Shabbat Shalom! Saturday morning, I had the wonderful opportunity to accompany the rabbi and a few other participants to an optional minyan service at a local Chabad. The service was actually in someone's home, so it was incredible to see how welcoming the locals are. Knowing that I can travel to the other side of the world and have someone welcome me into their home because we share a religion has been one of the most eye opening parts of this trip. It was my first time in a gender separated service, which also served as a unique learning experience. After some free time at the hotel, we explored the city of Jerusalem and had the incredible chance to have lunch for Shabbat in the homes of some local residents. Again, the fact that complete strangers would be willing to allow us into their homes based on our shared religion was an amazing feeling.
After lunch, we had a program called "Stump the Rabbi", where we had the chance to ask our amazing staff member and Binghamton Chabad Rabbi, Rabbi Levi Slonim, whatever burning questions about Judaism (and some about his personal life) that we were dying to have answered. Questions ranged from Judaism's stance on tattoos, to why there were so many names for God in our religion. The Rabbi was happy to answer all our questions, and it was truly enlightening to learn more about Judaism's stance on several modern topics that affect our everyday lives.
After a Havdallah service to close out Shabbat, we spent the night shopping and dancing on Ben-Yehuda Street, one of the most lively streets that I've seen not just in Israel, but ever. There were belly dancers performing in the middle of the street, late night falafel restaurants opened until the wee hours of the morning, and a strip of night clubs that gave us a real taste of Israeli culture and dancing.
Even though it happens every week at almost the same exact time, Shabbat is one of the most special holidays in Judaism. From being welcomed into someone's home to getting to witness the culture that comes with closing out this sacred holiday, Saturday was an eye-opening experience. Friday night, we walked about an hour from the Western Wall back to the hotel instead of driving, in order to keep the Sabbath. The streets were pretty much empty, every single store was closed, and there were almost no vehicles being driven in sight. Flash to Saturday night, where we saw the city come to life right before our eyes. This contrast is what makes Jerusalem and all of Israel so special- being able to have two completely different, yet educational and inspiring experiences within around 24 hours of each other.