather in the lobby to light candles before we get on the bus for one last ride today—to the Kotel, the Western Wall. We will welcome in Shabbat at the wall and then walk back to the hotel for a festive, fun, and relaxing dinner filled with singing and laughter.

 

We only arrived in Israel five days ago, but it feels as if we have been here for much longer. We had an intense work week and we are very much looking forward to having time to reflect on our week and spend a special Shabbat together in Jerusalem.

 

Shabbat Shalom and we'll see you soon on the other side…