After waking up to another huge buffet breakfast we set out for first Jerusalem day out. Our first stop was Machane Yehuda, it was very interesting seeing the Israeli culture in the shuk, candy and marzipan were on the shopping lists of many participants, however trip 1 seemed to all end up in one place, ReBar.

We headed for the old city, where we split up by buses. For lunch we were given the option for five different restaurants. Some of the places included Coffix and Mr. Pretzel. After the mind-bugging dilemma of where to eat lunch, a guided tour of Machon Hamikdash was next in line. Here we saw the items that have been made for the next Beit Hamikdash and got a glimpse of what to expect inside of it.

Proceeding Machon Hamikdash, we took some time to roam around the Rova in the Old City and took some time before the big moment of the day, the Kotel. For most it was very emotional and spiritual when we saw the Kotel for the first time on the trip. After some singing and dancing, we all took a few minutes to say our own tfillot and to daven Mincha.

For our final item on the agenda we experienced the Kotel tunnels. Walking down the long narrow tunnels of the Kotel we learned that it is much larger than how we know it to be above ground. We then watched a short video showing us how the walls of the Beit Hamikdash would have been put up over 2000 years ago.

We are really looking forward to spending some meaningful time at Yad Vashem tomorrow followed by Kabalat Shabbat overlooking the Kotel and dinner in the old city.

Zac Winkler and Sam Lefkowitz