Shabbat Shalom

Shabbat in Jerusalem,

We spent our Shabbat in Jerusalem in the Shalom hotel. People went to Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform services, or discussed what denomination they would be if they did not know. It was exciting to have Shabbas in Jerusalem. Rather then speak of how we would like to return to Jerusalem and stand and face Jerusalem, we were actually in Jerusalem, so we face the old city.

After services we had an oneg with some good Israeli sweets. We then met a senior from Cornell, who spent his break workin for a non-profit that tries to help Israel;s image in the press. He had been living in Sderot, a city currently being hit by rockets. This interesting perspective turned in to a four hour discussion on the current war. As those of us who were interested discussed the war with the Cornell Student, our 3 Israeli soldiers, and 2 other Israeli's who were present. We then went to bed so we could spend the rest of Shabbat at services, or just chilling.

Shabbat Shalom,
Ben Ranard