Dear Yad B’Yad Journal,

On Friday we had a blast. We started off our day with a visit to the loud and exciting shuk. We were able to walk around and buy food. For example, Adi bought some olives and nash for shab. Bella enjoyed a nice refreshing drink from rebar called mix acai. After the vibrant shuk experience we all headed to Yad V’Shem. We had a truly meaningful and inspiring visit learning about the holocaust.

Friday night we had a special opportunity to go to the Kotel for Friday night davening. We were able to sing and dance and it was a unique and special way to welcome in Shabbos. We ate at the Aish building for our Friday night meal. We have never seen such energy and enthusiasm from our group all in one place! After that we made our way back to the hotel which took an hour and 15 minutes but it definitely didn’t feel like that. The weather was beautiful and walking with friends made the walk even more enjoyable. Shabbos was pretty typical for YBY. We sang, we ate, we davened, we had inspirational learning programs, and it really allowed us to roll right into tisha b’av. After we made havdalah we listened to Aicha with choir chiming in between each Perek, followed by slow shira, while looking over the beautiful Jerusalem. It was a wonderful last shabbos and we’re hoping we have an easy and meaningful fast but we’re so sad the trip is almost over.

-Bella and Adi