Yes, that was a quote I overheard from one of our group today! And indeed...it was a very special shabbat. We began with a wonderful Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday night as we sat in a circle watching the sun set over the Meditteranean Sea through large picture glass windows that surrounded our meeting room area. Sweet chanting...some sharing of prayerful thoughts...and a moment for reflection helped us to usher in Shabbat. A scrumptious buffet meal was shared as we welcomed a special visitor to our group: Avital Velt, our former shlicha surprised us and joined us for dinner. What a wondeful way to be welcomed into Israel! Avital, wewere so happy to see you!
After a well deserved sleep (most of us had been awake for more than 24 hours) the morning was greeted with beautiful views of the beach as we enjoyed a leisurely shabbat breakfast. Following breakfast the group split...some going to Shabbat services at a nearby Masorti (Conservative) synagogue, others to the beach and yet others for a walking tour of a historic neighborhood nearby. In the afternoon some rested and many enjoyed company of friends or family who came to visit at the hotel.
As the sun began to lower in the sky we gathered together for a sweet Seudah Shlishit and Havdalah. We enjoyed two WONDERFUL speakers who came to join us...one who had actually been to Gainesville (she spoke about her experiences as an American living through Israel's War of Independance) and one speaker who summarized the entire current world political situation with regard to the middle east and Israel.
The evening was free...and many wandered to nearby resturants and clubs for local flavor!
Tomorrow we wake early and are off for a full day of activities. Of course I could not take pictures today because of Shabbat (the photo above -- of a dog in a motorcycle sidecar on the street in Tel Aviv-- was taken yesterday). By the way, we're amazed at the number of views for our little blog! The group has been heartened by your comments and I will continue to pass along any comments you offer to our posts. L'hitraot!
After a well deserved sleep (most of us had been awake for more than 24 hours) the morning was greeted with beautiful views of the beach as we enjoyed a leisurely shabbat breakfast. Following breakfast the group split...some going to Shabbat services at a nearby Masorti (Conservative) synagogue, others to the beach and yet others for a walking tour of a historic neighborhood nearby. In the afternoon some rested and many enjoyed company of friends or family who came to visit at the hotel.
As the sun began to lower in the sky we gathered together for a sweet Seudah Shlishit and Havdalah. We enjoyed two WONDERFUL speakers who came to join us...one who had actually been to Gainesville (she spoke about her experiences as an American living through Israel's War of Independance) and one speaker who summarized the entire current world political situation with regard to the middle east and Israel.
The evening was free...and many wandered to nearby resturants and clubs for local flavor!
Tomorrow we wake early and are off for a full day of activities. Of course I could not take pictures today because of Shabbat (the photo above -- of a dog in a motorcycle sidecar on the street in Tel Aviv-- was taken yesterday). By the way, we're amazed at the number of views for our little blog! The group has been heartened by your comments and I will continue to pass along any comments you offer to our posts. L'hitraot!
1 comment:
We are delighted that you made it safely and have enjoyed a wonderful Shabbat. We visited with Gertrude after Mincha services. She is doing well.
May you continue to have an enjoyable and peaceful trip.
The Hallers
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