Dear NCSY TJJ Bus 3 Family,

This week we our group has journeyed through the center part of the country, finally arriving at our most awaited destination: the holy city of Jerusalem. 

We started this week traveling north from Eilat, stopping for a short tour in Sderot, and learned about the lives of the people there. The same day we learned of Israel’s incredible innovations at the Salad Trail. We tasted vegetables grown from sand in the desert- something most of us thought wasn’t possible at all, let alone could be so delicious! That evening, we rounded out our Israeli experience having dinner at the home of our bus rabbi, Rabbi Gershon Turetsky, hearing from Daniel Shuval, a neighbor and friend of the rabbi about Israel advocacy and his journey here.  

The next day, we spent the morning at Dialogue in the Dark where we took a tour in a museum in complete darkness led by a blind tour guide. We got a glimpse into understanding the world of the blind, giving us a new appreciation for our sight as well as our other senses. We continued the day in Tel Aviv learning more about Israeli history at Independence Hall, preparing us for the days ahead learning about political Zionism and understanding our past and looking toward the future of Israel. 

Finally we reached the most awaited destination this summer: Jerusalem. After two weeks of yearning, we made it! We started the day on a somber note, beginning at Yad Vashem learning about the atrocities of the Holocaust. After such a meaningful experience, we walked up to Har Herzl, a military cemetery gaining an appreciation for the sacrifices we as a nation have made for our homeland. Finally, we reached the moment we were waiting for: our first visit to the Kotel. We sang and danced on our way, overwhelmed with excitement to finally feel like we’re home. 

Today we’re venturing through Jewish history once again, dating further back in the City of David, understanding the true roots of Jerusalem. We will then head to the Old City of Jerusalem for a tour, and will end the day at Emek Hatzurim, where we will sift the dirt from the Temple Mount, searching for artifacts and pieces of history there. 

This evening we will part ways for the weekend, allowing for time with friends and family over Shabbat, but we are already looking forward to getting back together on Sunday morning for more fun! 

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Dov Pianko

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