Back Home in Jerusalem...

Yesterday, I stood in the place where 5,000 Jews were murdered. Today I stand where every Jew from around the world is welcomed. What a stark contrast. What a remarkable feeling, and what a wonderful way to enter into Shabbat! I must say that although I was here only three weeks ago, I was just as emotional upon landing at Ben Gurion as if I had not been here for years. I can not begin to explain nor to properly describe the exuberant feeling I had as the wheels touched down. I was HOME…

Our group arrived at 12:30am Friday morning and we were already at a briefing by 8:45am! No rest for the weary…We heard from Linda Gradstein, a NY Times correspondent and NPR personality. She spoke of the current political situation in Israel; the great economic divide and many other fascinating topics. After that it was off to Ir David and a briefing from Shahar Shilo an “Ancient Jerusalem” specialist. The amount of tourism to Ir David has grown ten-fold in the past few years...from approximately 50,000 visitors a year to a half million. Having been here about 7 times in the past few years, I can say that it is incredible to have watched the PHYSICAL growth and change along with the popularity growth as well.

For Shabbat, the group will be together at the hotel (Dan Panorama). During Shabbat, the group will also have the zechut to hear a Shiur on Parashat haShavua from HaRav Schwartz. I wish THEM all a Shabbat Shalom…as I will be heading out for Shabbat!

I will be in Maale Adumim (IYH, our future home) for what will be a wonderful experience. I personally have the zechut of speaking (English) at an Oneg Shabbat on Friday night and then again (ikn Ivrit) Shabbat morning at a Bet Kenesset near my host. It is a thrill to be able to combine Shabbat + Torah + Maale Aduimim into one experience!

That is it for now…time to get ready to go! I wish each and every one of you a Shabbat Shalom and greetings of peace from the world capitol of the Jewish people….Jerusalem of Gold.