From the North to Jerusalem

No pooping out allowed tonight! There’s too much to talk about, too many places and experiences. For instance, we went to a place called Kfar Kedem. It’s a funky little brain child of some guy named Menachem who dreamed about creating an attraction that would recreate the sights and smells of the second century. We milked a goat, carried a kid on our shoulders (and I don’t mean a child… I mean a kid!), made cheese, baked pita… and even wore period clothing. And as hokey as the place sounds, we had a great time, adults and kids (and I don’t mean goats…).

We also were at Tzippori, the home of the ancient synagogue with the elaborately tiled floor that included the zodiac as a central design in the sanctuary space. In addition, it’s the town where Judah the Prince lived and redacted the Mishnah.

Last night, we got off the buses on Mount Scopus to officially mark our entry into Jerusalem. We all crowded together and sang Jerusalem of Gold. Susan Glickman played a borrowed guitar (with a broken string, yet) as we looked at the Old City from a distance. It was so moving: to reach that spot together was a big spiritual accomplishment. We drank l’chayim, broke bread together, and really embraced the moment as sacred.

Today, we were in the Old City. The contrast between today and the first day 2 years ago was striking, mostly because the sun was out today. We were in shirt sleeves. No rain. No gloves.

The Wall scene was utter bedlam. 18 year old soldiers being pumped up as the defenders of Jerusalem. Beggars mumbling, imploring. Hasidim looking to wrap men in tefillin. A group of tourists from Singapore. Christian groups getting the basic info on this wall from another perspective altogether. 40 kindergarteners with little crowns on singing sweet religious tunes. Hundreds of folks coming to daven. And us. It was a little too much for some of us, who felt rushed and pushed and unmoved. For others it was a sacred moment. A real highlight for me was putting on tefillin with 3 generations of one TBA family, and then blessing the boys right in the corner of the Wall. I was blessed as a rabbi with 3 generations of congregants to be able to convey blessing.

It's good to be in Jerusalem.