Once arriving in the Old City, we davened Kabbalat Shabbat overlooking the Kotel. With many passers-by impressed, it’s safe to say that davening went very well. We made the short walk back to the Montefiore center, where we ate dinner. With a Jerusalem based theme for Shabbos, the Shabbos spirit was one which was definitely on an all time high. With dancing, zemiros and great food, dinner was enjoyed by all.

Yet the big challenge of the night was to come – the 90-minute walk from the Old City to Ramat Rachel. However as a group we made it through and many enjoyed and appreciated a good old-fashioned group Shabbos walk.

With a later Shabbos wake up, shacharis, mussaf and another great learning program under the belt, we headed into lunch. After a great and fun circle time, the most appreciated part of the day came around – menucha, where for many sleep was the number one priority. Following the second wake up of the day, trip 1 enjoyed group 5’s game of ‘Coke & Pepsi’.

Following Shaleshulos, a passionate kumsitz, and a musical Havdala – the night activity, cherished by many, was free time on Ben Yehuda, where the whole of the NY tri-state area seemed to be present. Tomorrow we are headed to the Tel Aviv and Jaffe area, and we know as always, it’s going to be great!

Tamar Velenski and Eli Berger