Shalom from Tzvi Miller and Rachel Prensky-Pomeranz in Israel! Currently we are sitting in the lobby of our new hotel Beit Yehudah located on the edge of the glorious Jerusalem Hills. The full moon overhead makes the moment truly magical. We are closing our second full day in Israel. The day started with a hurried traditional breakfast on the beautiful shore of Bat Yam before we set out to our first activity of the day, a museum called Dialogue in the Dark, a total immersion experience to open our eyes to the life of the blind.
Pulling into the parking lot of the Dialogue in the Dark museum, we ran into the Pittsburgh Diller delegation, a very nice surprise! We exchanged waves and smiles and can’t wait to get to know them at the congress. Upon entering the museum, we were taken into a dark room and introduced to a visually impaired tour guide. After the initial screams and anxiety of the extreme discomfort of it being totally dark, we ventured into the depths of the darkness. However within minutes an uneasy silence fell over the group as we turned our focus to enhancing our different senses, attempting to compensate for our temporary blindness.
After spending an hourish in the cool blackness, we made our way back to the bus to begin the bus ride to the much anticipated Yerushalayim. Many of us crashed out on the ride, still trying to adjust to the crazy time difference. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, our brilliant tour guide, Lior, showed us the Knesset and led us up to the Wohl Rose Garden for a sandwich lunch, where some fellows took advantage of the sloping lawns to get in a quick Frisbee toss.
From there, we walked through Israel’s Capitol Hill, en route to the Israel Museum, where we saw the Dead Sea Scrolls. We then made our way to Har Herzl which was a powerful and important experience. From Herzel himself to IDF privates and the nation’s pri ministers, we realized that each contributed uniquely to the longevity and success of the Jewish state. The area with the recent fallen soldiers was especially touching for us because of their youth and enforced the harsh reality of fighting for one’s nation.
With Har Herzel on our minds, we quickly shifted gears as we headed toward the bustling “shuk” (market) Machaneh Yehuda. Moving in groups, we explored the different types of booths and stores, from fish and chips to fruits to Jewish regalia. Our first day in Jerusalem can certainly be considered a joyful success with plenty of new and interesting experiences.
Pulling into the parking lot of the Dialogue in the Dark museum, we ran into the Pittsburgh Diller delegation, a very nice surprise! We exchanged waves and smiles and can’t wait to get to know them at the congress. Upon entering the museum, we were taken into a dark room and introduced to a visually impaired tour guide. After the initial screams and anxiety of the extreme discomfort of it being totally dark, we ventured into the depths of the darkness. However within minutes an uneasy silence fell over the group as we turned our focus to enhancing our different senses, attempting to compensate for our temporary blindness.
After spending an hourish in the cool blackness, we made our way back to the bus to begin the bus ride to the much anticipated Yerushalayim. Many of us crashed out on the ride, still trying to adjust to the crazy time difference. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, our brilliant tour guide, Lior, showed us the Knesset and led us up to the Wohl Rose Garden for a sandwich lunch, where some fellows took advantage of the sloping lawns to get in a quick Frisbee toss.
From there, we walked through Israel’s Capitol Hill, en route to the Israel Museum, where we saw the Dead Sea Scrolls. We then made our way to Har Herzl which was a powerful and important experience. From Herzel himself to IDF privates and the nation’s pri ministers, we realized that each contributed uniquely to the longevity and success of the Jewish state. The area with the recent fallen soldiers was especially touching for us because of their youth and enforced the harsh reality of fighting for one’s nation.
With Har Herzel on our minds, we quickly shifted gears as we headed toward the bustling “shuk” (market) Machaneh Yehuda. Moving in groups, we explored the different types of booths and stores, from fish and chips to fruits to Jewish regalia. Our first day in Jerusalem can certainly be considered a joyful success with plenty of new and interesting experiences.
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