Friday morning would mark our final evev Shabbos on Yad B’Yad. After the norm of our pre departure rituals – wake up, davening and breakfast, each bus dressed up and prepared for what would come over the next few hours. Bus 1 headed towards Sharei Tzedek hospital to provide entertainment for children, and bus 2 headed towards a home for the elderly, where we danced and helped the residence get into the Shabbos spirit.

For our final stop of the day, and one which was beloved by many, trip 1 arrived at Emek Refaim for a lunch and chill sesh; although we were provided with a holy bagel lunch, many participants decided that this would not suffice and proceeded to pack out waffle factory.

With our long chill over, we headed back to Bayit VeGan to prepare for Shabbos. As we welcomed in the ‘Shabbos bride’, our final Kabbalah Shabbat was one to remember and really set the tone the next 25 hours. With a graduation and new beginnings theme, the Friday night dinner table activities really made us look back on our achievements with a smile.

After mussaf the next morning, trip 1 enjoyed two learning programs on kindness and how the themes in Lion King can relate to us and the lessons that it teaches. After one last circle time, we had free time, however unlike the weeks before, many participants decided to utilize the time to socialize rather than to catch up on sleep.

With Shalushulos completed, we all got into a circle and every person in the room shared what was meaningful about the trip, as well as the odd song here and there.

After the conclusion of Shabbos the Yad B’Yad trip 1 talent show was underway. With talents that we didn’t even know people had, the mood in the air was that of joyfulness as the dancing, singing and comedy made us forget that this trip would be coming to an end. Tomorrow marks our last full day on Yad B’Yad, and an emotional one it promises to be.

Sara Chemel and Tzippy Schein